We have a vehicle Warrant of Fitness, debate the need for a boaties and parental warrant of fitness, but what about a life warrant of fitness?
Various business and personal self-help gurus have compiled lists to help people assess their quality of life – something we all generally mull over at some point during the holidays. In researching this list, we found a zillion including one that assessed quality of life by having at least four holidays a year and having a year’s living expenses in the bank. However, the stand-out ones we found include the one below and a Life Priorities Calculator developed by Australia’s King of Calm (also known as Paul Wilson).
The list below is compiled by the author of the ‘The 80/20 Principle’, Richard Koch, who believes that 80% of the happiness in your life will come from 20% of causes. Similarly he argues 80% of the disappointment will come from 20% of causes and 80% of the satisfaction will come from 20% of the causes.
He asks people to answer the following questions:
- Am I living with the right person or people?
- Am I living in the right place?
- Am I working the right hours and do they match my ideal work/play rhythm, and suit my family/social needs?
- Do I feel in control?
- Can I exercise or meditate when I want?
- Am I nearly always relaxed and comfortable with my surroundings?
- Does my lifestyle make it easy for me to be creative and fulfil my potential?
- Do I have enough money and are my affairs organised so that I don’t have to worry about them?
- Does the lifestyle facilitate whatever contribution I want to make to enriching the lives of people I want to help?
- Do I see my close friends enough?
- Is the extent of travel in my life just right, not too much or too little?
- Is the lifestyle right for my partner and family too?
- Do I have everything that I need right here: do I have it all?
Food for thought for New Year decision-making isn’t it?
As we mature, our expectations of life shift and change. We often expect less, accept more and become a little more grateful for what we have. Given your knowledge, life experience and the wisdom you have gained, what would you say are the most important ingredients for a good and happy life?