Reframing The Value Of Life And Living
Coaches understand the power and value of a reframe.
It's why I often frame or reframe life in terms of minutes, hours, days, weeks, time, life and death.
It's simple stuff - it has to be - so we can hopefully make the connections we need to, to ensure we get the best chance of living our lives as fully, and with as much conscious awareness about the decisions we make, as we can.
I often refer to the 168 hours in a week to break down the 'real' (or imagined) importance of 'things' and situations in our lives.
The purchase of a car is a good example most of us do at some time or other.
Usiong this example can help us determine what we are doing in our lives, and if the numbers really 'stack up' for the value and the effort required to exert and give to buy or maintain it;
To put it another way:
What is the effort and energy required to realise or obtain that value.
A person might decide to buy a new car for $50,000.
(stay tuned if you are in the market for an electric car).
They might earn $60,000 a year.
The car is bought entirely on debt, and often, not always, that debt is obtained via the credit card called their house.
The car depreciates in value.
The car requires above the average insurance and maintenance.
The car ends up costing much more than $50,000 due to interest - and depreciation - of the value.
Payments continue regardless of the depreciation and accumulating interest on the debt.
Pretty simple.
Now:
Using 168 hours in a week, calculate how often that car will be used /driven or maintained.
For example;
If you drive the car up to an hour a day - 7 hours a week - out of a total of 168 hours then, percentages aside, you are magnifying the importance of transport in relationship to the rest of your life in relation to your spend.
7 hours car.
161 hours everything else.
Is that balanced?
Does that represent perceived values or beliefs about what is important in life?
If it doesn't...?
There is an issue.
An issue that may cause the collapse of relationships, personal health, personal and family wealth, and the need for a reassessment of what is important and why.
It's why people often go to financial advisors, bank managers and financial counsellors - and therapists - to repair or manage the damage.
It's also why some people go further with other distractions and management strategies with drugs, alcohol and avoiding life as it is.
Another option?
Understand where you are.
Who you are.
What your values are.
What is important. (needs).
What isn't as important. (wants).
What you are prepared to do to get what you need/want.
Sounds simple doesn't it?
Perhaps it is.
COACHING:
A competent, qualified, and experienced life coach is a very good use of your time - if - and only if - you are ready to be present and engaged in your own life, and in relationship with a coach who is there to help you to help you.
It won't be a quick fix like a fancy new car purchase, or give you the same buzz perhaps, but it will be a long term investment in you and your future.
And that long term buzz is the best of all of them!
And let's remember that long term investments in good things tend to do pretty well over time.