The Ultimate Getting Your Life Together Checklist

Embarking on the journey of building your best life can feel like standing at the base of a mountain, looking up. It’s daunting, yes, but just imagine the view from the top! That’s where this ‘getting your life together checklist’ comes in. 

It’s designed to guide you step by step, turning what feels like the insurmountable task of getting your life on track into a series of achievable milestones. Whether you’re looking to declutter your mind or your living space, find financial freedom, or simply create a routine that feels right, this checklist is your first step toward setting powerful goals and building a life that feels truly together and intentional. 

Keep reading, because this is where your ascent begins…

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post is not to be taken as professional medical or mental health advice. All statements are strictly my personal life observations. You can see my full disclaimer here.

Let’s Get Real About Getting It Together

If you feel like you need a checklist for getting your life together, chances are you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Maybe it’s the endless to-do lists that never seem to get done, or perhaps it’s the feeling that despite your best efforts, you’re not quite where you want to be in life. 

Well, you’re not alone! Many of us feel that way. But what can we do about it?

Here’s the thing… Building your best life isn’t about achieving some sort of perfection or living up to someone else’s standards. It’s about finding YOUR groove, tackling ONE challenge at a time, and making progress toward the intentional life you envision for yourself WITHOUT hard timelines that make you feel anxious or like a failure if you miss them.

Honestly, you’re probably not going to get through this checklist and completely figure out how to change your life in anything like a month or maybe even a year. It takes time… and that’s okay!

Throughout this blog post, we’ll cover a life audit checklist designed to address the various aspects of your life that might need a bit of tidying up. From financial planning to decluttering your living space, improving your mental and physical health, and even optimizing your daily routine for your personal peak productivity (which may not look like anyone else’s), we’ll talk about it.

Ready to get started? Grab the free checklist printable, take a deep breath, and let’s start at the beginning of the getting your life together checklist…

Assessing Your Current Mess

This is the part where we look around and see what kind of mess we’re dealing with. And yes, it might feel a bit uncomfortable.

First off, let’s acknowledge that getting your life on track isn’t about comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. It’s about looking at your own story and figuring out what chapters need a rewrite. Are you stuck in a job that drains you? Is your living space more chaotic than calm? Do your finances make you want to hide under the covers? These are the kinds of questions we need to ask ourselves.

Sit down with your journal and just write it all out. Once you start to get a handle on exactly what’s going on, what’s not working (and what IS working), and what needs to change, it’s easier to start creating a plan for how to overhaul your life. 

I like to do this brain-dump style and expand on things in writing as I think about them, but you can also start by grabbing my free printable Dreams and Goals brainstorming page. Print out as many as you want and use it to list your life areas, your dreams, goals, your ‘why’ and anything else you just want to keep handy for future reference.  

Mindset and Attitude

When it comes to getting your life together, having the right mindset and attitude is crucial — especially if you’ve recently been through a period of upheaval. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a positive and productive mindset:

• Embrace Self-Compassion

It’s easy to be hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and has setbacks. Instead of beating yourself up, try practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a good friend. This can help you bounce back from challenges and move forward with a more positive outlook.

• Overcome Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be a major roadblock when it comes to getting your life together. It’s important to recognize that perfection is impossible and striving for it can lead to burnout and disappointment. Instead, focus on progress over perfection. Celebrate small victories and learn from mistakes. This can help you stay motivated and make steady progress towards your goals.

• Set Realistic Expectations

Setting unrealistic expectations can set you up for failure and disappointment. Instead, set realistic goals that are achievable and sustainable. This can help you build momentum and confidence as you’re changing your life. Remember, it’s okay to start small and work your way up.

• Finding Your Why: The Key to Long-Term Motivation

Saying ‘I just need to get my life together’ isn’t exactly the best way to go through this process. Instead, find your ‘why’ — the DEEP reason behind your goals and aspirations. This will help you stay motivated and make decisions about what areas to focus on. 

Your why can be anything from wanting to improve your health for your family, to pursuing a career that aligns with your passions. Whatever it may be, keep it at the forefront of your mind as you work toward making positive changes in your life.

The Master Plan: Set Achievable Goals

Goal setting is how you’ll work through getting your life together. During this process, it’s important to set goals that align with your core values and objectives. Here are some tips to help you set effective goals:

• Identify Core Values

Your core values are the things that are most important to you in life. They are the principles that guide your decision-making and shape your behavior. Identifying your core values is important because it helps you set goals that are meaningful and fulfilling. Take some time to reflect on what matters most to you in life and write them down.

• Dreaming Big But Staying Grounded

When setting goals, it’s important to think big and dream about what you truly want to achieve. You can’t get there if you don’t let yourself think about it! However, you’ll want to stay grounded and realistic as you get started and begin to work through the steps. At first, set achievable goals that challenge you but are also within reach. This will keep you motivated and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

• Define Clear Objectives

Now, onto developing your roadmap to personal development and growth. This is where specificity is your best friend. Instead of a vague goal like ‘get fit,’ how about ‘commit to 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week’? See the difference? It’s about making your goals as clear and actionable as possible.

• Write Down Your Goals

Writing down your goals is a powerful way to hold yourself accountable and keep you focused. Whether it’s in a notebook, on your phone, or even on a sticky note, having your goals written down makes them tangible and real.

Having written goals is so important that I created a printable goal planner just for this purpose. The Goal Journey Annual Goal Planner is designed to streamline your goal-setting process, allowing you to focus on one goal at a time and adapt as life evolves. Get the extra stuff out of your head, let go of the regrets and ‘should-dos,’ and start accomplishing the goals that really matter to YOU.

Remember, your master plan is not set in stone. Life will throw curveballs, and flexibility will be key. Think of your plan as a living document, one that evolves as you grow and learn. The most important part? Taking that first step, however small it may be. Because every step forward is a step closer to where you want to be. Let’s get moving on this journey to a well-organized, beautifully intentional life…

Financial Freedom: Tackling the Money

Ah, money. It’s that thing we never seem to have enough of and yet, somehow, always find a way to spend. Achieving financial freedom is about more than just making more dough… it’s about figuring out how to manage what you’ve got. 

Budgeting: Where to Start When You Have No Clue

Creating a budget is the foundation of good financial management. Start by tracking your income and expenses for a month to get an idea of where your money is going. At the same time, make a list of all your monthly expenses, including rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Compare your expenses to your income and adjust as necessary to ensure you’re not overspending.

If you’re in debt, this picture could be pretty scary. But don’t panic, the key is to prioritize your debts and start paying them off one by one. (That ONE FOCUS will help you succeed every time!)

Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to help you keep track of your finances. These tools can help you visualize your spending and identify areas where you can cut back.

Savings and Splurges: Balancing Your Financial Yin and Yang

Now, let’s talk about the delicate dance of saving and splurging. It’s all about balance. Saving for the future is crucial, but so is enjoying the present. The trick is to do both without tipping the scales too far in either direction. 

Set up automatic savings to take care of your future self, but also allocate a ‘fun fund’ for those little pleasures in life. It’s possible to save for a rainy day while still enjoying the sunshine.

Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out overnight. Take it one step, one budget, and one savings goal at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be looking that money monster in the eye and saying, ‘I’ve got this.’

Check out my ‘little money savings ideas’ for practical tips on stretching your dollar further, whether it’s to pay off debt or build that all-important emergency fund.

Declutter Your Life: Starting With Your Space

That creeping clutter overflowing into your space isn’t just a storage issue; it’s a snapshot of life getting away from you. It’s where procrastination lives, and honestly, now is the perfect time to evict it. The great thing about clearing clutter is that you always have control over how much ‘stuff’ you own, even if everything else in your life currently feels like you might not get it together anytime soon. But clutter? Yeah… you can totally do this!

Each item shoved into a box or left on the counter ‘for later’ mirrors the small, delayed decisions that pile up, creating mental clutter alongside the physical. Recognizing this link is your first step toward clarity and changing your decluttering mindset.

Forget the overwhelm of a total home transformation. Let’s talk slow decluttering — a realistic, bite-sized approach where you declutter 10 items in 10 minutes every day. It’s about making decluttering manageable, integrating it into your daily routine rather than a weekend marathon.

And for those ready to dive deeper, my extensive declutter tips post is packed with strategies to keep your space — and, by extension, your life — clear and organized. 

Health is Wealth: Mental and Physical Well-being

Your health is the real MVP when it comes to getting your life together. It’s the foundation on which everything else is built. Without it, all the money, success, or decluttered drawers in the world won’t mean much. So, how do we start treating our health like the treasure it is?

Best Suggestion for Prioritizing Physical Health

We’re all faced with numerous choices and ‘shoulds’ when it comes to getting our health in order. After hitting an incredibly low point physically a couple of years ago and then turning things around about 150° (not a full 180°­… I’m not ‘finished’ by any means, but I feel SO much better), my best advice is to choose ONE change that you know is healthy FOR YOU and fully commit to it for at least 3-6 months before evaluating your progress results. 

Don’t go into it with any expectations of specific or unrealistic results. Instead, just enjoy the journey, the small (or major) improvements, and the learning process.

Make it something you JUST DO, not something you have to decide whether or not to stick with each day. It could be a major eating change, taking a short walk every day no matter what, setting regular sleep hours, or simply drinking a certain amount of water each day.

Mindfulness Strategies for Mental Health

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our mental health often takes a backseat. But let’s be clear: being mindful isn’t just for yogis or those who can meditate for hours. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain out of sorts.

Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before responding to a stressful email or spending a few minutes each day sitting quietly with your thoughts. The key is consistency and finding small pockets of peace in your day to reconnect with yourself.

Taking care of your mental and physical health isn’t selfish. It’s essential. By going back to basics and incorporating simple, mindful practices into your daily routine, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. And isn’t that what getting your life together is all about?

Skill Up: Personal and Professional Development

Here’s the deal: learning isn’t just for kids. It’s a lifelong journey that keeps your brain sharp, your skills fresh, and, let’s be honest, makes life a little more interesting. Whether you’re climbing the career ladder or just looking to add some new tools to your personal toolkit, skilling up is where it’s at.

In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt and learn new skills is more valuable than ever. Maybe it’s picking up a new language that opens up a world of travel and cultural exploration, or perhaps it’s coding, a skill that’s becoming increasingly important across a variety of industries, not just tech.

Then there’s the soft skills — things like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. These skills enhance your personal and professional life, making you a better team player, leader, and all-around human being.

But where do you start? It’s simple: Identify a skill you’re curious about and dive in. There are countless online courses, videos, local workshops, and books on virtually every topic under the sun. 

So, let’s get curious. Let’s challenge ourselves to step outside our comfort zones and into a world of endless possibilities. Who knows? The next skill you pick up might just be the one that changes your life.

Relationship Goals: Cultivating Meaningful Connections

Navigating the sea of relationships and social interactions can sometimes feel intense and overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on cultivating meaningful connections rather than collecting masses of acquaintances like baseball cards.

• Nurturing Relationships

Let’s get real for a second. Not every friendship or connection is going to be life-changing, and that’s okay. The key is to identify the relationships that truly add value to your life. These are the people who challenge you, support you, and make you laugh when you feel like crying. They’re worth their weight in gold. 

So, how do you sort the gold from the glitter? It starts with reflection. Consider who you spend your time with and how you feel after hanging out. Energized? Drained? The answers to these questions can help you determine which relationships to nurture and which to let naturally fade.

Take the time to nurture your existing relationships. Friendships and family relationships require effort and attention to thrive. Reach out to loved ones regularly, whether it’s through a phone call, text message, or a visit. Plan activities together, such as going to a movie or trying a new restaurant. Show your appreciation for the people in your life by doing something kind for them, like sending a thoughtful gift or writing a heartfelt note.

• Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. It’s important to communicate your needs and expectations clearly. If someone is not respecting your boundaries, have a conversation with them about it. Be firm but kind when stating your boundaries, and try to find a compromise that works for both parties.

• Improve Communication Skills

Good relationships are built on solid communication, but let’s face it, being a good communicator is easier said than done. It’s about listening just as much as it is about speaking. Active listening, to be precise. This means really hearing what the other person is saying, understanding their perspective, and responding in a way that shows you get it.

Improving your communication skills can transform your relationships from superficial to super meaningful. It opens the door to deeper connections and a richer, more fulfilling social life. So, take the time to listen, really listen, and watch as your relationships flourish.

• Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to seek support when you need it. Whether it’s from a therapist, support group, or trusted friend, having someone to talk to can make a big difference in your life. It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with something. Remember that you don’t have to go through things alone.

Work-Life Balance: Striking Harmony

Finding that sweet spot between your professional and personal life often feels like trying to capture a unicorn. It’s elusive, mythical, and everyone seems to be chasing it. And honestly, I don’t have this part of getting my life together quite figured out yet. I love my job and I’m Gen X, so I know that I work too much.

That said, I have picked up a few ideas here and there that might help in your quest for more harmony between your work and your life…

The first step? Setting clear boundaries. This means knowing when to close your laptop and silence your phone, not letting work bleed into every corner of your personal life. It’s about carving out sacred spaces for family, hobbies, and rest. 

Being available 24/7 doesn’t make you a hero; it makes you exhausted. So, start by defining what times and spaces are off-limits for work. This isn’t just good for your mental health; it also boosts your productivity when you are working.

Another HUGE part of creating balance is declining without guilt. Saying ‘no’ to extra hours or projects can feel like a radical act in a world that celebrates busyness as a badge of honor. 

Yet, learning to decline requests that don’t align with your priorities is crucial for maintaining work-life harmony. Saying no to things like late-night emails or last-minute requests is all about respecting your time and energy. And that respect will have a positive effect on all areas of your life.

Achieving work-life harmony is an ongoing process, one that requires constant adjustment and self-reflection. I’m right there with you! Baby step by baby step, we’ll get this!

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

When we’re constantly bombarded with responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations from all directions, it’s easy to put ourselves last on the list. But let me tell you something — if you don’t prioritize yourself and practice self-care regularly, eventually it will catch up to you in a negative way.

Time for a little real talk: One thing that really bothers me is how self-care usually gets branded as a weekly mani-pedi, long bubble baths, or treating yourself with luxuries and extensive pampering sessions. 

Let’s set the record straight: real self-care isn’t actually about those things. I mean, sure, they can be nice and give you a temporary boost, but true self-care goes much deeper than that.

It’s about the daily practices that keep you at your best. This could mean setting aside time for activities that nourish your soul, like reading, painting, or simply going for a walk. It’s about listening to your body and giving it the rest or the movement it craves. 

Yes, sometimes self-care includes treating yourself to little luxuries (just keep in mind the whole money thing we talked about earlier!), but it’s also about the less glamorous aspects, like making sure you’re eating well, going to regular medical or counseling appointments, etc.

In our always-on world, one of the most radical forms of self-care can be a digital detox. This doesn’t have to mean going off-grid for a month. It can be as simple as dedicating an hour or two each evening to screen-free time, committing to not checking your work email from home, or perhaps removing social media apps from your phone. 

The point is to give your brain a break from the constant barrage of notifications — not to mention the pressure to be perpetually perfect like so much of what we see on social media. This pause can recharge your mental batteries and lead to a noticeable boost in your overall well-being.

Embracing self-care is about acknowledging that you can’t pour from an empty cup. By taking the time to care for yourself, you’re not being selfish; you’re ensuring that you’re in the best possible position to tackle life’s challenges and care for those around you.

Time Management: The Routine of Champions

Improving your time management is like unlocking a new level in the game of life. It’s what separates those who are constantly drowning in their to-do lists from the champions who seem to glide through tasks with grace and efficiency. Let’s dive into how to build a daily routine that works for you.

Crafting a Daily Routine That Doesn’t Suck

First things first, daily routine planning isn’t about packing every minute of your day with productivity hacks. It’s about creating a flow that works for you, one that includes time for work, play, and rest. Start by identifying the times of day you’re most alert and energetic and schedule your most challenging tasks for those windows. Equally important is building in buffers for those inevitable curveballs life throws your way.

Related: 11 Perfect Morning Routine Tips And Tweaks For Overthinkers

Prioritizing Like a Pro: What Matters Most?

The art of prioritization is knowing the difference between what needs to be done now and what can wait. It’s about understanding your goals and aligning your tasks accordingly. Not everything that screams for your attention is important. Learn to distinguish between urgent and important, and give precedence to tasks that align with your long-term objectives.

This is hard… like, REALLY hard. You’ll need to practice it every day until you’re confident in learning to be intentional with your time.

Why Multitasking Is a Myth and Focus Is Your Friend

Multitasking might sound alluring and productive, but it’s a mirage. The truth is, our brains are wired for mono-tasking, and constantly switching between tasks can actually decrease efficiency and increase mistakes. Instead, champion time managers know the value of focus. They dedicate blocks of time to single tasks, giving them their full attention until complete.

One of the most beloved time-management techniques is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes straight, then taking a 5-minute break. This method not only helps maintain focus but also ensures you’re taking regular breaks to recharge. 

Another hack is time blocking, where you dedicate specific blocks of your day to different types of tasks. An example would be marking off a 2-hour chunk of time every day for ‘after school’ — that time of day filled with homework, starting dinner, talking with your children, etc. Set a basic list of tasks for that time period, focus on each, and don’t try to squeeze in a bunch of other stuff.

Grab my free printable daily planner page to get started planning your own daily routine.

By integrating these strategies into your daily life, you’re not just managing your time better; you’re crafting a routine that brings out the champion in you.

Must-Have Resource for Getting Your Life Together

The Goal Journey Annual Goal Planner is the perfect companion for anyone on the path to getting their life together. Crafted for those who want to zero in on one goal at a time, this printable planner helps you set goals, track, and reflect on your progress.

At the same time, this goal planner allows for flexibility as your life and priorities evolve. It’s your journey…make it your own. Take control of your life and start making progress toward those long-awaited dreams with The Goal Journey Annual Goal Planner today!

Key Takeaways for Getting Your Life on Track 

Here’s the part where I burst your bubble…

Even after you check off everything on the getting your life together checklist, you probably will never ACTUALLY feel like you’ve completely got it together. This is especially true if you’re an overthinker.

The thing is, getting your life together is an ongoing process, one that evolves as you do. It’s about constant growth, learning, and adapting. And yes, there will be days when motivation is as elusive as a phone charger when you’re at 2% battery. That’s normal. The key is to not let those days derail you completely.

Plus, I can say that with every bit of progress, you’re going to feel a whole lot better about your life than you do right now! And most of the time, that’s plenty good enough! Nobody’s perfect, and neither are our lives. You can’t wait for everything to be ok to live your life, so let’s do the best we can each day and get to the LIVING part! 

As we wrap up, let’s distill everything down into a personal checklist to keep you anchored:

• Assess Your Current Mess: Take stock of where you are versus where you want to be.
• Mindset and Attitude: Get your head and heart in the game.
• Plan Achievable Goals: Break your aspirations down into non-overwhelming steps.
• Financial Freedom: Work on getting your finances in order.
• Declutter Your Space: You’ll be amazed at how letting go of stuff helps to clear your mind. 
• Mental and Physical Well-being: Start working on at least ONE thing to improve your health.
• Personal and Professional Development: Decide how you want to ‘skill up’ to keep your brain sharp and fresh.
• Cultivate Meaningful Relationships: Nurture important connections, allow others to fade.
• Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’ without guilt (or regretful explanations).
• Practice Self-Care: It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. (Make that overdue medical appointment!)
• Manage Your Time Wisely: Implement a daily routine and ditch the myth of multitasking.

Don’t forget:

• Stay Flexible: Be ready to pivot and adapt as life changes.
• Celebrate Your Wins: No victory is too small to acknowledge.

Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. So, keep this checklist for getting your life together handy, revisit it often, and know that with each item you tick off, you’re one step closer to the life you envision. The journey continues, and so does your growth as you Build Your Best Life. 

You’ve got this!

---

Did you enjoy this post? Know someone else who might like it? Please take a moment to share on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media… (Click the sharing buttons at the bottom of the post.) Thank you!