Can You Give Yourself a 10

Can You Give Yourself a 10
by Paul Moore

Have you noticed that everyone wants you to rate them?

The simplest transactions are invariably followed up with a request for you to rate performance.  If you ordered something online, they want a review.  If you stayed in a hotel (do you remember when that was something we did routinely?) they ask you to rate them.  If a service rep from AAA came to put a new battery in your car, they implore you to give them a 10 when the questionnaire comes.

The motivation behind all this is commendable; they want to deliver their best possible performance.  If they can get you to move from being a customer to being a net promoter, they will be on their way to fame, fortune, and glory.

Let’s take this in a different direction:  Rating Ourselves!

Case in point, the nearly-a-year we have spent living altered lives due to the reality of a global pandemic.  I’m about to turn 72, and I am acutely aware of the passing of time.  Losing a year is a pretty big deal when you only have one, or five, or ten (hopefully more, but probably not realistically) left to enjoy.

So, let’s take a few minutes for reflection and give ourselves some ratings, on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being exceptional and 1 being pretty darn pathetic.

My outlook on life is better than it was a year ago.

My faith is stronger than it was a year ago.

My relationships are deeper than they were a year ago.

My health and fitness has improved compared to a year ago.

My net contribution to the world has grown in the last year.

My knowledge base is bigger than it was a year ago.

My level of care for others is higher than it was a year ago.

My level of fiscal responsibility is better than a year ago.

You may have different criteria for rating yourself, but you get my drift.  If we don’t live consciously, life just goes by.  I hope you feel good about how your life has gone in the past year.  And I hope that when it’s time to rate yourself again, you’ll feel like you’ve improved!