The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want

by Ximena Vengoechea

A life-changing and empowering guide to discovering your personal and professional passions, goals, and dreams so you can create a life full of joy and purpose.Welcome to the Life Audit, an exercise in self-reflection that helps you clear the cobwebs of noisy, external goals and distractions, and revisit or uncover the real themes and core values that drive and inspire you. Think of it as spring-cleaning for the soul.For anyone looking to find fulfillment in every aspect of life—love, friendship, career, finances, and beyond—this encouraging handbook offers the tools to prioritize your goals and turn personal insights into action to create a beautiful, meaningful future. In this step-by-step guide, made irresistibly and uniquely engaging by insightful and entertaining illustrations throughout, you’ll learn how to use design thinking and creative exercises the core values and key themes hidden within your goals.Overcome the internal judgments and outside expectations that stifle your growth.Find the people, skills, and resources you need to nourish your dreams.Design a practical, personal action plan you can follow with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re a recent graduate, contemplating a career change, facing a personal crossroads, or searching for satisfaction, The Life Audit is a safe space for dreaming big, a path to kickstart dreams previously on hold, and a rousing call to design a life that honors your values and desires every day.DESIGN THINKING FOR Drawing on her expertise as a User Experience researcher, author Ximena Vengoechea skillfully applies design tools and data research skills to the journey of self-discovery. After following the book’s three-part process, you will have a clear sense of your needs and goals and an action plan for making your dreams a reality without feeling overwhelmed.UNIQUE APPROACH TO PERSONAL This charmingly illustrated book offers a distinctive approach to self-discovery, combining step-by-step prompts and engaging anecdotes with colorfully illustrated lists, charts, diagrams, and affirmations. Performing the life audit is an enjoyable and uplifting experience that can help anyone uncover or rediscover their values, passions, and dreams. MEANINGFUL Warm and inviting, The Life Audit is a simple and authentic way to connect with someone at a turning point in their lives. It makes a thoughtful, personal gift for new grads, retirees, people considering a career change, or anyone looking for ways to find more joy and fulfillment in their personal or professional lives.Perfect of creative self-help and self-improvementPeople looking for resources on self-care, wellness, and self-discoveryAnyone experiencing burnout or considering a career changeFans of self-help books and guided journals like Designing Your Life, Start Where You Are, and Best Year YetGift-giving for graduation, retirement, and milestone birthdays

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Mental Health

184 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Ximena Vengoechea is a user researcher, writer, and illustrator whose work on personal and professional development has been published in Inc., The Washington Post, Newsweek, Forbes, and Huffington Post. She is the author of the book, Listen Like You Mean it: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection (Portfolio/Penguin Random House). Her second book Rest Easy, received a starred review from Library Journal and was a BookRiot Best Book of the Year in 2023. Her most recent book, The Life Audit, and its companion, The Life Audit Journal, are based on her popular project, The Life Audit.

Ximena is a contributor at Fast Company and The Muse, and writes Letters from Ximena, a newsletter about personal growth and human behavior at ximena.substack.com. She is also the creator of the popular project The Life Audit. She previously worked at Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Reviews

[Jillian B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you, like me, are looking for an inspiring self-help book that doesn’t fall into either the “sentimental spirituality” or “non-stop hustle grindset” category, this one is a good choice! The author gives super practical, straightforward tips for identifying and achieving your goals. It’s a method that she herself has used and fine-tuned for years and she’s able to show practical results. There are also beautiful illustrations, and it’s a super quick read. I will definitely be applying some of the book’s techniques as I set my New Year’s resolutions for 2025.

[Reading Donut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the process outlined in The Life Audit to be extremely helpful for me to clearly identify goals, gaps and opportunity areas in my life. It's really helped me take tangible steps towards making my dreams a reality since kicking off the process. I found the design brainstorm approach with post-it notes particularly helpful in wrangling my thoughts and soothing my brain :-)
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and recommend we all redo a life audit on a yearly basis!

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ximena Vengoechea’s useful guide to her Life Audit method of assessing your drams and creating goals for them. It’s very practical and straightforward; I found the parts I managed to work through useful, and will revisit the process when I can. It’s a useful exercise for anyone who feels a bit adrift, or who wants to become more focused about achieving their dreams. Also great to know there’s an associated workbook coming in 2025; that should be good.

Thanks to Chronicle Books and Edelweiss for early DRC access.

[Shelby Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly helpful, straight forward approach to realizing what you want and how to start getting there. The book is super easy to read, and actionable! I always have lots of ideas so I loved getting them all out on paper and then deciding what was the real me, what was a priority and what should I work on first. I worked through the book and took breaks when she suggested. I did the whole process in 4 evenings and really enjoyed it. I see myself returning to it yearly.

I received an ARC.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Life Audit” serves as a gentle guide to life planning, perfect for those new to reflecting on their goals. The tone is welcoming, a bit like having a chat with a thoughtful friend over coffee. I did enjoy the book’s concise structure and the author’s approachable style—she has a knack for making self-reflection feel manageable rather than overwhelming. However, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense approach to structuring your future, you may find this book more like a colorful brainstorm session—a pleasant way to organize thoughts but a bit light on next steps.

There’s an emphasis on introspection here, which may resonate with those who prefer a heart-centered approach. Personally, I was hoping for something a little more practical and straightforward, like an instruction manual for life rather than a motivational scrapbook. This book is full of good vibes and soft nudges, but if you’re after an innovative framework with concrete steps and clear action points, you might still be looking for a sharper tool by the end.

In short, The Life Audit is a warm introduction to life reflection. If you’re ready to dive deeper into structured planning, though, this may feel more like a prelude than a full story.

Since I'm not really new or novice to this subject, I may not necessarily have aligned with the target audience. As such I give it 2.5 ⭐️'s, rounded up because I do like the author here.

[Hannah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear the cobwebs and find clarity

I wanted to devour this beautiful book, but I savored each section instead. This is a great title if you are seeking to find clarity in your personal, career, and life goals. I felt guided and supported to pinpoint what wasn't working so well for me, but also called to take actionable steps to nurture what already is working.

The cover is stunning, as are the interior graphics. This would make a lovely gift for someone experiencing a life transition, or simply a wonderful resource for yourself.

[tinypinkfangirlrobots · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the easy-to-use step-by-step of this book and found it to feel like a friend talking their way through their goal-setting process. This had some lovely gems that I took and applied to my daily life, and could see using the same system to set goals for years to come. Ximena bought such a light-hearted and easy approach to setting up an auditing system that does not feel stressful but rather feels fun and creative.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book!

[Gillian Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! After reading an ARC of The Life Audit, I’m blown away. My brain is very emotional and I get stuck in how I SHOULD act & feel. This causes a spiral where I am disappointed that I want to be different, but I’m watching from the outside, unable to act.

The Life Audit was presented in such a consumable format that I read the whole thing in one sitting. It simultaneously validated the frozen state I’m in, while giving me tangible ways to slowly move forward. This book is a true gift ❤️

Instant 5 Stars from me!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Life Audit will be great for anyone just starting in the personal development field or someone needing a life change. This is a good foundation to start with. I think this would be a cute book for a college grad, something to keep in their minds as they go through adulthood!

The artwork and graphics are super cute!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I meant when I said “ I need help getting my life together”

The author organizes not just your life in actions but mentally the thought process of your goals.

This was a calm self help book nothing like the grind/hustle culture or the way of a “entrepreneur” this is legitimately a self help book 5 stars ⭐️

[Niya · Rating 4 out of 5]

As audits go, this one is a flexible process with lots of room to make it your own. The introduction is a bit repetitive and the implementation section could be far more robust in terms of habit change practices and goal chunking. That said, if you're looking for an audit you can do in an afternoon and love a good heat map, this one is for you. Best with your productivity beverage of choice.

[Micah Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit that the cover and style of this book is not my usual preference, but it was intriguing enough to catch my interest and I'm glad it did. I found the exercises useful and they made me see my life and my dreams in a different and more manageable light. I'm glad I read it and am already benefiting from many of the techniques it outlined

[Tina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful and brightly colored book offers a wonderful and easy to follow guide to getting your life to where you want it to be. It asks all the right questions and is pefect for those of us who need a more visual approach to achieve our goals and start new habits.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, very quick read, the concept was just a little basic and didn’t spark new ideas. I was a little confused between “wishes” and “goals” but overall it helps to think on New Years Resolutions and where to start when setting them.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seemed like a good book to pick up at the beginning of the year. I'll be honest, I didn't do the exercise(s) in this book as I read it (via audiobook), but I did enjoy hearing the ideas. I could see myself revisiting this. It's a good guide for figuring out what you truly want out of life.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book has some great pointers and advice on going after your goals, wishes and dreams.

[Isayda Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be so helpful! I loved the unique ideas to start organizing my life and to think outside the box. I will definitely be coming back to this book in the future!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Life Audit is a guide to determine what you want from life and how to achieve it. This general guide outlines how to decide what you want from life and how to plan around these wants.

[Libby Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas here - wishing for a similar book written for seniors/retirees.

[Teal Verus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good list of activities. I've started working through them and am excited to continue!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a keeper!

[Jen Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the concept of using design thinking and user research principles on brainstorming, affinity mapping, prioritizing, and charting a path forward for your life goals and wishes.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 ⭐️

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Mer]

https://hardcover.app/books/life-audit/

[Conner Jay]

125

[Emily Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a former user researcher, Life Audit is the sturdy, wide-toothed comb you can count on to painlessly untangle your thoughts so you can live a life better aligned with your values. In its pages, you’ll find an unusually well-conceived, welcoming roadmap for gaining clarity about what direction to head next, something most people I know wonder about to some degree at least once a year. I want to press a copy of this book into the hands of all my favorite people.