Taking Stock of Your Life: The Life Design Assessment

Written by Shannen van der Kruk | Life Design

When was the last time you took stock of your life? Life moves fast, and without realising it, we can find ourselves drifting in areas that matter most.

Designing a life you love begins with understanding where you currently stand. A useful way to do this is through the Life Design Assessment, which looks at the four main pillars of life: Health, Work, Play, and Love.

The 4 Pillars of Life

Most of us can divide life into four key areas:

  • Health: This encompasses your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Are you nourishing your body with the right fuel? Is your mind clear and focused? How do you feel on a day-to-day basis?
  • Work: This is more than just your job. It includes any meaningful tasks you engage in, paid or unpaid. Are you passionate about what you do? Does it align with your values?
  • Play: This is often overlooked but crucial. Play is anything you do purely for the joy of it. Whether it's a hobby, a sport, or time spent with loved ones, it’s essential to nurture this part of your life. Are you making time for activities that make you feel alive?
  • Love: Relationships, connection, and community. Whether it’s with a partner, family, or friends, love is a central pillar. How strong are the relationships in your life? Do you feel supported and connected?

A Simple Exercise: The Life Design Assessment

Now that you know the pillars, it’s time to take stock. For each area, ask yourself: How full is my tank? You can rate each one from 0 to full, just like a gas gauge.

Once you’ve rated each, take a moment to reflect. Which areas feel abundant, and which ones might need a little more attention? This simple exercise gives you a clear snapshot of where you’re thriving and where you may want to focus more energy.

There’s No Perfect Balance

It’s important to note that life is not about perfect balance. Different stages of life demand different things from us. In some phases, work might take up more of your time, while in others, you may need to focus on health or relationships. What matters is not trying to maintain an ideal balance but designing a life that feels right for you, based on where you are now.


By regularly evaluating these four pillars, you give yourself the power to design a life that’s fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with your values.

So, how full is your tank?