The Self Boot-Check
The Self Boot-Check is a powerful self-reflection tool designed to help individuals take an honest look at their well-being across eight key areas: mental health, relationships, movement, nutrition, sleep, spirituality, creativity, and finances. By assessing where they stand in each of these areas, individuals can identify strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and take intentional steps toward personal growth.
Using the Self Boot-Check is simple but impactful. As you reflect on each area, use the following system:
Green: Things are going great—you’re thriving in this area.
Yellow: Things are good, not bad but not great—there’s room for improvement.
Red: This area needs attention, and you may need support or a plan to improve it. It’s ok to ask for help!
This tool has not only helped individuals gain clarity in their personal journeys but has also led to Self Boot-Check classes and impactful presentations in high schools, encouraging young people to take ownership of their well-being. By regularly engaging with the Self Boot-Check, individuals can develop self-awareness, take proactive steps toward a healthier life, and build a strong foundation for personal success.
Self Boot-Check Definitions:
Mental: thoughts, emotions, and ability to deal with life’s challenges; maintaining high-self-esteem and strong self-image; ability to respond resiliently to emotional states and flow of life everyday; dealing with a variety of situations realistically; taking responsibility for your own behavior (accountability); look to the future with enthusiasm rather than dread; approach each day with presumption that things will go well.
Relationships: positive connections with others around you; be inclusive; having a supportive network of friends and family; connecting and engaging in your community; having positive interactions and enjoying being with others; caring for others and for the common good, and allowing others to care for you; enrich the lives of others; people who have a strong community base can give love, consider others’ interests, respect personal differences, and feel responsible for their fellow human beings.
Movement: listening and taking care of your body for optimal health and functioning; understanding that movement boosts energy, stimulates brain activity, and brings about enormous sense of well-being. Do you get as least 3 days of cardio endurance exercise, 2 days of strength training and time for mobility movement?
Nutrition: understanding good nutrition practices; have a solid balance of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, heart-healthy oils most days. Do you refrain from abusive or addictive behaviors related, but not limited to, drugs, alcohol, food, caffeine, etc.
Sleep: influences your productivity, emotional balance, brain and heart health, immune function, creativity, vitality, and even your weight. No other activity delivers to many benefits with so little effort! Do you get as least 7 hours of sleep a night on average?
Spiritual: possess a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning; develop and have a purpose in life; focuses on the positive aspects of life; can find this through meditation, nature, good works, loved ones or religion; explain what and why you believe what you do; practice the power of pause and eliminate hurry; practice forgiveness and compassion in life; caring and active for the welfare of others and the environment; be in the moment; finding joy, peace and happiness; are you using technology to feed your mind in a healthy way?
Creativity: acknowledging that change is inevitable; welcome new experiences; think outside the box; practice hobbies, skills, etc. to bring a sense of joy and purpose in life to shape your future.
Financial: the balance between having a healthy state of well being today while preparing financially for tomorrow. It is not necessarily about being wealthy, but it is a state of psychological well being in which one feels they have control over their current finances and financial future; living with in your means.
Are you Red, Yellow, or Green?