Life Gap Analysis

It's easy to stay busy without ever checking whether you're moving towards anything.

Most weeks disappear into whatever is loudest. The inbox. The diary. Whatever demands your attention next.

And before you know it, another year has passed.

Try this exercise.

Make yourself a tea or coffee. Find a quiet corner and spend an hour on your own.

Write down where you'd like to be in 12 months in four areas of your life:

• Health
• Wealth
• Relationships
• Spirituality

Now, against each one, write down where you are today.

The difference between the two is your life gap analysis.

Most of us carry a vague feeling that something isn't quite where it should be. But vague feelings are difficult to act on.

Writing things down makes those gaps visible.

Next, identify what needs to change to close them. Be specific about the actions you can take.

You probably won't be able to tackle everything at once. That's fine. Pick the gap that matters most right now and start there.

Check your progress every few months and revisit the bigger picture annually.

The objective isn't to create another list of things to do. It's to make sure the things you're already doing are taking you somewhere you actually want to go.

Circumstances change, priorities change, and so do the gaps.