We’ve all had it happen. The dreaded blue (or black or white or turning hourglass) screen.

Our computer locks up.

We panic.

Has it really crashed this time?

It’s not like computers or other electronic devices don’t warn us that something is amiss—that we are “using and abusing” their capabilities. For example, your computer may take longer to load up or just run sluggishly in general. Or your BlackBerry protests by rebooting.

But I, for one (against my better judgment) sometimes refuse to heed these warnings. As a habitual multi-tasker, I may have four windows open at one time—trying to juggle my Word with the Web with the Whatchamacallit.

In life and as leaders we, like our computers, need to reboot and refresh. We can overload our “processes” and we ought to heed the warning signs.

Our bodies may tell us, through lethargy or frequent sickness, to slow it down.

Or those closest to us may be quite vocal about our unhealthy obsession with work or the lack of quality attention we’re giving them.

Listen and understand that you can’t be everything to everyone all the time without, well, something giving.

I have often said that at any given time, I’m likely letting at least one person down.

There have been times when a client project has taken priority, and I know at those times I’m either letting my family down or our nanny is getting the short end of the stick. Or, when all is swell on the homefront, my work may be piling up.

It is a very delicate dance, the work-life balance waltz.

In theory, the scale is equally weighted, and nearly motionless, in perfect equilibrium.

In reality, imbalance reigns, and disproportion is your drill sergeant – barking orders as you swing from one station of life to the other.

Pressing matters, personal and professional, will always be vying for your attention.

The important thing is you recognize that you can’t be good at anything if you’re trying to do everything at once.

Every time you say yes to something, you’re ultimately saying no to another. 

You must pick and choose.

Divide and conquer.

It’s OK, too, to lighten the load by removing a few items from your plate. That way you are deliberately balancing the items you have deemed worthy.

It’s not easy to say “no.”

I know.

There will likely always be a constant struggle. But, if you aren’t conscientiously analyzing your laundry list or dashboard of “to-do’s” your performance will suffer and your inner hard drive will go on the fritz.

Eventually, something does give.

Don’t wait until a full-on crash ensues before you finally reflect on what’s important and, in turn, smartly master and manage those priorities with finesse.