Tools for Transformation Tuesday: Wheel of Life Exercise

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to lead an introductory teacher training session and participate in the thesis presentation of a dear friend who is completing her advanced training. Both sessions utilized the Wheel of Life exercise, and in both settings, the majority of the participants remarked it was a new experience for them, which led me to believe it might also be new for some of you.

The Wheel of Life exercise is a tool used by life coaches, entrepreneurs, and teachers to help you assess the different areas that comprise your life. You first identify the different activities and relationships that make up your life - from faith to work to family to any other area you consider important. You then assess your level of satisfaction (or lack thereof) in each of these categories. Seeing these elements compares side by side enables you to identify whether an area (or areas) are out of balance. The next step is to create an action plan to address areas of concern, including what obstacles might stand in your way and what resources can help you make progress.

I have completed this exercise a number of times, and it never fails to illuminate improvements I can pursue, as well as reflecting progress I have made along the way. Whether or not this idea is new to you, I encourage you to carve out 20-30 minutes this week to assess the different spheres of your life and consider how you can move toward greater balance.

INSTRUCTIONS

The sections in the Wheel of Life represent balance. The number of areas is not important - feel free to change, split, or redesignate any category to make it meaningful for you.

• Assuming the center represents a value of zero (very dissatisfied) and the outer edge represents 10 (very satisfied), rank your level of satisfaction with each area and draw a corresponding line across the section.
• The new perimeter of the circle represents your life wheel.

 As you look at your wheel, notice where you are out of balance. Are you achieving success at work at the expense of investing in personal relationships? Are you neglecting your spiritual development because of an intense focus on physical well-being?

Identify one category in which you want to make a change. Create an action plan by asking yourself:

• What would a 10 look like for me in this area?
• What is the primary obstacle to achieving this outcome?
• How can I overcome the obstacle? What outside resources might be necessary for me to do so?

Determine one step you can take this week, and begin to move forward toward a more balanced and satisfying life.