Lifeline Chart [How to Create | Generation Template]
What is a Lifeline Chart?
A lifeline chart is a method used at life milestones such as changing jobs as a professional, job hunting as a student, or starting a business, to look back on the past, reflect on oneself, deepen self-understanding, and think about one's future life.
I have released a lifeline chart generation template (template) that makes reflection and creation easier. I have also provided examples. There are tips for how to create and reflect on it, so please use them as a reference.
Have you ever seen a graph like this?
It is a graph created by looking back on your life so far and quantifying the degree of positive/negative feelings you had at each age.
This is a technique for looking at the past.
Some people say you should look forward and value the future, but is focusing on the past a bad thing?
No, I recommend looking at the past first in order to see the future.
This is because it has the following effects.
What are the benefits of creating a lifeline chart?
You can reaffirm what brings you joy and what you find painful
You can better understand which experiences you perceive as more significant among the many you have had
As self-understanding progresses, you can see the direction for your future life and career design, starting with actions to increase joy and ways to reduce pain
Therefore, I have created a template generation sheet for you to create one while carefully taking stock of your past.
How is this different from traditional methods?
Writing with paper and pencil
While paper and pencil are easy for quick creation, you could not save them on a PC to add to later.
Writing with Excel or PowerPoint
While it is easy to rewrite multiple times, drawing the lines was difficult and stressful.
Let's try creating a lifeline chart
This generation template allows you to focus on taking stock of your past and frees you from the hassle of drawing the chart.
How to use
We provide two methods.
Google Spreadsheet (account required)
Microsoft Office Excel
Before downloading the file, please take a look at the following.
Enter your birth year. Your age and the calendar year will be calculated automatically.
Enter your school and work history. This will make it easier to recall things from that time.
While entering the index, make notes on the reasons.
Enter values from -100 to 100, with 0 being the center.
As you enter the numbers, the graph will be generated accordingly.
Tips for inputting
If you enter the numbers relatively, thinking, 'It was like this back then, so maybe the number for this time should be a little lower,' you will feel more satisfied with the graph you create.
For the peaks and valleys of the graph, and for impressive parts, it becomes easier to understand if you use callouts to note what happened and what kind of period it was for you.
Try writing down your realizations
Once you have finished creating it, we recommend writing down what you have realized.
There is a section at the bottom of the graph for you to write in.
Terms of use
Use Cases
I graduated from Globis Management School in March 2022, and I created this during a course where we learned about leadership and our own personal missions. (This file is based on what I created independently at that time.)
Additionally, it is effective for self-analysis at milestones like job hunting or changing careers, and for mutual understanding in company team-building. It is recommended not only for life milestones but also when considering your future path.
FAQ
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[Q] I would like edit access to the Spreadsheet.
Edit access is not required. Please copy it to your own Google Drive to use it. (There is an explanation in the readme.)
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[Q] Can I use this for commercial purposes?
Feel free to do so! I would be happy if you could introduce this page if possible.
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[Q] I want to edit and improve it for my own use.
I would love to incorporate improvements into the template, so please send me your feedback.
Download
★Please read this before opening the Google Spreadsheet below.
Edit access is not required. I have included an explanation in a sheet called 'readme'. Please read that, then copy it to your own Google Drive to use it.
(Even so, many people still press the request edit access button. In that case, the system is set up so that I receive a request email from your Google account address, and I provide support by replying with instructions on how to use it.)
Google Spreadsheet Version Lifeline Chart (Account required)
Excel Version Lifeline Chart
Finally
Please take a moment to pause and look back at your past self.
I believe that by doing so, the past connects to the future.
If you like this, please give it a 'Like', and if you would like to see other articles in the future, please 'Follow' me as well.
Contact
Please feel free to contact me.
https://twitter.com/shujinext