A Multi-Faceted Life

It's a mistake to have your life be too small.One tool that I often use with my coaching and counseling clients is what Susan Jeffers calls a "whole life grid". On it there are 12 to16 different squares,each of which can represent an area of your ideal life.

The squares in your life grid could include labels such as:

WORK

RELATIONSHIP WITH PARTNER

FRIENDS

SPIRITUAL LIFE

VOLUNTEER WORK/GIVING BACK

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

INTEELLECTUAL GROWTH

PERSONAL GROWTH

PHYSICAL HEALTH

TRAVEL PLANS

RECREATION/HOBBIES/FUN

CONTINUED LEARNING

TIME ALONE

NATURE CONNECTION

IMPROVEMENTS IN MY LIVING SPACE

FINANCIAL HEALTH

These are sample ideas to get you thinking. Then,on one sheet of paper,you make the appropriate number of boxes and label them with these titles. In each box,you write,in pencil,a goal that you would like to achieve,and one small step you can plan to take towards that goal.For example,in your friend category,you may want to expand your friendship base. The small step could be inviting someone you know, or a friend you have lost touch with,to do an activity with you.Then keep updating the steps as you complete one,and set the next.

In this way,your life begins to be more multi-faceted,and continually evolving.It is not healthy or smart to have all your eggs in one basket,or all your energy in one life box,like your job,or a relationship. The happiest and most satisfied peoplke have a broader base of support and a wide range of options and interests.Have some fun making your own whole life grid,and beginning your next steps to a more interesting life.