Today, I’ve got a very simple and effective tool for you.
 
This easy tool quickly shows you how and where to make improvements in any situation – for your greater happiness and fulfillment.

When to use it: 

Any situation where you’re not 100% satisfied, whether at work or at home.
 
What you do:
 
1. Rate the situation on a scale of 1 to 10. A “10” means that the situation is ideal. You are happy and totally satisfied. A “1” is the absolute worst. What number are you at right now?
 
2. Next, choose a rating for this situation that you would like to be at. (Note: Sometimes this is a "10", and sometimes it's less. Go with the first number that comes to mind. No need to put a lot of thought into this.)
 
3. Now, what would need to happen in order for you to move from the first number to the second number? Make a list.
 
Here’s a real-life example so you can see exactly how this works.
 
Let’s say that you’re not very happy at work right now.
 
I ask you to rate your current job situation on the scale of 1 to 10. You give it a “5.”
 
“What number would you like to be at?” I ask.
 
You’re not sure it’s entirely possible to ever be at a 10 with this job, so you say, “8.”
 
“What would it take for you to move from a “5” to an “8”?
 
This is where things get interesting!
 
I notice that most people have no trouble answering this question. The answers immediately bubble up. Often, they also have fairly straightforward solutions.  
 
“I really need more guidance and help prioritizing my projects. I need to set up regular meetings with my boss, and really make sure they happen."
 
“I need more training in our new software so I'm not always frustrated and wasting time figuring it out.”
 
When I use this rating tool with clients, they are often surprised to discover how easily they can pinpoint the specific sources of their dissatisfaction – and that there are usually clear, do-able steps that they can take to address them right away.
 
One thing I’ve personally noticed is that usually our needs in any situation are not huge, nor unreasonable. Where we get stuck is mostly in identifying our needs and taking intentional steps to address them or communicate them to others. Once we complete a few of these actions, we experience a much higher level of satisfaction than before.
 
What situation are you facing this week where you’re less than thrilled? Try out the 1 to 10 scale and see what you can do to close the gap!
 
P.S. The 1 to 10 rating scale is a great tool when you’re entering a negotiation. For example, you get a job offer. Ask yourself, how would you rate this job offer, as is? Then, what rating would this job need to have in order for you to take it happily? Now, what do you need to negotiate in order for this job to arrive at that second rating?