Introduction to the Wheel of Life

The Wheel of Life is a tool that helps individuals visualize different areas of their life, evaluate where they are currently at, and identify areas for personal growth. It was developed by Dr. Marvin R. Weisbord in 1974 as a way to help organizations assess their performance across multiple dimensions. However, it has since been adapted for use in personal development. The wheel consists of eight spokes or categories that represent various aspects of an individual’s life such as career, finance, relationships, health, etc. Each category is represented by a spoke on the wheel, with the hub representing the individual at the center. By creating your own Wheel of Life, you can gain insight into how balanced your life is overall and where you may need to focus more attention.

Benefits of Using the Wheel of Life

There are several benefits to using the Wheel of Life exercise. Firstly, it allows you to take stock of all areas of your life and see how they relate to one another. This can be particularly helpful if you feel overwhelmed or stressed about certain aspects of your life because it provides perspective and context. Secondly, it encourages self-reflection and introspection which can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding. Thirdly, it can serve as a motivator and guide for setting goals and making changes in your life. Finally, it can also be a useful tool for tracking progress and monitoring improvements over time.

How to Create Your Own Wheel of Life

To create your own Wheel of Life, start by drawing a large circle on a piece of paper. Then divide the circle into eight sections, each representing one of the following categories: Career, Finance, Relationships, Health, Hobbies/Interests, Spirituality, Personal Development, and Physical Environment. Next, assign a score out of ten to each category based on how satisfied you are with that aspect of your life. For example, if you are very happy with your relationship, give it a high score of nine or ten. If you are struggling financially, give that category a lower score of three or four. Once you have assigned scores to each category, connect them together with lines to form a complete wheel. Finally, draw a small circle in the middle of the wheel to represent yourself at the center of your life.

Examples of Wheel of Life Categories

Here are some examples of what you might include in each category:

Career – job satisfaction, salary, opportunities for advancement

Finance – debt level, savings account balance, financial stability

Relationships – quality of friendships, romantic partnership, family dynamics

Health – physical fitness, mental wellbeing, diet and nutrition

Hobbies/Interests – creative pursuits, leisure activities, social clubs

Spirituality – religious beliefs, meditation practice, sense of purpose

Personal Development – education, skills training, self-improvement goals

Physical Environment – living conditions, cleanliness, safety

Tips for Interpreting and Acting on Your Results

Once you have created your Wheel of Life, look for patterns and trends in your scores. Are there any categories that consistently receive low scores? What do these categories mean to you personally? How does your Wheel of Life compare to those around you? Use this information to set priorities and make decisions about where to focus your energy and resources. Additionally, consider revisiting your Wheel of Life regularly (e.g., every six months) to track progress and adjust your goals accordingly. Remember, the Wheel of Life is not just a static representation of your current situation but rather a dynamic tool for personal growth and transformation.