Trade 8s For 2s

Have you ever done one of those quizzes where you evaluate the major areas of your life? A few years ago I featured Garrain Jones’ process called “The Wheel Of Power” where you rank yourself 1-10 on various categories. 

Depending on how you score yourself on something like that, you could have two different conclusions. One is that you’re more clear on areas in your life that aren’t as good as you’d like them to be, which highlights an opportunity for improvement. And another is that you feel like you score fairly high on each dimension and life is good!

I want to elaborate on the latter, because it’s actually an uncertain place to be in. Especially individuals who find fulfillment and joy in growth, if they no longer have that outlet then it really could impact the quality of their life.

Here’s what you can do about it: Let’s say you score 8 or more out of 10 in every category. When that’s the case, take every 8 and turn it into a 2.

What does that do? It resets your point of reference. It completely shifts your perspective and invites you to explore what your next level truly looks like. It makes you play a bigger game.. Because if what used to be an 8 in your mind is now a 2, there must be massive room for improvement, and this helps you to see it. 

Let’s say you score an 8 in the relationship category. You have a good marriage or partnership with a weekly date night, you make an effort to see family and spend quality time with friends. And you’re happy with it. Now make that a 2. What would a 10 look like? Maybe it’d inspire you to start weekly relationship check-ins, create more deep and connected moments, or ramp up your level of daily thoughtfulness and romantic gestures.

In your family maybe it elevates your current normal of being around them to planning more moments where you can concentrate more quality in the moments you spend together.

These opportunities for improvement aren’t in your consciousness until they have to be. And once they are it illuminates new ways to take every area of your life to the next level.

That’s not to say that you can’t be happy with the way things are - you absolutely can and should. You can be grateful and still want more at the same time. The intention is to offer the encouragement to never stop trying to make things better, because you’ll find a deep fulfillment in pursuing it.