A dear friend recently asked for my thoughts on creating alignment in one's life, particularly when it is multi-dimensional and dynamic. I include in my notion of life all domains including significant and casual relationships, work, enjoyments, passions, personal development and pursuits. I suggested that he take any, and eventually all, of his life domains and consider four dimensions: Should, want, could and will. These reflect the reality that our lives are always unfolding at the intersections of obligations, interests, possibilities and commitments.
What should you do?
What do you want to do?
What could you do?
What will you do?
This creates time and space alignments that support a vital, flourishing and sustainable life. It is sustainable because it is realistic. It is flourishing because it considers a spectrum of possibilities. It is vital because it speaks to all that matters to us. It makes inherent trade-offs more apparent and paradoxically allows for greater confidence and courage in the life we express, explore and embrace.
