We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Setting grand New Year’s resolutions, brimming with enthusiasm and hope, only to watch them fade into oblivion a few weeks later. I used to be just like that — full of good intentions but lacking the execution to turn those aspirations into reality. However, my journey took an enlightening turn a few years back, thanks to a simple yet transformative concept: the Five Fs Lifestyle Audit.
Picture This
For years, I would embark on the annual ritual of setting audacious New Year’s resolutions. Some I managed to achieve, but many were doomed to fail from the start. It was a familiar cycle—dream big, start strong, stumble somewhere along the way, and eventually give up. That was until I stumbled upon a podcast (I think it was My First Million) that introduced me to the idea of an annual audit focused on four crucial areas: Finances, Fitness, Friends, and Fun. The concept intrigued me, and I began to ponder if this approach could finally provide the framework I needed to create lasting change. Spoiler alert: it did.
I added an additional F (Family) and evolved this concept into the Five Fs Lifestyle Audit. This isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about embracing personal growth and holding yourself accountable. It’s a methodical way to evaluate and enhance five key facets of your life. And instead of the typical all-or-nothing scoring, I decided to break down each category into smaller, more manageable components, each crucial to achieving a well-rounded lifestyle.
Below is a sample of my Five Fs Lifestyle Audit. You will see I use a grading of 1 to 5 for all components in the table. This was chosen instead of a 1 to 10 as I wanted to make sure I’m really moving the needle in relation to each component for its score to change.
Five Fs Lifestyle Audit
In essence, the Five Fs Lifestyle Audit revolves around three fundamental aspects of your life. I firmly believe that these areas are the pillars of stability and happiness in one’s overall well-being.
- Relationships: This encompasses family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Strong relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life.
- Finances: I break down finances into key categories that I actively invest in. A clear financial strategy is vital for securing your future.
- Fitness: This category extends beyond physical health and covers mental well-being, education, diet, and relaxation. A holistic approach to fitness is essential.
Rules of Engagement
Now, let’s look at some rules I follow when completing the Five Fs Lifestyle Audit:
Biannual Assessment
Unlike the traditional New Year’s resolutions that I used to set and forget, I’ve found that a semi-annual self-assessment is far more effective. It gives me ample time to implement changes, see results, and adjust my course if needed. Waiting an entire year to correct course simply isn’t productive.
Unacceptable Scores
If any component in your audit scores below 3, consider it unacceptable. A score of 1 or 2 is a clear indicator that immediate attention is necessary. These areas become top priorities for improvement. If something can’t be improved or doesn’t align with your goals, it may be time to remove it from your Lifestyle Audit.
Root Cause Analysis
When a score declines, it’s essential to dig deeper and understand the underlying reasons. I often employ the “Five Whys” problem-solving method to uncover the root causes. Once you grasp why a particular area is regressing, you can prioritize finding solutions.
Selecting Priorities
You should aim to improve no more than five items over the next six months. These become your primary goals, similar to New Year’s resolutions. The remaining five will be tackled in the following months. Achieving at least three out of the five is a significant win, especially if the other aspects of your Lifestyle Audit remain stable.
My Jan 2024 Goals
So, what does this all look like in practice? Let me share my goals for the next six months:
- Journal once a week.
- Meditate multiple times a week.
- Practice Yoga once a week.
- Strengthen relationships with “Extended Friends.”
- Prioritise networking and reconnecting with acquaintances.
In Conclusion
the Five Fs Lifestyle Audit has revolutionized my approach to self-improvement. By sharing my experiences and the principles I’ve learned, I hope to inspire you to embark on your own journey of personal growth. It’s about enhancing your finances, fitness, family, friends, and fun. It’s a structured way to set and achieve goals, ensuring continuous growth in various aspects of life.
Are you ready to transform your life? Why not start your very own Five Fs Lifestyle Audit today? It might just be the key to unlocking the better version of yourself.
TheBucket 