8 signs it’s time to conduct a life review

Sometimes, life can get a bit overwhelming and we can lose sight of our goals and aspirations. That’s when it’s time to conduct a life review.

What actually is a life review?

It is a process of self-reflection that helps you cut through the clutter of external pressures and distractions to identify the true values and goals that motivate and inspire you. It’s like a deep clean for your soul, allowing you to reassess what truly matters to you.

By examining your life—your values, priorities, and goals—you can honestly evaluate where you currently stand, where you want to be, and when you want to achieve your aspirations.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 signs that might indicate it’s time for you to take a step back, reassess your life and maybe even hit the reset button.

By recognizing these signs you are taking the first step towards reclaiming your life. At the end of this article you are invited to access my free life review video exercise.

1) Feeling stuck in a rut

It’s a feeling we all know too well. You’re going about your daily grind and suddenly, you realize you’re stuck in a rut. You’re doing the same things over and over again, but not really going anywhere.

This can happen in any area of your life – your job, relationships, or personal growth. You might have reached a plateau in your career or feel like you’re treading water in your personal life.

But it’s okay to feel this way. It’s a sign that you need change. It’s a sign that it’s time to reassess where you are and where you want to go.

That’s where a life review comes in. It’s about embracing the change and navigating your way towards a more fulfilling life. So if you find yourself stuck in a rut, take it as the first sign it’s time for a life audit.

2) You’re unsure of your core values

Ever heard the saying, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”? It’s a quote from Aristotle, and it couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to conducting a life audit.

Understanding yourself is crucial in informing the decisions you make and ultimately, shaping your life. And central to this understanding are your core values. These are the principles that guide your actions, influence your behaviour and shape your sense of right and wrong.

But many times, we go through life without ever taking the time to really understand what our core values are. If you find yourself in this position, consider it another sign that it’s time for a life review.

So if you’re feeling a bit lost about what you stand for, take some time to reflect on your values. It could be the start of a transformative journey to understanding yourself better and aligning your life with your true values.

3) Your goals no longer excite you

Life is too short to be chasing goals that no longer ignite a fire within you. If you find yourself dragging your feet when it comes to pursuing your goals, this could be a telltale sign that it’s time for a life review.

Goals are supposed to inspire us, motivate us, and drive us forward. But if your goals feel more like a burden than a beacon, then it’s time to reassess.

It might mean that your goals are no longer aligned with who you are and what you truly want in life. Or maybe they were never really your goals to begin with, but ones imposed upon you by societal expectations or the people around you.

Either way, it’s a clear indication that something needs to change. And conducting a life audit can be just the ticket for reevaluating your goals and setting ones that are meaningful, personally fulfilling and truly worth striving for.

4) You feel like you’re not in control of your life

This is a tough one to swallow. However, if you constantly feel like you’re just going with the flow, without any real direction or control over your life, then it’s high time for a life review.

Life is not meant to be something that just happens to us. You’re supposed to be the one driving the car, not just a passenger along for the ride.

If decisions are being made for you, if circumstances dictate your actions, or if you feel like you’re living on autopilot, then it’s time to take back the wheel.

A life audit is a chance to reclaim control over your life. It’s an opportunity to examine where you’re at now, decide where you want to go and figure out the steps needed to get there. It’s all about taking charge and steering your life in a direction that aligns with your dreams and aspirations.

5) You’ve stopped journaling or never started

Journaling is an incredibly powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. It’s a space for you to record your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and goals. A place where you can be honest with yourself without judgment.

But if you find that you’ve stopped journaling or perhaps never even started, then this might be a sign that it’s time for a life audit.

Journaling can help you understand yourself on a deeper level, track your progress and growth, and make sense of your experiences. Without it, you might find yourself feeling lost or disconnected from your true self.

That’s why in my course, Reset Your Life Compass , I emphasize the importance of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and life planning.

So if you’ve been neglecting your journal or haven’t started one yet, consider this a sign. It’s time to pick up that pen and start writing your way towards a more fulfilling life.

6) You’re struggling to change your habits

We all have them – habits we wish we could break. But if you’re finding it nearly impossible to make positive changes in your life, it could be a sign that a life review is necessary.

Changing habits isn’t just about willpower. It’s about understanding why we do what we do and creating an environment that supports our goals.

If you’ve been trying to eat healthier, exercise more, or quit procrastinating, but nothing seems to stick, it could be because these habits aren’t aligned with your current lifestyle or values.

Conducting a life audit can help you understand what’s holding you back and how to create a life that supports your new, healthier habits. It’s about setting yourself up for success and living a life that truly reflects who you want to be.

7) You’re lacking purpose and meaning

As the great Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” If you’re living a life that feels devoid of purpose and meaning, then this is a big sign it’s time for a life audit.

Purpose isn’t about grand gestures or world-changing feats. It’s about finding meaning in the everyday. It’s about knowing what you’re passionate about, what drives you, and how you can make a difference, no matter how small.

Without purpose, life can feel empty and unfulfilling. But finding your purpose is not always easy. It requires self-reflection, courage, and honesty.

So if your days feel like they’re lacking direction or meaning, take this as your sign. It’s time to conduct a life audit and discover your true purpose.

8) You’re not living authentically

Authenticity. It’s a buzzword that’s thrown around a lot these days, but what does it truly mean? To me, living authentically means being true to who you are at your core, living in alignment with your values, and not being afraid to show the world your true self.

But here’s the counterintuitive part. Sometimes, we are so caught up in trying to be who we think we should be that we lose sight of who we truly are. We wear masks, play roles, and suppress parts of ourselves in an attempt to fit in or meet societal expectations.

If you find yourself doing this, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a life audit. Living authentically is about shedding these masks and rediscovering your true self.

Conducting a life review can help you identify the areas of your life where you’re not being true to yourself and guide you towards a more authentic way of living. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being able to say you’re living a life that is genuinely yours.

In conclusion, if you’ve noticed any of these signs in your life, it may be time for a life review. It’s an opportunity to take a step back, reassess your life, and realign your path with your true values and aspirations.

This is not about reinventing yourself overnight. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about taking charge of your life and steering it in a direction that brings you joy, fulfillment, and purpose.

If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, I invite you to join my course, Reset Your Life Compass. It’s designed to guide you through the process of conducting a life review and help you chart a course towards a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Remember, the first step towards change is awareness. And by recognizing these signs, you’ve already taken that first crucial step. Now it’s time to take the next. Make sure you check out the video below.

Picture of Jeanette Brown

Jeanette Brown

I have been in Education as a teacher, career coach and executive manager over many years. I'm also an experienced coach who is passionate about people achieving their goals, whether it be in the workplace or in their personal lives.
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Every so often I send out reflections, resources and practical tools on designing this next chapter — the sort of thinking I'd share with a friend over coffee. If it sounds useful, come along.

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