One of the best tools I’ve found for creating a richer, more fulfilling and balanced life is the “whole life grid” by personal development author Susan Jeffers.
Taking this as inspiration I’ve developed the exercise below. If you feel like you spend too much of your time in too few areas and you’d like to broaden out, have a go.
Whole Life Grid Exercise
You will need to draw up a table 3 columns wide by 3 rows deep (creating 9 boxes in total).
1. Current life
How many different components do you have in your life at the moment? Write one component per box (how you define a “component” is up to you - it is basically something which is taking up your time and energy. This can be in a positive or detrimental way). e.g. Social life, Debt, Work, Family
2. Future Life
What different components would you like in your life? Complete the grid so that all 9 boxes contain something different. You may need to fill in some empty spaces, or even delete something in your current life. e.g. Social life, Hobby, Friends, Work, Down time, Sport, Family, Relationship, Children
3. Bringing the future to life
Work on each box in turn. How exactly do you want that area of your life to look? Write this down.
4. Making it happen
What do you need to do to delete the old or bring in the new? Set goals and create an action plan.
Place your “Future Life” grid somewhere prominent where you will see it every day.
