Every day matters. Each day, I focus on a few simple goals across different areas of my life. I don't tackle all of them daily, but I spread them out over the week. Accomplishing something each day brings me a sense of fulfillment. I have a part of me that thrives on feeling productive, but I also give myself grace on days when I just can't. We all have those days.
I've learned to approach this part of myself with self-compassion, creating a balanced and harmonious routine. I usually pick 3-5 activities or intentions to integrate into my day. These are often simple tasks, taking no more than 15 minutes, or they might be about adopting a certain mindset or intention for the day. It’s not just about what I do, but how I am being in each moment.
To me, this is living an intentional life, rather than one dictated by urgency and societal expectations.
Short-cut question: At the end of each day, how would I know I felt fulfilled in a few of the categories below? (It's recommended to focus on 3-5 categories each day)
Health
What activities make me feel most alive and energized?
How can I nourish my body in a way that aligns with my goals? My goal is energy!
What small changes can I make today to improve my physical and mental well-being? What can I do each day to know that I am taking care of myself?
Family
How do I want to show up for my family members each day? See the Values questions below!
What values do I want to instill in my family through my actions and words?
How can I create meaningful connections and memories with my loved ones?
At the end of the day, what is a simple way of being that would make me happy, knowing I did my best that day? (Be mindful of perfectionist tendencies.)
Career
What aspects of my job bring me the most fulfillment and joy?
How can I align my work with my personal values and long-term goals?
What positive affirmations or mindsets can I adopt to improve my attitude towards my work?
What habits or routines can I establish to stay focused on my career goals?
Spirituality
What practices help me feel connected to a higher purpose or greater good?
How can I incorporate moments of reflection or meditation into my daily routine?
What spiritual beliefs or practices resonate most deeply with me? What would that look like today?
Mindfulness
How can I bring more awareness and presence into my daily activities?
What triggers take me out of the present moment, and how can I manage them?
What daily rituals can I establish to cultivate mindfulness?
Personal Growth
What skills or knowledge do I want to develop to become the best version of myself?
How can I step out of my comfort zone and embrace new challenges?
What past experiences have shaped who I am today, and how can I learn from them?
Relationships (See the questions on Values below)
How can I communicate more effectively and authentically with those around me today?
What qualities do I value in my friendships and romantic relationships that I can do today?
How can I support and uplift the people in my life?
Finances
What financial goals align with my vision for a purposeful life today?
How can I manage my resources to support my well-being and aspirations today?
What spending habits can I adjust to better reflect my values?
How can I be mindful of my spending today?
Am I purchasing this item to fill an emotional gap, or can I take a moment to reflect on what I truly need for my well-being today?
Is this purchase a means of seeking temporary happiness, or can I turn inward to identify what I genuinely need at this moment?
Am I relying on material possessions to boost my happiness, or can I pause and consider what my inner self truly needs right now?
Leisure and Recreation - Play and Fun!
What hobbies or activities bring me the most joy and relaxation? If I was doing a little to whatever that is, what would that look like today?
How can I make time for fun and play in my busy schedule today?
What new experiences do I want to explore in my free time?
How can I laugh today?
Community and Contribution
How can I contribute to my community in a way that feels meaningful today?
What causes am I passionate about, and how can I support them this week or today?
How can I use my skills and talents to make a positive impact?
How can I make someone smile today? Ex. at the check out smile and be friendly.
Environment
How can I create a living space that supports my well-being and purpose? Pick an area to declutter (an area)
What actions can I take to live more sustainably and mindfully?
How can I foster a deeper connection with nature?
If I was living in alignment with my values related to the environment what would I do today (ex, mindful of what I buy and throw
Next are a series of questions designed to help you find alignment between who you are and who you want to be. Don’t feel pressured to answer all of these at once. Instead, pick 1-3 questions that resonate with you and take some time to reflect or journal about them. Everyone is different, so some questions will speak to you more than others. I'm offering a variety to ensure there's something here for everyone.
Questions on Finding Your Purpose
What activities make me lose track of time because I’m so immersed in them?
When do I feel most fulfilled and satisfied in my life?
What legacy do I want to leave behind?
What values are most important to me, and how can I live by them daily?
If I had no limitations, what would I choose to do with my time?
What dreams and fantasies did I have about the future when I was a child?
What made me feel truly alive and happy as a child?
Daily Questions Related to Purpose
What small action can I take today that aligns with my passions and values?
How can I incorporate activities that make me feel alive and engaged into my routine today?
What can I do today to contribute to the legacy I want to leave behind?
How can I practice living by my core values in my interactions and decisions today?
What can I do today that brings me closer to my long-term dreams and aspirations?
What did I do today that made me feel truly fulfilled and satisfied?
How can I ensure that today’s activities reflect what is most important to me?
What steps can I take today to nurture the interests and dreams I had as a child?
How can I make time for the things that make me lose track of time today?
What can I do today to connect with my inner self and understand my true needs? Example 5 minutes of Daily Meditation with your parts from IFS perspective.
Reflection on Weekly Questions
What activities did I engage in this week that made me feel most alive and fulfilled?
How did I live by my core values this week, and what impact did it have on my life?
What progress did I make towards my long-term goals and dreams this week?
How did I contribute to the legacy I want to leave behind?
What moments this week made me feel truly satisfied and at peace?
How did I nurture my childhood dreams and interests this week?
What steps did I take to align my daily actions with my passions and values?
How did I balance my time between responsibilities and activities that bring me joy?
What insights did I gain about my true needs and desires this week?
How can I improve next week to ensure I’m living more in line with my purpose and values?
Questions related to Career
What resources or tools can help me stay organized and on track with my career objectives?
How can I reflect on my daily activities to ensure they align with my career vision?
How can I prioritize my tasks to ensure I am working towards my goals each day?
What skills or knowledge do I need to develop to achieve my career goals, and how can I work on them today?
Who can I connect with today to gain insights or support for my career aspirations?
What accomplishments or milestones do I want to achieve this month, and how can I plan my days to reach them?
How can I measure my progress toward my career goals daily or weekly?
What habits or routines can I establish to stay focused on my career goals?
What resources or tools can help me stay organized and on track with my career objectives?
How can I reflect on my daily activities to ensure they align with my career vision?
Feeling Good in Your Job
What aspects of my job do I enjoy the most, and how can I incorporate more of these into my day?
How can I set realistic and achievable goals for today to create a sense of accomplishment?
What positive affirmations or mindsets can I adopt to improve my attitude towards my work?
How can I structure my day to include breaks and activities that recharge me?
What can I do to foster positive relationships with my colleagues?
How can I ensure that my work environment supports my well-being and productivity?
What tasks or projects make me feel proud and satisfied, and how can I focus more on these?
How can I seek feedback and recognition for my work to boost my morale?
What can I do today to reduce any stress or pressure I’m feeling about my job?
How can I celebrate my small wins and progress each day to maintain motivation and positivity?
Questions to help find your Values - Value-guided life
What brings me the greatest sense of joy and fulfillment in life?
When do I feel most authentic and true to myself?
What qualities do I admire most in others, and why?
What do I want my legacy to be?
What causes or issues am I most passionate about?
What principles guide my decision-making process?
How do I define success for myself?
What activities or pursuits make me lose track of time because I’m so immersed in them?
What moments in my life have been the most meaningful or impactful, and why?
What values do I want to pass on to future generations?
When faced with a difficult decision, what criteria do I use to determine the best course of action?
More Questions Related to Values
What makes me feel most alive and energized?
How do I want to be remembered by those who know me?
What am I willing to stand up for, even if it’s difficult?
What non-negotiables do I have in my life, and why?
How do I prioritize my time and energy to reflect what’s most important to me?
What experiences have shaped my core beliefs and values?
What do I consider to be my most significant achievements, and why?
What do I fear losing the most, and what does that say about what I value?
How do I measure my personal growth and progress?
What types of people do I feel most connected to, and why?
What do I consider to be my greatest strengths and how do they reflect my values?
What do I want to accomplish in my lifetime?
How do I balance my needs and desires with those of others?
What are the key elements that make a good life for me?