Inviting the Spirit to Edit Your Life
By Jim LaDoux
Director of Coaching & Coaching School
Socrates, on trial for “impiety and corrupting youth,” uttered these now-iconic words…
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Yes, if we never slow down long enough to consider our habits and priorities, we’re never really living on purpose. And nothing hampers us from lifting the hood on our soul to examine what’s going on inside more effectively than a busy church calendar and a full plate of fall ministry responsibilities. That’s why, every year, I use a modified version of the Wholeness Wheel to assess important facets of my life. I use this tool to celebrate what’s working and life-giving in my life, and to spotlight what areas of life and ministry need greater attention.
Take five minutes to invite the Spirit of Jesus to help you rate how well you practice the following items on a scale of 1-10 (1 = not descriptive, 10 = very descriptive). Survey those habits that score low, or that reveal something worth paying attention to, and then reflect on the questions at the end.
1 | FAITH
___ I pray daily and worship weekly.
___ I read and reflect on Scripture at least weekly.
___ I continue to discover, develop, and share my gifts
___ I express my faith through regular acts of service.
___ I am aware of God’s presence in my life.
___ I am aware of my life’s calling/vocation.
___ I am able to share my faith journey with others.
___ The influence of Jesus on my life is frequently the subject of my conversations.
___ I live with a sense of awe and gratitude.
2 | FITNESS
___ I exercise three or more times a week.
___ I go for a physical exam and see a dentist annually.
___ I weigh within 15 pounds of my ideal weight.
___ I eat a healthy diet most of the time.
___ I get seven or more hours of sleep each night.
___ I have effective methods for dealing with stress.
___ I participate in fitness activities that help me stay fit.
3 | FRIENDS & FAMILY
___ I regularly connect with friends/family members.
___ I use Facebook and social media to stay connected.
___ My primary relationships are loving and life-giving.
___ I deal with stress and conflict in healthy ways.
___ I keep my promises to friends and family members.
___ I regularly affirm and bless my family members.
___ I schedule “dates” with loved ones.
4 | FINANCES
___ I maintain a current budget and review it regularly.
___ I save 10% of my income for retirement.
___ I donate 10% or more to causes I care about.
___ I do not carry balances on my credit cards.
___ I have a “rainy day” or emergency fund.
___ I have adequate life, medical, and disability insurance
5 | FUN
___ I set aside funds for trips, “toys,” and home projects
___ I have a current will and a healthcare directive.
___ I live with a mindset of joy and gratitude.
___ I take my vocation seriously, but myself less so.
___ I take time to pursue hobbies, sports, and interests.
___ I create memorable moments and rituals in my life.
___ I laugh everyday and find things that humor me.
___ I let go of anger and resentment that steal my joy.
___ I set appropriate boundaries between work and home.
6 | FUTURE
___ I often consider God’s preferred future for my life.
___ I make plans that guide me toward future goals.
___ I keep a list of skills I want to learn and/or master.
___ I am willing to move beyond my comfort zones.
___ I have mentors/guides that help me live/lead well.
___ I meet with a spiritual director/mentor.
___ I have a growth-mindset, willing to learn new things.
___ I am open to opportunities/pathways for serving God.
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON
1 | What’s working? What do you celebrate?
2 | What’s NOT working? What’s not present?
3 | Which practices need greater attention?
Select one practice you feel needs greater attention. What would it look like to tend to this practice this week?
Jim LaDoux is the longtime Director of Coaching & Coaching School for Vibrant Faith. Jim lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife—he has two adult sons. He’s been a coach since 1992, and has a Master of Management Arts and is a certified PCC (Professional Certified Coach).