As I've coached people over the years I've discovered (along with them) that not everyone flourishes in the same kind of environment. Some people thrive on go-go, non-stop activity. Others require large buffers of quiet and downtime. Still others are at their best when their "universe" of home, car and closets are neat and orderly. And while all of us may need some of all of those (plus lots of other stuff), I encourage you to take a look this week at the conditions, circumstances and environment you need to be your best. Here are several questions to help you start the inquiry. By the way, I do recommend you write rather than simply think about your answers. One of the tools I have discovered contributes to being my best is journaling; it helps take things out of the mental mud and bring them into a clear, more useful focus. Now for those questions:

What kind of environment do I need to be my best? Take a few moments and describe the kind of physical surroundings that contribute to your peace of mind and productivity. Be sure to include aesthetics such as color, art, space and texture in your description. Do you like to have "stuff" around you or do you function better when there is a place for everything and everything in its place? Only you know, so let your ideas flow!

What kind of people bring out the best in me? Do you like people who demonstrate a competitive spirit because it brings out the competitor in you? Maybe the people who support you in being your best are big picture thinkers, visionaries who challenge you to get out of your box. Perhaps you need to be surrounded by laughter (I do!) because it keeps you light. Take a few minutes to identify and describe the kinds of people who most nurture and contribute to you expressing the best in you.

What kind of activities do I find most stimulating, engaging, or relaxing? Again, this is for your eyes only, so don't hesitate to write down whatever pops up for you. Activities can mean anything from exercise to meditation to movies and entertainment to adventure recreation to fine dining and entertaining. Include things on your list that you've always wanted to try. On a recent trip to Hawaii, my husband arranged for us to do a "zip line adventure" and it was a blast! I'd love to do it again!! What about you?

Here are more categories to help you discover what it takes for you to be your best, most amazing self:

• Finances--how much do you want/need to feel financially serene and secure?
• Pace--do you like a busier, more active pace or do you prefer a leisurely, laid back approach?
• Animals/pets--add or detract from your energy and/or lifestyle?
• Relationships--do you need lots of them or do you prefer to focus on a few, very close relationships?
• Books/ideas--what genre do you prefer, and would it be helpful to expand the possibilities?
• Music--again, do you prefer one style or might it be a good time to expand your horizons musically speaking?

There are literally dozens of ways we can enhance the richness (quality, not necessarily quantity) of our lives. But as so often happens, we remain clueless until something wakes us up. I've recently been going through a very painful neck and shoulder problem that has been a reminder for me to stay flexible in my approach to life and work. I'm now asking myself the very questions I challenge you to ask yourselves this week.

As Socrates so eloquently put it, "the unexamined life is not worth living." This week spend some time examining your life to see where a few changes might reap great rewards in terms of your joy, balance and/or productivity. And as always, enjoy the journey!!

"Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you possess. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace."
~~Ken Nerburn
American Author, Artist and Theologian