How Satisfied are You with Your Life?

Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to take stock of how satisfied you are in your life. Most don’t do this at all or only when there is a major change in our life circumstances. Today I’d like to encourage you to invest in yourself by completing a self-assessment. Here’s how it works.

Let’s say that the eight major areas to examine (in no particular order) are:

  • Family/friends
  • Significant other
  • Health
  • Career
  • Fun/leisure
  • Personal growth
  • Money
  • Home environment

 

By evaluating each of these areas of your life on a regular basis, you can learn to spot issues and begin taking action to correct them before they spiral into major life problems. Here are three easy steps you can use to get started.

Steps to Assess Your Personal Life Satisfaction:

  • Write down the list above and feel free to change the sections for your own personal needs.
  • Rate your level of satisfaction in each area. Use a scale that runs from 0 (dissatisfied) to 10 (fully satisfied).
  • It is important to use the first number that pops into your head, not the number you think it should. After all, if you are going to use this information to drive some potential changes, you need to be honest with your current level of satisfaction.

 

Review Results and Make a Plan:

  • Take a step back. How do your numbers look?
  • Do you have high ratings in the areas that are personally important to you? If so, good for you! Create a plan to stay mindful of your actions to keep those scores high.
  • Are there a few disappointing scores? If so, don’t worry. The next question to ask yourself is “do I care?” Maybe the low score is in an area that is not a high priority for you. If that’s true, move on. If, however, you have a low score in an area that is important to you, the next step is to take action.

 

What are some ways you can shift your time in order to focus on the priorities important to you? One step is to do the “calendar test.” Take a look at last month’s and this month’s calendars. Review how you are spending your time. Does time spent align with your key priorities or are the days filled with activities and responsibilities that do not align? Ask yourself: Who and what is important to me? How and with whom do I want to spend my time?

There are only 24 hours in each day. You have choices about how you spend them. To have enhanced life satisfaction, start making choices that will increase your happiness and satisfaction. Begin with small steps today.

Mary