This is the perfect time to reflect on life and whether we are going in the direction we desire. So with that in mind I thought it may be helpful to include this great visual tool, the Wheel of Life to access those areas of life that are doing well and those areas that are a little neglected. I find that it allows me to truly evaluate if I am going after what is really important to me instead of getting caught up in the craziness of life.
The diagram below represents a wheel of your life, divided into 8 segments, a bit like a pie chart. Each labeled segment represents an area of your life which is further divided from centre to outer circumference, 0 to 10.
Directions for use of the Wheel of Life:
- Before you start to fill in your wheel, I suggest you date it so that you can do another wheel in the future, whether that is in 3 months or next year. Then you will be able to assess your progress.
- Consider each segment of the wheel, asking yourself how you feel about the titled segment at this moment and then with a pen/pencil/coloured (my preference), draw a line in that segment from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (fully satisfied) to give it a score, e.g. if you felt that your Fun and Recreation segment was out of balance (all work, no play) then you may score it a 2. Draw the line (a colour for each segment is a powerful visual) and then continue to the next segment and do the same until you have completed the entire wheel. IMPORTANT: Use the first number/score that comes into your head, not the number that you think you should be!
- Now look at each scored segment. Everyone’s wheel is unique. There is no right or wrong. Consider the lower scored segments and decide whether you wish you could have scored them higher. Just because a segment is lower scored doesn’t mean you actually want to enhance the segment score as it may be unimportant to you at this time. It is important to interpret what your wheel is telling with a liberal dose of common sense.
Questions to ask yourself regarding your wheel:
- Are there any surprises for you?
- How do you feel about your life as you look at your Wheel?
- Which of these areas would you most like to improve?
- Write down 3 possible actions you could take that would result in enhancement in the segment.
- Review the 3 actions of enhancement and choose the action that would benefit you most.
- Write down a date when you will initiate this action.
It’s good to have a plan and this tool can help you with that.
Happy New Year! May your 2018 be filled with joy and wonderful surprises.
Written by Anne French, Chiropractor and Functional Medicine Practitioner.
