"I'm just not satisfied with how my life is going!" The complaint is familiar. I hear it from my friends, from my clients, even from family members. I've even said it myself at times. We are going about our lives, but aren't feeling very satisfied by the process. Many of us are very busy, and we may even be successful in terms of financial achievements or business recognition. However, we realize that we aren't living our lives, let alone enjoying them. "There has to be something more…" we say, but sometimes feel powerless to find it. We often search for it, as if we could "find satisfaction" like some sort of hidden treasure.

When things aren't working in our lives, it is time to stop and take stock of how we are living. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't a matter of "managing time" better-instead, it is a matter of managing our lives better. We often forget that WE choose how we are living our lives.

Instead of feeling powerless to change your life, take time to identify what your priorities are currently. Your priorities are where you are spending the most time. For example, you may say that a relationship with your family is your top priority, but if most of your time and energy are spent at work or thinking about work, then your priority is really work.

Are your priorities consistent with your values for a more satisfying life? Is your life balanced between work, family, friendships, health and spiritual pursuits? Most of us feel dissatisfied if our priorities are seriously out of balance.

If you want to, you can change these priorities. Start by making a commitment to live the way you want to live. Decide what you are going to change. Write it down. State your intention out loud. Tell your friends and family. Doing this helps you make the commitment, and starts the process of turning your wishes into reality.

Take action. Ask yourself what you can do today that will bring you one small step closer to your goal. By taking action you develop momentum, making changes happen without being overwhelmed by them.

If you are having trouble changing something about your life, determining what needs to change, or staying motivated to make the changes, you can enlist the aid of a personal coach. A coach is someone who helps you develop and strengthen the skills needed to help you reach your goals, and be the best you can be. You can hire a coach to help you set goals and move toward them.

Information is also available in books by Cheryl Richardson, Stephen Covey or Tony Robbins, just to name a few. Or, you can go "on line" at websites such as Oprah.com; dreamlife.com or lifementor.com. for ideas about how to proceed.

Help is out there. How long are you going to wait? Only YOU can determine how satisfying your life is going to be!

Dr. Linda Pucci is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Maryville at Cove Mountain Counseling. In addition to her clinical practice, she provides personal and professional coaching through The Inner Resource Center. She can be reached at 983-7544 or through her web site at www.covemountaincounseling.com.

Copyright ©2000 Linda Pucci.