Ah, the New Year is here! It’s that time when we’re all buzzing with excitement about fresh beginnings and new possibilities. We jot down our resolutions with gusto, convinced that this year will be different. But let’s be honest – how many of us stick to those resolutions beyond January?
The truth is, most resolutions fizzle out pretty quickly. We tend to bite off more than we can chew, forget to consider the resources we’ll need, or set goals that don’t align with what we truly want. It’s no wonder we end up feeling discouraged.
But don’t worry! There’s a better way to create meaningful change in your life. Enter the Life Audit – a method that’s all about turning your wishes into reality, step by step.
What is the Life Audit?
Think of the Life Audit as your GPS for life. It’s a way to reflect on what you want and create a roadmap to get there. The cool thing is, that it’s based on UX research and design thinking – the same principles that help create user-friendly apps and websites.
The best part is you don’t need any fancy tools or expensive coaching sessions. You can do a Life Audit right at home with just a pen, some paper, and your wonderful imagination.
Step 1: Dream (The Generative Phase)
Let’s kick things off with a bit of dreaming. Your task is to come up with 100 wishes or desires. I know it sounds like a lot, but bear with me!
The key here is to let your mind wander freely. Don’t judge your wishes or worry about whether they’re possible. Just let them flow. They can be big or small, immediate or long-term.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
- Learn to play the ukulele
- Visit all provinces and major cities
- Start a vegetable garden
- Write a children’s book
- Learn to make the perfect croissant
Remember, there are no right or wrong wishes. This is all about you and what you want out of life.
Step 2: Learn (The Analysis Phase)
Now that you’ve got your list of 100 wishes, it’s time to put on your detective hat and look for patterns. Try grouping your wishes into themes. You might find clusters around career, health, relationships, or personal growth.
You might notice that you have a ton of wishes about travel, but very few about your career. Or maybe you’ll spot a theme you hadn’t even realized was important to you.
As you sort through your wishes, be honest with yourself. Are some of these “shoulds” rather than true desires? It’s okay to let those go. Focus on the wishes that really light you up inside.
Step 3: Plan (The Action Phase)
Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff! It’s time to turn those wishes into plans. But here’s the trick – don’t try to tackle everything at once. Pick 3-5 wishes to focus on for now.
For each wish, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your wish is to run a marathon, your first step might be to “buy a good pair of running shoes” or “find a beginner’s training plan.”
It can be super helpful to find an accountability partner – someone who can cheer you on and keep you on track. And remember to be specific about your goals. Instead of “exercise more,” try “go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.”
Unlike rigid resolutions, the Life Audit is a long-term process. You can revisit and adjust your plans as you go along.
Why Resolutions Fail
Now, let’s talk about why traditional resolutions often don’t work out. They tend to be too ambitious, leaving no room for life’s inevitable curveballs. Plus, we often make resolutions based on what we think we should do, rather than what we truly want.
The Life Audit, on the other hand, is all about flexibility and focusing on what matters to you. It’s like the difference between trying to follow a strict diet versus learning to eat in a way that makes you feel good.
How the Life Audit Uses Emotional Intelligence
One of the coolest things about the Life Audit is how it taps into your emotional intelligence. By taking the time to think about what you want, you’re getting in touch with your true desires and values.
When your goals are in line with your values, you’re much more likely to feel motivated to work towards them. It’s the difference between dragging yourself to the gym because you think you should, and eagerly looking forward to your dance class because you love how it makes you feel.
Case Studies and Success Stories
I’ve seen so many people change their lives with the Life Audit. Take my friend Sarah, for example. She always thought she should climb the corporate ladder, but her Life Audit revealed that what she really wanted was to start her own small business. Two years later, she’s the proud owner of a thriving local bakery.
Or there’s Mike, who realized through his Life Audit that he had been neglecting his health. He started with small changes like taking a walk every day and cooking more meals at home. Now, he’s healthier and happier than he’s been in years.
Make This Year Different
So, are you ready to give the Life Audit a try? Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making progress and learning about yourself along the way.
Why not start today? Grab a pen and paper, and begin dreaming. You might be surprised at where it leads you. Here’s to a year of turning your wishes into reality!