How would you rate yourself for living your best life?

Just before my morning run today I read in the Wall Street Journal that America is no longer in the Top 20 of the happiest nations. The United States’ happiness ranking dropped significantly according to the World Happiness Report 2024. This year, the US ranked 23rd, down from 15th place last year. Driving this were factors like increased social media use, financial worries around housing costs and inflation, loneliness and anxiety about the future.

That made me a bit, well, unhappy.

Since we seem to be infatuated with data and metrics, during my run I thought about a ‘balanced scorecard’ approach to reviewing or rating my life as-is and then using that as a benchmark for improvement.

By considering the following “drivers of happiness” I can assess myself, and also remember my many blessings (or areas where I need to take some action):

1. Physical Health: Physical health is fundamental to overall well-being. Consider nutrition, exercise habits, sleep quality, and medical check-ups to assess your physical well-being. Consider any lifestyle habits that may impact your health and take steps to address them.
2. Mental and Emotional Health: Mental and emotional well-being are equally important. Reflect on your stress levels, emotional resilience, and support from friends and family.
3. Relationships: Healthy relationships and social connections contribute significantly to happiness! Assess the quality of your relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, and colleagues. Invest time in nurturing meaningful connections.
4. Career and Purpose: Whether it’s a career or a passion in retirement, evaluate your level of satisfaction and alignment with your personal values and goals. Do the tasks and the people give you purpose and a sense of accomplishment? Or does it drain you and leave you feeling stressed?
5. Financial Well-being: Financial stability and security are crucial aspects of life evaluation. Assess your financial situation, and consider whether your financial goals align with your lifestyle and whether you have a plan in place to achieve long-term financial security.
6. Spirituality: For some individuals, spirituality and a sense of meaning or purpose play a significant role in their overall satisfaction.

Ultimately, the goal of evaluating your life is to assess your overall happiness and satisfaction – and make changes if needed. Consider what brings you happiness and fulfillment, and whether your current lifestyle and choices align. By considering where you’re at with the areas above – versus where you’d like to be – you can craft your own personal plan to close any gaps.