Does your life feel out of balance? Like you are just going through the motions? Lacking in passion and flow?
Studies show that when we are in a flow state we get more done, are more in touch with our creativity and feel better about ourselves.
Taking time to check-in is incredibly helpful to see whether or not we are in alignment with our highest values and living our best lives.
So how can we do this?
STEP ONE
Make a list.
Take a moment to write down all the things in your life that really matter to you.
This can be something like:
family, my job, my friends, working out…. etc
STEP TWO
Then start to refine the underlying values of these things:
ex:
my job= security, financial freedom
friends= connection, emotional wellbeing
exercise= physical health
STEP THREE
Evaluate which areas of your life feel the most out of balance, this can be done in a few different ways.
You can intuitively just choose what area, given you know what you are lacking like: I know I really don’t see my family as much as I’d like or I’d really like to have more alone time.
If what you are lacking feels inaccessible, like your family lives too far away, go to the underlying value, which may be something like: support. Then brainstorm some ways you can gain support from others that meets this need.
You can also get more concrete and do a schedule breakdown of your day/week to see how to incorporate what you are needing and get clearer about what is lacking that you may want more of.
EX: 8 hrs spent working, 8 hrs spent sleeping, 1 hr spent working out, what am I doing with the other 7 hours?
Without making your schedule to rigid set an intention for the remainder of hours that you don’t account for, getting honest about where your time goes.
Of course, there are things that take up time like, getting ready for work or bed, travel time, and eating, etc, but also think about things like watching tv, social media, etc.
STEP FOUR
Evaluate your time leaks, ask yourself do you want to change anything you are doing to replace it for something that would feel more beneficial? Chances are your life feels full. The hope is, that this activity helps you get real with yourself about how full it really is, and how you can in some way Marie Kondo your emotional headspace and schedule.
STEP FIVE
Replace those undervalued activities, or set aside a time frame to add something that adds value to your life.
Ex: If you want to bulk up a connection in your life then you can add 2 hours in your week where you meet with a friend, or go on a date with your partner.
If you want to improve your physical health, add 30 minutes for taking a walk or an hour to take a class, every other day.
Remember to start small, don’t set yourself up to fail by trying to increase the balance and flow of everything in your life.
Pick one area that you really want to focus on and a small sustainable goal.
Best of luck! And remember if you want someone to help you track your goals and cheer you on through this process, I am always here.