I’ve always found solace in the written word, using it as a tool to record, reflect, and drive personal growth. To hold myself accountable to my goals, I decided to create this public journal, a space where I share my experiences and the insights gleaned along the way.
Recently, I embarked on a new coaching program to break free from the inertia of my mid-level management career. There’s much to discuss about this program, and I’ll do so in future posts. Today, I want to shed light on an introspective exercise from the first worksheet of the program - an honest appraisal of various aspects of my life.
The exercise posed a simple yet powerful question: “If you had to look at your current life, how close are you now to where you wanted to be five years ago?” This question reminded me of a similar reflection exercise I undertook about three years ago, where I divided my life into several broad areas or ‘buckets.’ Each goal I set had to fit into one of these buckets.
In the spirit of self-improvement and accountability, I’d like to revisit this model and share my current ratings for each area of my life. Perhaps it will inspire you to undertake a similar exercise.
| Area | Score out of 10 | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Career | 7 | I’ve ascended the corporate ladder, reaching higher titles and grades. Yet, I feel as if I’ve merely skimmed the surface of my potential, often opting for the safe route over taking calculated risks. |
| Financial Independence | 6 | I realize that my path to financial independence lacks a long-term vision. The goal for this year is to amass an investment portfolio of USD 250k. Currently, it hovers around 180k, leaving me with seven months to bridge the gap. |
| Marriage | 8 | I believe that my relationship with my wife is solid. However, a recent conversation made me realize that we’re not quite on the same page. I am taking her concerns to heart and I am committed to addressing these issues. |
| Kids | 9 | I’m blessed with wonderful children. My only worry is the wavering confidence of my son, Hamza. One idea that surfaced recently was to introduce him to martial arts, as a means to boost his self-esteem. |
| Family | 7 | My relationship with my mother is in a good place. However, I desire a deeper connection with my siblings. |
| Friendships | 4 | I yearn for meaningful friendships. Many of my current relationships feel superficial. |
| Physical health | 9 | I maintain a balanced diet and regular workout routine. However, there are a few minor health concerns I’ve been avoiding. |
| Spiritual health | 5 | My spiritual journey has a long way to go. Regular prayers are my starting point towards becoming a better Muslim. |
As I reevaluate these areas, I realize that most of my low scores aren’t due to uncontrollable circumstances, but rather, my approach to dealing with them. I might blame a stagnant career on lack of opportunities, but it’s also tied to the risks I didn’t take.
Reflecting on our lives isn’t always comfortable, but it’s a crucial step towards personal growth. I’ll be sharing more about the coaching program and how it’s helping me address the areas I need to work on. Additionally, I plan to discuss the strategies and tools I’m using to cultivate better relationships, boost my career, and enhance my spiritual and physical health.
Remember, personal growth isn’t a race, and it’s perfectly okay if you’re not where you expected to be at this point in your life. The important thing is to recognize where we are, understand where we want to be, and be willing to take steps towards our goals, no matter how small.