Designing Your Life: Evaluating and Building a Fulfilling Life

Are you feeling stuck without energy or inspiration to change? I use the book, Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, for both myself as well as for coaching others. This book introduces a structured and creative approach to shaping a meaningful and fulfilling life. Using design thinking principles, the authors guide readers to evaluate their current life satisfaction and make intentional improvements. One of the foundational tools they introduce is the Life Balance Dashboard, which helps individuals assess key areas of their lives and take proactive steps toward growth.

The Four Categories of the Life Balance Dashboard

The Life Balance Dashboard is a self-assessment tool that encourages individuals to rate their satisfaction in four crucial areas, using a scale from 1 to 5. These categories represent essential dimensions of a well-designed life in the following areas:

1. Health

Health is the foundation upon which everything else rests. This category includes physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Without good health, it is difficult to sustain long-term success in other areas of life. A score of 1 may indicate chronic stress, poor physical fitness, spiritual malaise, or lack of self-care, while a 5 suggests strong energy levels, a balanced diet, a growing spiritual life and effective stress management.

2. Work

Work includes both professional responsibilities and personal projects. It is not only about employment but also about purpose, productivity, and engagement. Some people thrive in high-intensity work environments, while others need flexibility and creativity. A low rating in this category may signal job dissatisfaction, burnout, or lack of purpose, whereas a high rating suggests fulfillment and alignment with one’s strengths and values.

3. Play

Play is often the most neglected area but is critical for long-term well-being. This category involves joy, hobbies, and activities that bring personal fulfillment. Whether it’s sailing, hiking, playing music, or reading, engaging in playful activities restores energy and prevents burnout. A low score in play means a lack of balance, while a high score suggests a life rich with enjoyable experiences.

4. Love & Relationships

Human connection is vital for a meaningful life. This category evaluates relationships with family, friends, romantic partners, God, and community. A score of 1 may indicate isolation or strained relationships, while a 5 reflects deep, fulfilling connections and a strong support network.

How to Evaluate Yourself

The Life Balance Dashboard isn’t about getting a perfect score—it’s about honest self-reflection and making adjustments where needed. Here’s how to effectively evaluate yourself:

Step 1: Assign a Score to Each Category

Using a scale from 1 (very unsatisfied) to 5 (highly fulfilled), rate your current satisfaction in each category. Be truthful—this is for your personal growth, not external judgment.

Step 2: Identify Imbalances

Look at your scores and notice which areas are significantly lower than others. Many people find that Play tends to score the lowest, as it often takes a backseat to work and responsibilities. Recognizing these imbalances helps prioritize what needs attention.

Step 3: Determine Small, Actionable Steps

Rather than attempting drastic changes, focus on small, manageable improvements. For example:

• If your health score is low, consider adding short daily walks, prayer/reflection times (e.g, the Lectio 365 phone app is a favorite of mine), or mindful eating habits.

• If your work feels unfulfilling, explore ways to make your role more meaningful or set new career goals.

• If you lack play, carve out time for activities that energize you, like hiking, painting, or social gatherings. Ask yourself, “What breathes life into my soul?”

• If relationships need improvement, schedule time to reconnect with loved ones or a faith community.

Step 4: Adjust and Reassess Over Time

The Life Balance Dashboard isn’t a one-time assessment. Reevaluate periodically to track progress and make necessary adjustments. As life circumstances change, so will your scores—this is an ongoing process of design and refinement.

The Importance of Play in Long-Term Well-Being

One of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of life design is play. Many professionals and leaders prioritize work and obligations while neglecting activities that bring joy and rejuvenation. However, play is essential for creativity, problem-solving, and overall happiness.

For example, I once found joy in sailing since I would return home energized and full of life. My wife noticed the change in me after my sailing adventures and even encouraged me to find times for this life-giving practice. I later discovered treehouses in the forests of Kentucky as a new way to experience peace and inspiration. Finding life-giving practices is essential to sustaining energy and avoiding burnout. At first, it may seem that this is a selfish activity. In the long run, though, it is a very unselfish activity since these life-giving activities provide the long-term life you need to breathe into others. If I run out of life and vigor, I then have very little to offer others.

Conclusion: Designing a Life That Works for You

By evaluating yourself in Health, Work, Play, and Relationships, you gain clarity on which areas need attention and how to create a balanced, fulfilling life. The goal is not perfection but intentional progress. Using the Life Balance Dashboard, you can continuously refine your life, ensuring that it aligns with your values, aspirations, and overall well-being.

Start today—take a moment to rate yourself and design small steps toward a more fulfilling life!

About the Author: Dr. Jay Moon, PhD, MBA, P.E. is a storyteller, strategist, and scholar with a passion for bridging faith, work, and mission. With 13 years as a SIM missionary in Ghana among the Builsa people, he has firsthand experience in church planting, water development, evangelism, and discipleship. Now a Professor of Evangelism & Church Planting at Asbury Theological Seminary, he also leads the Office of Faith, Work, and Economics, equipping leaders to integrate faith in everyday life.

A prolific author, Jay has written six books—including Intercultural Discipleship and Effective Intercultural Evangelism—and edited seven more. A sought-after speaker on church planting, marketplace mission, and evangelism, he has served as president of APM and GCRN and is the incoming president of AETE and ASM. 

Beyond academia, Jay thrives in hands-on creativity, from building treehouses and throwing axes to mentoring small business innovators—always looking for new ways to connect faith and action.