Q. How do I use this site?
A. You can focus on areas you need to improve but for maximum benefit we recommend working through all the sections. See also How to use this site.
Q. How long will it take?
A. It depends on how you use the site. Each exercise takes 20-30 minutes but you also need time for acting and review.
Q. Should I keep the results?
A. We recommend you either print off or email the results of each exercise to yourself. And re-do the exercises regularly to check your progress.
Q. How do I print off a page?
A. Most pages have a 'Utilities' panel that allows you to print off an individual page. However, if you want to print off your results for an entire exercise use the 'Print' icon at the end of the exercise.
Q. How can I bookmark a page?
A. On the 'Utilities' panel there is an option to bookmark a page. Just click the link and your browser will store it in your Favourites/Bookmarks list.
Q. How can I get help?
A. Many pages have a help panel on them that gives you hints and tips. Those hints and tips are all available in one place further down on this page. If you want to return to this page at any point you can use the 'Help' link at the top of the any page, or the 'Got a question?' link on the 'Utilities' panel.
Q. How can I contact Windmills?
A. Contact details for Windmills are available on the About Windmills page.
Q. Should I do it alone or with someone else?
A. Doing the exercises on your own is fine but it's always good to discuss your results with a critical friend.
Q.When should I use this site?
A. Right through your career – though different sections will be more relevant at different stages.
Q. Will things change over time?
A. Yes, acting on your Life Fitness Check will help you move towards the life you want. Keep revisiting this Check and you'll see your scores – and prospects – go on improving.
I've got more skills than I think
Q. Help – I don't have any skills
A. List all the things in life you've loved doing and feel you've achieved. Then list the skills you've gained in each case.
Q. What do the colours tell me?
A. Having a lot of one colour could indicate the type of role that's ideal for you. A mix suggests you might combine a variety of roles.
Q. What if I'm using skills I don't enjoy?
A. Avoid 'burn-out' – spend 80% of the time on your prime skills but only 20% on skills you don't enjoy.
Q. What if it's too difficult to make these changes?
A. Check your motivation is strong enough. Focus on one single thing you're really passionate about and be ruthless about making time for this.
Q. What if I haven't got the time?
A. Be single-minded for once – even if it means saying no or compromising. Take small steps rather than tackling everything at once.
Q. What if I'm getting none of the things I see as essential?
A. Other areas of your working, learning, playing and giving may offer ways of getting these things e.g. volunteering or learning something new.
Believing I can do it
Q. What if I'm a combination of characters?
A. This is common. Don't feel straight jacketed into one character. Focus on the guidance that appears most appropriate to your situation.
Q. I'm so lacking confidence that I don't know where to start?
A. We can all have such issues. Start by trying just one of the top tips. Spending time on Section 1 'Where Am I' will also boost your self-belief.
Exploring possibilities
Q. How do I find the right people?
A. List everyone you know and ask them if they know a person in this role. You just need one person to start the process off.
A. Always ask if there is anyone else they could suggest.
Q. What if I lack the confidence?
A. Practicing with someone you already know. Are you lacking confidence or just being lazy? Try the 'Believing I Can Do It' exercise.
Creating my picture
Q. What if I feel stupid, don't know where to start or don't like to tempt fate?
A. Give your safekeeping voice a holiday for 10 minutes. Be creative and write down your gut answers at once. Nobody else needs to see them.
A. Have you made the most of all the other exercises on the site? They may give you ideas.
Q. What if I want to add/change my Golden Ticket?
A. You should keep coming back to keep it developing. Just start the exercise again or print your answers and add notes.
Checking reality
Q. What if I have additional walls and windmills?
A. Use this as a template. You can either print off this page and add your own or write down in a notebook.
Q. What if the walls are out of my control?
A. Is the wall the problem – or is it your attitude? Just changing 1% will give you some control to work with.
Stepping stones
Q. What if I'm doing these things already?
A. Put them on the relevant pile anyway. Think how they're already motivating you to carry on.
Q. Should I focus on the new things or what I'm already doing?
A. Focus on the things that motivate you most. Is what you're doing working, or do you need to try new things?
A. Do this exercise with someone else. Talking through the options may generate new ideas.
Who can help me?
Q. What if I don't know anybody who can offer the support I need?
A. Make sure that people who know you well understand what you need – they might just know someone. Listen to anyone they suggest.
Q. Do I have to fill in every box?
A. No, but remember that , as with a band, you need a good mix of people backing you to get to No.1.
Q. Isn't this a bit too much like hard work?
A. It may feel like that at times but it takes time and energy to reach your goals. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Getting into the lifetime habit
A. Remind yourself the clock is ticking. Don't reach Sunday night and have lots of regrets.
A. Remember this is an ongoing process. Try the Life Fitness Check again to see how you've moved on and spot development needs. Review all feedback and actions on a regular basis.
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