Quality of Life Quest

Have you ever tried to navigate a map without knowing your current location? In this episode of The Quality of Life Quest, Anneke explains why knowing your starting point is the most critical step in achieving your goals for 2026. She introduces her "Life Grid" system, a comprehensive, systematic tool designed to help you audit your current standing in health, wealth, wellbeing, and more. Learn how to move past the "airy-fairy" talk and get "nose to nose" with your reality to build a foundation for real change.

Key Takeaways

The Starting Point Paradox: You can’t plot a course to your destination (e.g., London) if you don't know where you are standing right now.

The Life Grid Tool: Anneke shares her "Life Grid," a systematic Google Sheet used to cross-reference and score major life categories like health, wealth, and spirituality on a scale of 1-10.

The Power of One: Instead of a long list of resolutions, focus on achieving one goal at a time to ensure sustainable progress and prevent burnout.

SMART Goals: Learn how to refine your chosen goal by making it Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed.

The Sunk Cost of Hindsight: Anneke shares a personal story of over-committing to too many universities and jobs, illustrating how hindsight can help you decide what to "strike off the list".

Key Moments

[00:00] – The Golden Rule: Start with one goal at a time.

[01:05] – Why knowing your current "point on the map" is essential.

[02:18] – Introducing the "Life Grid" system and the Google Sheet audit.

[04:00] – How to score yourself and identify where you are "lacking."

[06:45] – Tips for starting small with the audit to avoid overwhelm.

[07:40] – The benefits of "short and snappy" reflection.

[08:52] – Hindsight: Anneke’s story of over-commitment in ballet and university.

[10:56] – Closing thoughts and a call to share your SMART goals.

Episode Resources

The Life Grid Google Sheet:⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nEohn_B5X43SgQkKGo-c_ck3DmCWhjvdMsfBlPTHwaE/edit?usp=sharing⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest⁠⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest⁠⁠

In this episode of the Quality of Life Quest, Anneke delves into the concept of discovering one's "North Star," which she defines as the guiding principles that shape an individual's life rather than just setting yearly goals. She emphasises the importance of understanding core values and how they influence decision-making and personal fulfillment. Through a reflective exercise, listeners are encouraged to explore their values by repeatedly asking themselves what is important to them about various topics from a previous self-discovery sheet. Anneke shares her personal journey, illustrating how her North Star is centered around being her best self, while also acknowledging the challenges of maintaining that ideal, such as the temptation of chocolate peanuts. The episode serves as a motivational guide for listeners to align their goals with their core values, ultimately leading to a more meaningful and intentional life.

Key Takeaways

00:00:43-00:01:04: Define your North Star as guiding principles, not just yearly goals.

00:02:21-00:02:31: Core values may be hidden and need to be uncovered.

00:04:50-00:05:12: Identify themes from your values to discover your North Star.

00:07:10-00:07:21: Use your North Star to evaluate decisions and align actions.

00:10:14-00:10:25: Setting goals aligned with your North Star ensures solid foundations for success.

Episode Resources

The Life Grid Google Sheet:⁠  ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nEohn_B5X43SgQkKGo-c_ck3DmCWhjvdMsfBlPTHwaE/edit?usp=sharing⁠ 

The Quality of Life Quest Website: www.thequalityoflife.quest

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest⁠⁠/⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest⁠⁠

Host Bio

Anneke is an engineer who immersed herself in alternative healthcare after she almost died in hospital. Working in that field since 2000. Trainer of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki master, Sports-massage therapist and some other modalities. Currently she is training to be a naturopath whilst working as a healthcare assistant in the Acute Medical Unit. She is looking for the good bits of modern healthcare, which is in the acute setting in her opinion.

In no way, shape or form does she suggest to have life figured out. Hence the quest. There is always more to learn and more insights to be gained. Life is messy and full of surprises and curve balls.

Come along for the ride.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Have you ever set a big goal but felt like you were spinning your wheels? According to host Anneke, the biggest mistake people make when planning their future is not knowing exactly where they are starting from. Just like navigating a map of London, you can't plot a route if you don't know your current coordinates.

In this episode, Anneke introduces her "Life Grid" system—a thorough, systematic approach to auditing your life across health, wealth, spirituality, and personal growth. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed or just looking for clarity, this exercise is designed to put you "nose to nose" with your reality so you can build an unshakeable foundation for the year ahead.

Key Takeaways

The Starting Point Paradox: Setting a goal is useless if you haven't identified your current baseline.

The Life Grid Audit: Anneke shares her "Life Grid"—a comprehensive Google Sheet that cross-references vital life topics like health, wealth, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Honest Self-Scoring: Learn how to score yourself from 1 to 10 across these categories to visualize where you are excelling and where you are lacking.

Case Study: Prestige vs. Finance: Anneke reflects on her own scores, noting that while she scored low in "prestige" (how society perceives her), she didn't care to change it. However, seeing a low score in "finances" in black and white provided the necessary nudge to create an improvement plan.

Overcoming Overwhelm: Auditing your entire life can be daunting. Anneke suggests starting with just one or two columns to build momentum.

Episode Resources

The Life Grid Google Sheet:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nEohn_B5X43SgQkKGo-c_ck3DmCWhjvdMsfBlPTHwaE/edit?usp=sharing 

The Quality of Life Quest Website: www.thequalityoflife.quest

⁠https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest/

⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest⁠

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

The end of the year often feels like a blur of activity, leaving little room for intentional reflection. In this first episode of 2026, Anneke explains how to turn hindsight into a superpower by auditing your 2025 diary. By examining both the highlights and the low points of the past year, you can extract valuable lessons and build a solid foundation for the year ahead.

Anneke shares her personal journey through a major burnout in 2025 and how that difficult period ultimately fostered greater empathy and professional growth. Whether you had a year of major wins or significant challenges, this episode provides a practical framework for reflecting, learning, and starting 2026 with clarity.

Key Takeaways

The Year-End Blur: Acknowledge why the period between November and January often feels overwhelming and lacks space for reflection.

The Diary Audit Challenge: Take your 2025 diary and flip through every appointment—work, private, and health-related—to recall forgotten moments.

Highlighting the Wins: Take time to celebrate and "milk" your successes, no matter how small they may seem now.

Finding Silver Linings: Examine the low points of your year to identify what you learned about yourself, your work, and others.

Empathy through Experience: How personal hardships, like burnout, can lead to increased empathy and a deeper ability to connect with others without judgment.

Planning for Difficult Memories: If a low point is too painful to revisit now, schedule a specific future date to process it so your mind can rest in the meantime.

Creating a Foundation for 2026: Use your gathered insights to create an official start for the new year.

Reflection Exercise:

Step 4: Share your findings or creative resolutions to help clear the air and gain closure.

In this episode, Anneke explores the unique feeling of the "in-between" days—the time between Christmas and the New Year where schedules blur and life feels slightly off-kilter. She shares a practical life hack for the holiday season, reflections on professional appearance, and an exciting five-week roadmap to help you set and stick to your goals for 2026.

The "In-Between" Days: Anneke reflects on the strange, hazy period between Christmas and New Year when time seems to lose its meaning.

The Ironing Life Hack:

Reflections on Appearance: Why Anneke chooses to iron her work uniforms despite not being a fan of ironing in her personal life.

Looking Forward to 2026: A preview of the upcoming five-week series designed to help listeners build a better life:

Week 1: Looking back at the past year to find silver linings.

Week 2: Conducting a thorough "Life Audit" (includes a free Google Sheet tool).

Week 3: Finding your "North Star" to ensure your goals align with your values.

Week 4: Setting specific goals for the new year.

Week 5: Creating a practical roadmap to achieve those goals.

Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

On todays episode of the Quality of Life Quest Advent Calendar, Anneke invites listeners to embrace the final days leading up to Christmas with a focus on reflection, joy, and connection. Spanning from Day 22 to Day 25, the episode encourages a gentle slowing down amidst the holiday hustle, emphasising the importance of checking in with oneself and realigning intentions. Listeners are prompted to engage in simple yet meaningful activities, such as reflecting on personal achievements, dancing freely to uplifting music, and hosting a game night to foster laughter and connection with loved ones. Anneke shares personal anecdotes, highlighting the significance of small moments and memories, particularly those tied to family traditions. As the episode culminates on Christmas Day, it emphasises the value of pausing to light a candle, reflect on the past month, and set intentions for the year ahead, all while celebrating the journey towards a better quality of life.

Key Takeaways

00:01:35 - Reflect on your goals and realign your actions with your intentions.

00:05:20 - Have a mini dance party to release stress and embrace joy.

00:08:44 - Host a game night to create memories and foster connection.

00:12:01 - Light a candle to pause, reflect, and acknowledge your achievements.

00:16:10 - Celebrate your journey and make memories, regardless of your holiday plans.Anneke

Website -

Host Bio

Anneke is an engineer who immersed herself in alternative healthcare after she almost died in hospital. Working in that field since 2000. Trainer of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki master, Sports-massage therapist and some other modalities. Currently she is training to be a naturopath whilst working as a healthcare assistant in the Acute Medical Unit. She is looking for the good bits of modern healthcare, which is in the acute setting in her opinion.

In no way, shape or form does she suggest to have life figured out. Hence the quest. There is always more to learn and more insights to be gained. Life is messy and full of surprises and curve balls.

Come along for the ride.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of the Quality of Life Quest Advent Calendar, Anneke invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-care and kindness during the bustling holiday season. Over the course of the week, the focus shifts to nurturing oneself amidst the chaos of commitments and social obligations. Each day presents a gentle nudge, encouraging listeners to carve out time for solitude, engage in anonymous acts of kindness, indulge in pleasurable reading, unleash their creativity, and even enjoy a festive film. Anneke emphasises the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, and the need to pause and reflect, reminding everyone that these small acts can lead to a better quality of life. With a warm and encouraging tone, the episode serves as a reminder to prioritise personal well-being and to find joy in the little things, ultimately guiding listeners toward a more fulfilling and mindful holiday experience.

In this episode of the Quality of Life Quest Advent Calendar, Anneke invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-care and reflection during the bustling holiday season. Spanning days 8 to 14, the episode emphasises the importance of digital decluttering, gentle nutrition, and the power of handwritten appreciation. Listeners are encouraged to tackle their overflowing inboxes, plan nourishing recovery days amidst festive chaos, and express gratitude through heartfelt letters. The host shares personal anecdotes about managing unfinished projects and the significance of clearing physical spaces, like kitchen cupboards, to create mental clarity. With a focus on trying new recipes and reconnecting with nature through mindful walks, the episode offers a refreshing perspective on finding balance and joy during a time often filled with stress. Each task is presented with a light-hearted tone, reminding listeners that there’s no pressure or guilt—just small, meaningful steps towards a better quality of life.

Key Takeaways

00:01:39 - Inbox Declutter: Unsubscribe from unwanted emails to reduce digital clutter.

00:05:23 - Nourishing Days: Plan non-alcoholic days to recover during festive chaos.

00:10:19 - Handwritten Appreciation: Write a personal note to someone who made a difference this year.

00:14:06 - Unfinished Projects: Gather and assess unfinished projects to reclaim mental space.

00:25:34 - Nature Walk: Go for a walk in nature to clear mental noise.

BEST MOMENTS

"Freeing up your inbox frees up your mind. I do this every now and then, but never as often as I should. And every time I wonder why I left it this long."

"It's about balance. So you can actually enjoy the season without running your system into the ground."

"A couple of thoughtful words written just for someone special, it sticks. And sometimes what makes the biggest impact isn't a gift, it is being seen."

"Unfinished projects are like browser tabs in real life. You don't see them all the time, but they're open somewhere, using up energy."

"When your space is cluttered, your brain gets cluttered too. Clearing even one space gives me a sense of order and that makes everything feel just a little bit more manageable."

Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest

Anneke is an engineer who immersed herself in alternative healthcare after she almost died in hospital. Working in that field since 2000. Trainer of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki master, Sports-massage therapist and some other modalities. Currently she is training to be a naturopath whilst working as a healthcare assistant in the Acute Medical Unit. She is looking for the good bits of modern healthcare, which is in the acute setting in her opinion.

In no way, shape or form does she suggest to have life figured out. Hence the quest. There is always more to learn and more insights to be gained. Life is messy and full of surprises and curve balls.

Come along for the ride.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Welcome to Week One of the Quality of Life Quest Advent Calendar, a slightly unconventional, gently irreverent way to wind down the year with more clarity and less chaos. In this episode, Anneke walks you through the first seven 'metaphorical doors' of December's mini self-improvement journey. Instead of daily pressure, we're batch-processing the first week to help you set the tone for the season. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Immediate Money Savings via Subscription Audits (Day 1): Go through your financial statements (bank, PayPal, Stripe) and immediately cancel any forgotten subscriptions or direct debits for things you are no longer using. This can provide an instant positive result.

Prioritise a Creative Project (Day 2): To offset the holiday chaos, pick one creative project you'd like to do this season (knitting, painting, etc.), and immediately gather all the necessary ingredients/supplies so you are ready to start when the time comes.

Integrate Small, Consistent Movement (Day 3): Choose one small, physical thing to work on in December (strength, balance, coordination) that you can easily integrate into your existing routine, like practising balance while boiling the kettle or doing push-ups while running a bath.

Declutter with the Three-Box Method (Day 4): Tackle your wardrobe using three boxes/piles—Keep (things you wear and feel good in), Donate (clean, wearable items for a charity shop), and Throw Away (items beyond saving, possibly for textile recycling).

Clear the Emotional Decks (Day 6): Identify any "unfinished" personal situations or lingering issues (like a past fallout or awkward moment) that drain your energy, and consider a small, adult step to address them, or at least journal about them, to prevent dragging that emotional load into the New Year.

BEST MOMENTS

“If someone were to quietly siphoning £9.99 out of your bank account each month, you would call it theft. But if it's a forgotten subscription, somehow it's just Tuesday.”

“Forget about anyone else's idea of what should entail some creative production. It doesn't matter. It's your thing.”

“It doesn't really matter what you choose . What matters is that you choose something, one thing, that you'd like to improve just for you.”

“Cluttered closets aren't just about clothes. They're about letting go of what no longer fits you. Clearing out that space gives you room to breathe, simplify and actually see what you enjoy wearing.”

“You're doing this to lighten the emotional load you've been carrying without even really realising it.”

Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest/https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest

Host Bio

Anneke is an engineer who immersed herself in alternative healthcare after she almost died in hospital. Working in that field since 2000. Trainer of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki master, Sports-massage therapist and some other modalities. Currently she is training to be a naturopath whilst working as a healthcare assistant in the Acute Medical Unit. She is looking for the good bits of modern healthcare, which is in the acute setting in her opinion.

In no way, shape or form does she suggest to have life figured out. Hence the quest. There is always more to learn and more insights to be gained. Life is messy and full of surprises and curve balls.

Come along for the ride.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this engaging episode of the "Quality of Life Quest", Anneke dives into the often-taboo topic of poo, emphasising its significance as a vital indicator of overall health. With a blend of humor and personal anecdotes, she recounts her own experiences in a British hospital, highlighting the cultural differences surrounding discussions about bowel movements. Anneke explains the importance of understanding what constitutes "normal" stool, referencing the Bristol Stool Chart and the implications of different consistencies on health. She encourages listeners to take responsibility for their bodies by monitoring their bowel habits and recognizing changes as potential warning signs. Throughout the episode, she underscores the connection between diet, digestion, and well-being, advocating for a proactive approach to health that prioritizes nutrition and self-awareness. With a light-hearted yet informative tone, Anneke invites listeners to embrace the conversation about poo as a crucial aspect of maintaining a high quality of life.

Key Takeaways

00:01:39 : Cultural differences in discussing bodily functions, particularly in the UK.

00:08:35: Emphasizing personal responsibility for understanding one's own health and body.

00:11:06: Introduction of the Bristol Stool Chart to classify stool consistency.

00:30:25: Encouragement to track dietary habits and their effects on health and poo.

BEST MOMENTS

"Poo is your body getting rid of waste. It is a key part of good health and an indication of how well your body is doing."

"Your body, your responsibility. Only in very extreme cases do you hand over the responsibility for your body to someone else."

"If you understand what's normal for you and what's normal in general, you might see the discrepancy as an early indication of maybe I could do better or maybe something is off."

"Health is basic. You either make time for your health, otherwise you will have to make time for illness."

"Poo can give an indication of how well your body is doing in the department of extracting the nutrients and then creating your body parts."

Social Links

https://www.instagram.com/thequalityoflifequest/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thequalityoflifequest

Host Bio

Anneke is an engineer who immersed herself in alternative healthcare after she almost died in hospital. Working in that field since 2000. Trainer of NLP, Time Line Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki master, Sports-massage therapist and some other modalities. Currently she is training to be a naturopath whilst working as a healthcare assistant in the Acute Medical Unit. She is looking for the good bits of modern healthcare, which is in the acute setting in her opinion.

In no way, shape or form does she suggest to have life figured out. Hence the quest. There is always more to learn and more insights to be gained. Life is messy and full of surprises and curve balls.

Come along for the ride.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/