Why you need a Life Audit
To reinvent your life you need to get clear on where you are, how you got here and what you want.. Get your free workbook here.
Start with a Life Audit
When I left my job, I thought freedom would feel like a joyful release. But, after the initial buzz, instead I found myself overwhelmed with choices and decisions. My life had changed in huge ways in just a few months, with two major pillars disappearing: my boys had grown and left home and I quit a job that was no longer adding anything to my party.
I had tried to prepare in advance, but found it impossible to gain any clarity on what I should do next. So I quit, believing that some time of quiet reflection would clear my addled mind. I read dozens of books and listened to hundreds of podcasts, but after 6 months found that I was more confused than ever and had just added more ideas and options to a seemingly infinite list.
Feeling stuck, I reflected back on my time in business when I was involved in product launches and re-brands. Successful companies re-invent themselves regularly and they can't afford to waste time going round in circles. I thought back to the processes a business would use, and it always starts with an Audit or Current Situation Analysis. To get unstuck, I adapted this to create a 6 step Life Audit process:
The 6-Step Life Audit Framework
1. Rate Each Area of Your Life
Begin by scoring different aspects of your life—such as career, relationships, health, personal growth, finances, and fun—on a scale of 1 to 10. This gives you a snapshot of what’s thriving and what needs attention.
2. Reflect on the Scores
Now ask yourself: Why did I give these ratings? What’s holding me back? Where do I feel the most dissatisfied or unfulfilled? This reflection provides insight into where to focus your energy.
3. Personal SWOT Analysis
List your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This classic business tool helps you understand what you bring to the table, what might be limiting you, what potential exists, and what challenges to watch for.
4. Peer Analysis
In business, this would be a competitor analysis. In life, it’s about finding inspiration in others. Who is doing something you admire? What are they doing differently? What can you learn from their path?
5. Gap Analysis
Finally, compare where you are now to where you want to be. What skills, habits, or resources do you need to bridge the gap? This helps you get clear on what needs to change for your goals to become reality.
6. Turn Insight into Action
Once you've completed your Life Audit, you’ll have a clearer vision of your current situation, your aspirations, and the steps you need to take. This becomes the foundation for setting authentic, aligned goals—goals that matter to you.
If you'd like to work through this process, I have created a workbook that you can download here. A Life Audit is an essential starting point for the exciting process of re-invention and life design. You're just getting started on your next chapter!