How to Evaluate My Life

"The unexamined life is not worth living," according to Socrates. The Greek philosopher spoke those words that still ring true today. Evaluating your life takes a lot of time, careful thought and analysis. It may not be easy, and you may encounter things about yourself that you're not proud of, but in the end you will be a much more grounded and focused person, which will lead to a fuller and more enjoyable life.

Instructions

• 1

  Analyze your past. Where you are in the present is the sum of all the experiences and choices you've made before this moment. Pay close attention to any decision that had unpleasant consequences for you or those you care about, and see whether or not you have learned anything from it. If you keep making the same poor decision, you have not learned your lesson. Remember to be kind to yourself when evaluating your past; everyone has made mistakes before, and you shouldn't expect yourself to be perfect.

• 2

  Take stock of your present circumstances. Look carefully at your important relationships, your career and your health. Ask yourself how happy you are, and look for areas where there may be room for improvement. If you are not happy with your social relationships, consider branching out and making new friends, or investing more time and energy into the friendships that you already have. If you are unhappy with your career -- or if you're still looking for one -- think about what truly makes you happy and research ways to turn it into a career. Go to your doctor and get a full checkup to see if there are any threats to your physical health.

• 3

  Look at yourself. Ask yourself what your weaknesses are, and answer honestly. Avoid self-pity and self-loathing; they will only cloud your judgment and make it harder to look at yourself objectively. Ask close friends or family about your flaws as well; they may be able to see what you can't. Once you have identified your weaknesses, ask yourself if you have been managing them well. They will not improve or disappear overnight, but with acceptance and insight you can limit the negative effects they may have on you or others. Consider seeking assistance from a mental health professional who will be able to give you objective feedback about yourself.

• 4

  Plan for your future. Ask yourself where you would like to be in five or 10 years. Think about your ideal location, career, income and relationships, and write them down. Be specific. Once you've got them all down on paper, take concrete steps to achieve them. Make sure your goals are set within a realistic timeframe. For example, it's fine to want to start a lucrative business, but if you expect to achieve it in three days, you may be setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. Consider sharing your goals with a trusted friend or family member who can encourage you and keep you accountable for your progress.