The Power of Exchange Worksheet: Evaluating Your Life’s Exchanges

 

Worksheet: Evaluating Your Life’s Exchanges

Based on “The Omnipresence of Exchange” by Bill Conley

Step 1: Awareness of Exchanges

Write down how you spent the last 24 hours. Be honest and specific.

• Morning (waking up, commute, etc.):
• Afternoon (work, meals, activities):
• Evening (family, entertainment, rest):

Reflection Questions:

1. What did you exchange your time and energy for during these hours?
2. Were these exchanges intentional or automatic?
3. Which exchanges left you feeling fulfilled, and which left you feeling drained?

Step 2: Identifying Meaningful vs. Empty Exchanges

Activity / Exchange	What I Gave (time, energy, money, emotion)	What I Got in Return	Did it bring peace, joy, or purpose? (Yes/No)	Notes
Example: Scrolling on a phone	1 hour of time, mental energy	Mild distraction	No	Left me feeling guilty afterward
Example: Dinner with family	2 hours, presence	Connection, laughter	Yes	Strengthened relationships

Reflection Questions:

• Which of your daily exchanges moves you closer to the life you want?
• Which ones steal peace, joy, or purpose?

Step 3: What Are You Currently Exchanging Your Life For?

Finish these prompts:

• I often trade __________ for __________, and it leaves me feeling __________.
• If I keep making these exchanges, in five years my life will look like __________.

Step 4: Designing Better Exchanges

Now decide: What new trades do you want to make?

Examples:

• Trade distraction for focus.
• Trade bitterness for forgiveness.
• Trade self-centeredness for service.
• Trade fear for faith.

Your Personal List of Better Exchanges:

1. ---

2. ---

3. ---

4. ---

5. ---

Step 5: Purpose and Direction

Answer honestly:

1. What is the ultimate purpose I want my life to serve?
2. Which exchanges bring me closer to that purpose?
3. Which exchanges pull me away from it?
4. What small exchange can I begin making today to move toward peace, joy, and meaning?

Step 6: Daily Check-In

At the end of each day, ask yourself:

• What did I exchange my life for today?
• Did those exchanges reflect my values and purpose?
• What will I exchange differently tomorrow?

✅ Remember: Every moment is a transaction. Choose to trade your life for what brings peace, love, joy, and meaning.