Marcus Buckingham Loved It Hated It Audit

Review recent activities using Marcus Buckingham loved it hated it audit methodology to pinpoint tasks that strengthen or drain your daily energy.

5 time blocks, 30 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Setup and Column Setup: 3 min
Draw two columns on paper titled Loved It and Hated It
Recent Activity Audit: 7 min
Review calendar and task lists from the past two weeks
Energy Sorting: 8 min
Place each task under Loved It or Hated It based on feelings
Red Thread Pattern Analysis: 7 min
Spot common themes in activities that gave you energy
Fifteen Percent Tilt Planning: 5 min
Choose one change to increase loved work by fifteen percent

About this routine

Management researcher Marcus Buckingham created a simple method to identify personal strengths based on emotional energy rather than abstract skills. The Marcus Buckingham loved it hated it audit asks you to examine what you actually do every day and observe how each activity affects your focus, stamina, and mood.

Instead of relying on self report questionnaires, this audit focuses on real behavior. Strengths are defined not merely as things you are good at, but as activities that leave you feeling energized and fulfilled. Weaknesses are activities that drain your reserve, regardless of how competent you might be at doing them.

Running this exercise periodically highlights your core strengths, which Buckingham calls red threads. By making small shifts to increase red thread activities by even fifteen percent, you can rebuild your weekly schedule around work that naturally sustains your attention.

Why this routine works

Clarifies which daily tasks build energy versus cause burnout
Reveals hidden strengths embedded in your existing calendar
Provides a concrete framework for tilting your weekly schedule

FAQ

What is the Marcus Buckingham loved it hated it audit?

It is an exercise where you review recent activities and split them into tasks that give you energy and tasks that drain your energy.

How long does a loved it hated it audit take?

The audit takes 30 minutes to review past activities, categorize them, and plan immediate adjustments for your schedule.

What is a red thread in Marcus Buckingham's methodology?

Red threads are the specific activities, conditions, or themes in your work that consistently bring you energy, focus, and joy.

Sources

Love + Work: How to Find What You Love, Love What You Do, and Do It Together, Marcus Buckingham
Go Put Your Strengths to Work, Marcus Buckingham