Taking “Stock” In Your Life And Filling The “Shelves”
By Dr. Michael Osit
As you go through your daily life it is easy to become desensitized to and even unaware of how you are doing in terms of your happiness and general well-being. Are you merely going through the motions, stuck in routines, or just trying to keep your head above water and get through the day/week/month/year? It is prudent to “take stock” by looking at your life and determining what is going well, what makes you happy, and what you are missing.
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If you have read this column for the past 15 years or so, you know that I usually use food and sports as metaphors for understanding life and psychological issues you may be experiencing. But, staying consistent with the theme of this column, I am going to step out of “the box” and use the retail industry to simplify the message.
A retail store does business on a daily basis. If it is successful, the owner has it somewhat running itself with competent employees, sound policies, a regular customer flow, and the right merchandise found on the shelves. The key is having enough stock and adding new items to continually attract repeat and new customers. With that in mind, the owner needs to regularly conduct inventory counts to determine what (s)he needs more of and what is missing.
As you “run” your life, even if it is running smoothly, it is prudent to stop and “take inventory” of what you have and what you may need that you are not presently getting. Daily routines with work and family demands keep you going – and it is often in a mindless autopilot mode. As time passes, you may become so used to just keeping your head above water and facing the next day, that you take your blessings for granted, and forget your dreams or what needs are not being met for your happiness. Just like the retail shop owner, you must stop and recognize what you have, what you need, and what you want to further enhance your happiness.
The following are tips for taking an inventory of your life and determining what is missing:
- Take a mental pause by spending time alone (maybe even in the dark) with nothing to distract you so that you can step out of your life routines and make a list (maybe turn the lights on) of what you have that contributes to your life in a positive way
- If you have a partner, do the same with him or her, but do not eliminate your alone time reflection
- Make of list of what you are missing, that you believe would enhance your happiness
- Transform your “missing inventory” into goals with a specific plan involving steps and a timeline
- Try to streamline your strategy for meeting daily needs of yourself, family, boss, etc., to free time up for yourself
- Periodically, repeat steps 1-5
Whereas in retail, available merchandise is most essential, in your life, available time is your most precious commodity. Taking inventory as to how you are spending your time both short term and long term is essential to continue to “do business” with yourself. Revel in what you have, restock it when needed, and build new shelves so that new “items” can be placed on them.
Dr. Michael Osit is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in Warren, and author of ‘The Train Keeps Leaving Without Me: A Guide to Happiness, Freedom, and Self Fulfillment’ (2016), and ‘Generation Text: Raising Well Adjusted Kids In An Age Of Instant Everything’ (2008).