How to make a life pie
When someone asks you “how’s life?” what do you say? Do you give the rote reply most of us do? As in “not too shabby” or “can’t complain.”
Well if you really want to think about the quality of your life – and your contentment levels openly and honestly - for your work, personal health (both physical and emotional), your circle of family and friends, your faith – and consider this serious question more thoughtfully, you hire a life coach. And when you hire a coach one of the most useful tools they’ll share is the Life Pie. If they don’t please suggest it!
For those who aren’t familiar, here’s how this awesome tool works:
Find a piece of paper and pencil.
Draw a circle.
Within that circle draw 5-7 “slices”.
Inside each slice write a core life value. See example below.
Most life pies include a slice for work, family and friends, physical and emotional health, a favorite hobby or bucket list dream, and some form of faith or spirituality. These are the priority slices that shape the way you live, and in a perfect world we’d give them equal time and focus. But we’re not going for perfect here.
Why you make the Pie.
Most of us would happily take a little more life balance and a lot less stress and anxiety - over a perfect life. Any day! And this is where the life coach can help. According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), there are more than 34,000 professional coaches in the US. and over 109,000 worldwide - helping people just like you process their life transitions, name their challenges and set new goals for a greater life balance somewhere in between. And tools like the Life Pie help confirm your core values, identify strengths and weaknesses, and then carve out a plan that will more closely align with your values. And this process becomes the launch pad from which you start moving in that better direction. It helps you launch!
So THIS is the why of the Life Pie. And it’s the life coach who gives those four instructions above and sets the stage, which shines the light on that better, more balanced path you’re choosing to take.
Once you’ve named your life values, it’s time to zoom out and see how things look. Using our pie metaphor, it’s like we’re opening the oven door to see how things are cooking. Here’s where you’ll review things with your coach and give each life value a rating – as in a 1-10 score or a percentage rating. Take a look at the sample: a high mark says you’re thriving; a 5-6 means there’s room for improvement. A low score says “over here! A little help please.” You get the picture.
One day at a time.
“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Abraham Lincoln said these words more than 150 years ago, and his wisdom still applies. Our actions matter and our progress will come one day at a time. As you and your coach review each life area it’s the ideal time to discuss your goals and next steps – your action steps. It’s a good time to ask:
Where am I thriving the most? Which areas feel the most balanced and effortless right now?
Where am I struggling? Which slices need more time and attention?
Are there any life priorities I’ve overlooked? Any missing core values?
The essential ingredient is YOU.
And at last, you TAKE your action steps. Every week. We’re talking small, specific steps that both align with your values and start moving the needle in the areas you want positive change. Your coach is there to review and encourage and hold you accountable to your goals and your dreams. Because they’re YOURS! And remember it’s not perfection we’re after but consistent, gradual shifts that will help you square up where you’re struggling, make a few adjustments and enjoy a healthier - a better - life. For most of us this is a lifelong process. And to honest Abe’s point, this comes one step at a time. One day at a time.
So the next time someone asks you, “how’s life?” You can ask them “how long do you have?” And then show them your Life Pie.
