THE 6 F’s
My 6 F-Words
Now that I’ve talked a little bit about the 6 F’s and their importance in my life, let’s take a look at your life. The important thing to remember is that we should aim for balance in each area - and that requires living in a very aware, purposeful manner. This exercise will help you assess where you are with each F word, and help you visualize where you’d like to go. This exercise will guide you through each of these areas and ask you to give yourself a grade (“A” if you are succeeding, “C” if there’s some room for growth, and “F” if you are failing). Then, we’ll take a look at the bigger picture and formulate some next steps based on your grades. I’ll ask you to create an “Action Item,” one thing, big or small, that you can do – based on the checklist – to improve each area. It doesn’t have to be major; just a little something so there’s positive change for each “F” word. And so we begin . . .
THE 6F’s
Faith
faith (n.): confidence or trust in a person or thing; belief that is not based on proof. You don’t have to belong to an organized religion in order to have faith. In fact, you can still be questioning the what, the how, and why of it all - and still have faith. What matters is that you have trust in something larger than yourself and a healthy sense of wonder in the universe. Faith is also about letting go; our job is to set our intentions and do the best we can, after that we need to have faith that things will work out.
FAITH CHECKLIST I am able to let go of worry and believe that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I believe in something larger than myself. I find joy and wonder in the world around me. I believe that there is more to me than my age, gender, appearance, race, bank account, and social status. I feel love and respect towards other people and look beyond their bodies to the souls within. I have healthy habits that allow me to feel connected to my higher power.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FAITH:
THE 6 F’s
Family / Friends
friend (n.): a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard. I realize these are actually two “F” words, but they’re both important. Family is at the heart of every happy home, but I refuse to be bogged down by overly traditional definitions of the word. For me, family is much more than your biological parents or children; it is comprised of all the people who love us, whether they’re relatives or not. That’s why I also include “friends,” because it seems to encompass all the people that form close bonds with us.
FAMILY / FRIENDS CHECKLIST I feel loved and supported by the people around me. I love, honor and respect my spouse or partner. I have a loving, nurturing relationship with my children and feel pleased with my parenting style. I am on good terms with my parents, siblings and other close relatives. I have meaningful friendships. I have enough time to see my family and friends. I support my friends in times of need. I strive to be constantly aware of my family’s needs and attentive to their concerns.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FAMILY/FRIENDS:
THE 6F’s
Finance
finances (n.): monetary resources
Money, my friend - it’s present in everything you do, all the time, in every aspect of your life. As the definition suggests, money truly is a resource, one of the most essential resources for an individual, company, or nation. Being successful requires having a healthy relationship with your finances. How healthy is your relationship with money? Check it out.
FINANCE CHECKLIST I recognize that money is an essential ingredient for my good life. I feel comfortable talking about money – both in my personal and professional life. I have a budget and reconcile this budget every month in order to stay on track. I generate enough income to live my goodLife. My partner or spouse shares my financial goals. I live below my means. I invest at least 15% of my gross income. I have no personal debt. I feel financially secure.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FINANCE:
THE 6 F’s
Feeling
feeling (n.): awareness
This category is about overall wellness and self-care. It’s about feeling healthy and vibrant, inside and out. Fitness and food are two of the biggest players when it comes to “feeling.” If you can manage to be purposeful about both food and fitness, it will transform the way you feel. And when you feel great, you have the physical and emotional resources to accomplish your goals.
FEELING CHECKLIST I make time to fit exercise into my weekly schedule. I’ve found a physical activity (or several) that I enjoy. I am current on the newest science for what is considered a healthy diet. I stay away from processed foods, refined sugar, and food high in simple carbohydrates. I feel good physically. I’m confident about the way that I look. I get regular checkups and other tests to ensure that I am healthy. I have found strategies for dealing with stress so that I live in a state of relative peace. I take care of my personal health and wellbeing first so that I have plenty to offer others second.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FITNESS/FOOD:
THE 6F’s
Fun
fun (n.): enjoyment or playfulness
If you’re not having fun, what’s the point? Work is important, but if it’s not allowing you to get some enjoyment out of life, it’s useless. So, as the definition of “fun” suggests, get out there and play! Read a non-fiction book, throw a party for friends, go on vacation, or have sex with your spouse or partner! (Going to the office doesn’t count – neither does a vacation if you’re on your iPhone checking email the whole time.) But be sure to keep it in balance, because work makes fun possible.
FUN CHECKLIST I make time for fun in my life. There are activities I enjoy that don’t involve work. I’m able to turn off my cell phone and live in the moment. I have taken a vacation (even if it was just for a few days) in the last year. I read for fun – at least occasionally. I have hobbies. I don’t spend so much time having fun that it interferes with my work.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FUN:
THE 6 F’s
Flourish
flourish (v.): to thrive; to grow
It’s important not to allow yourself to stagnate. We must allow ourselves to change, grow and constantly develop into the amazing people we can become. Focus on broadening your horizons, taking on new challenges, and learning new things - no matter your age or position in life.
FLOURISH CHECKLIST I place emphasis on constantly learning new things. I feel I am reaching my potential, or am taking the steps I need to take to reach my potential. I am not stagnant – in my personal or professional life. I am on a path of self-actualization and self-realization. I live in a state of curiosity. I’m okay feeling uncomfortable, which keeps me on my toes. I am a voracious reader.
MY GRADE: MY ACTION ITEM TO IMPROVE FLOURISH:
THE 6F’s
GRADE
ACTION ITEM
FAITH FAMILY / FRIENDS FINANCES FITNESS / FOOD FUN FLOURISH
MY STRONGEST AREA(S) ARE:
MY WEAKEST AREA(S) ARE:
CHANGES I’D LIKE TO MAKE:
The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. - Mary Pickford