Are you spending enough time and energy on the things that count in your life? Perhaps you feel tired and exhausted because you spend all day working for your employer or taking care of your family. Perhaps you find that work is actually suffering because of an overactive social life. Whatever is missing from your life could be affecting your ability to find enjoyment and feel good about yourself.

A balanced life will put the different aspects of your life into proper priority. Struggling through day-to-day life can cause us to lose focus on the big picture. Spending an adequate amount of time and energy on the key aspects of your life will help you find balance.

This five minute test easily identifies the areas of life that need your attention. You just may surprise yourself when you see the results!

HOW THE TEST WORKS

First, draw six pie shaped sections without the circular border. Make the sections large enough to label each one. By the end of this exercise you will have created a graph that plots each aspect of your life and shows how balanced you are.

Label the sections accordingly: HEALTH, FAMILY, WORK, SPIRITUALITY, RELAXATION, and HOME. You may choose to change one or more of these sections depending on your lifestyle and priorities. Time and attention for EDUCATION, RECREATION or VOLUNTEER WORK may be substituted.

Once you have labeled your sections take a few moments to contemplate how satisfied you are with the time and effort you give to a particular section. Think of the inner point of the pie as least satisfied and the outer edge as completely satisfied. Place a dot within the wedge that indicates your level of satisfaction.

WHAT DOES THE TEST TELL YOU?

When all of your sections are completed connect the dots to form a complete circle.

Have you formed a perfect circle or is it lopsided? Do you see an area of your life that has been ignored? Ask yourself about it. Do you spend any time taking care of your health - preparing healthy food, exercising or managing an illness? Is your home clean and comfortable or are you always pushing clutter out of the way? Is your work satisfying? Are you making enough money or do you need to spend time and effort improving your situation? Is your family life happy or do you feel a lack of connection with them? Have you taken time to consider your spiritual needs or desire for education?

If you have been neglecting areas of your life you may feel frustrated or unfulfilled. It is not possible to find full satisfaction in every area of your life due to factors beyond your control. However, identifying areas that need your time and attention can help you lead a happier, more balanced life with the time and energy you do have.