Life Audit: What It Is, Benefits, Techniques
Ever feel like you're on autopilot, days blurring into each other, with no clear sense of direction? You wake up, coffee in hand, scroll through your phone, head to work, and repeat.
But deep down, there's this nagging feeling: Is this it? Am I really doing what I want with my life?
Welcome to the crossroads of self-reflection, where a life audit becomes your best friend.
I'm sharing about Life Audits because I'm a leading Behavioral Change expert and the author of a book all about the benefits of mortality awareness. I'm committed to help people to make positive changes to improve the overall quality and happiness of their lives.
If you've experienced those moments of existential dread, wondering if you're making the most of your time on this spinning rock in space - you will want to do a Life Audit. It will help you to get to the root of what's not working in your life - so you can change direction.
What is a Life Audit?
A life audit is like spring cleaning for your soul.
It's a methodical approach to evaluating different areas of your life - career, relationships, personal growth, finances - and examining each part under a microscope.
It's about asking hard questions and being brutally honest with the answers.
Benefits of a Life Audit
Life can get messy. We often get so caught up in the day-to-day that we lose sight of the bigger picture.
Here’s why a life audit can be a game-changer:
Clarity: It cuts through the noise and clutter, bringing into focus what truly matters to you.
Purpose: It helps you identify and reconnect with your passions and goals.
Control: It empowers you to take charge of your life, rather than just going with the flow.
Balance: It highlights areas that need more attention, helping you achieve a more balanced life.
10 Signs You Need to Do a Life Audit
Here are 10 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that it's time for a deep dive into your life's workings:
1. You Feel Stuck:
If you're feeling like a hamster on a wheel, going through the motions without progress, it's audit time.
2. Lack of Passion:
When your daily activities feel more draining than energizing, it's a red flag.
3. Constant Fatigue:
Feeling perpetually tired, not just physically but emotionally, can signal a misalignment in your life.
4. Envy:
If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to others and feeling envious, it's time to reevaluate.
5. Indecision:
Struggling to make decisions, big or small, can indicate a disconnect from your values and goals.
6. Neglecting Personal Relationships:
If you notice your relationships are suffering or being neglected, a life audit can help you refocus.
7. Persistent Dissatisfaction:
A general sense of unhappiness or discontent is a strong indicator that something's off balance.
8. Lack of Direction:
Feeling lost about your life’s direction is a clear sign you need a reset.
9. Ignoring Self-Care:
When self-care takes a backseat, it's often a symptom of larger issues in your life.
10. Life Crisis or Big Change:
Major events like a career change, a move, or a personal loss can necessitate a life audit to help you navigate the new landscape.
How To Do a Life Audit (5 Steps)
Now, how do you conduct a Life Audit? Here are some practical steps.
1. List Your Life Areas:
Start by breaking down your life into categories like Health, Career, Relationships, Personal Development, Finances, etc.
2. Rate and Reflect:
On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you in each area? Be honest. This isn’t about judging yourself; it's about understanding where you are.
3. Set Goals:
For each category, define what success looks like for you. What are your aspirations and dreams?
4. Identify Obstacles:
What's holding you back in these areas? Acknowledge these challenges – they're not roadblocks, just detours.
5. Create an Action Plan:
Break down your goals into actionable steps. What can you do right now, this week, this month to move closer to the life you want to lead?
Navigating the Emotional Landscape of a Life Audit
A life audit can stir up all sorts of emotions - fear, excitement, sadness, hope. That's normal.
Remember:
Be Kind to Yourself: This isn’t about beating yourself up for past decisions. It's about paving a way forward.
Embrace Change: Be open to the idea that your life audit may lead to significant changes. That's the whole point, right?
Conclusion: A Life Audit is A Blueprint for a More Fulfilling Life
Think of a life audit as your personal blueprint for a fulfilling life.
It’s not a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and improvement. As you evolve, so will your goals and aspirations.
Regular check-ins with yourself ensure you're always moving in the direction that aligns with your core values and desires.
As a Behavioral Change expert, I can assure you that taking the time to conduct a life audit can be one of the most empowering things you'll ever do.
If you’d like to work with me one on one - to create your life audit - learn more here.
P.S. Before you wander off to whatever’s next, here are 2 things that will help you get more out of this wild ride called life:
1. Explore My Book: "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." It's just the tool you need to pry more joy, love, meaning and fulfillment out of your life. Curious? Learn more and snag a copy here.
2. Life Review Therapy - This is a coaching session where we get real about where you are, where you want to be, and why you haven’t gotten there yet. We’ll dig deep into what’s working, what’s holding you back, and how to create more joy, love and fulfillment moving forward. If you’re ready for actionable steps and real results, book a free consult call here.