Life Audit. โ
Reading Guide2Life indicates that you want to improve your life. Perhaps you want better relationships, a healthier body, or to address a feeling that something, somewhere, didnโt quite work out in your life so far.
Before you can go anywhere, you need to know where you are. This is where the Life Audit comes in. This is the process of reflecting on your life to get a clear picture of where you are, ares for improvement, and set goals based on what matters to you. Youโll gain clarity and align your life with your values.
Why Self-Reflection Matters โ
"The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates.
Self-reflection is one of the cornerstones of philosophy, and is essential for personal growth and development. Without it, nothing else is this guide will work. Any results will be through random chance alone.
Self-reflection involves honestly assessing your life to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This process helps you recognize patterns, habits, and behaviors that may be limiting your potential. By clarifying your values, priorities, and goals through self-reflection, you can make meaningful changes and lead a more fulfilling life.
Audit the Basics. โ
โSuccess is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day." Jim Rohn.
Before diving into a deep evaluation of your present self, it's essential to assess some fundamental aspects of your life. While everyone can define their own path to a life well-lived, there are certain universal commonalities that contribute to overall well-being. After all, we are all human, and our basic needs and desires are more similar than we might think.
This section will help you evaluate your current habits and practices related to essential areas such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, and more. By understanding where you stand in these basic areas, you can identify opportunities for improvement and create a solid foundation for your personal growth journey.
Answer the following questions honestly, selecting the option that best represents your current situation:
- How often do you engage in physical exercise each week?
- Every day
- 4-5 times per week
- 2-3 times per week
- Once per week
- I don't exercise
- On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night?
- 7-9 hours
- 6-7 hours
- 5-6 hours
- 4-5 hours
- Less than 4 hours
- How would you describe your typical diet?
- Balanced, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Mostly healthy, with occasional indulgences
- A mix of healthy and unhealthy foods
- Mostly processed and convenience foods
- Poor, with little attention to nutrition
- How often do you take breaks and engage in stress-reducing activities?
- Every day
- A few times per week
- Once a week
- Rarely
- Never
- How well do you maintain a work-life balance?
- Excellent, with clear boundaries and ample time for personal life
- Good, with occasional work-life conflicts
- Moderate, with frequent work-life conflicts
- Poor, with work often taking precedence over personal life
- No balance, with work dominating most aspects of life
- How often do you engage in activities that promote mental stimulation and learning?
- Every day
- A few times per week
- Once a week
- Rarely
- Never
- How would you rate the quality of your social connections and relationships?
- Strong, supportive, and nurturing
- Generally positive, with occasional conflicts
- Mixed, with some supportive and some toxic relationships
- Mostly negative or draining
- Isolated or lacking social connections
- How often do you practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life?
- Every day
- A few times per week
- Once a week
- Rarely
- Never
- How well do you manage your finances and live within your means?
- Excellent, with a balanced budget and regular savings
- Good, with occasional overspending
- Moderate, with frequent financial strain
- Poor, with regular financial struggles and debt
- No financial management or planning
- How often do you engage in activities that align with your values and bring you a sense of purpose?
- Every day
- A few times per week
- Once a week
- Rarely
- Never By completing this basic audit, you'll have a clearer picture of where you stand in these fundamental areas of life. Use this information as a starting point for setting goals and making positive changes as you continue your self-discovery journey.
Define Your Present Self โ
โThe meeting of two eternities, the past and the futureโฆ is precisely the present moment." Henry David Thoreau.
Who are you?
This may seem a strange question. Of course you know who you are โ but sometimes it is easier for other people to view you objectively than it is for yourself.
This is why setting dedicated time aside to ask yourself who you are is important. Youโll gain clarity.
Take a piece of paper, or write on your computer. Ensure you have 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted time, and then answer these questions:
- Do you feel happy?
- What has been my greatest success?
- What is the most important life lesson I have ever learned?
- What am I most ashamed of?
- If money were no object, how would you spend your time?
- If you could go back and change one decision in your life, what would it be and why?
- What are you most grateful for in your life?
- When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
- If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what advice would you give?