Have you ever felt overwhelmed, a bit in a fog, or confused by so many things coming at you? Perhaps in emotional turmoil? Wanting to do so many things yet feeling stuck for lack of priorities?

Be reassured, it is a common state of mind and one that is not too hard to get out of with a few tools. I coach people who are just at that point. I was there myself once upon a time and it was the patient and benevolent questioning of my coach that helped me to find my footing and my direction.

When we are in that state, especially when emotions are involved, everything tends to be in a blur. It is hard to pick out what’s most important, or most timely, because the emotions, which often supersede logic and reason are there making everything seem a priority.

The Wheel of Life

At that point, I find the “Wheel of Life” an invaluable tool (diagram found below).

The principle is that human happiness is found when all the main needs of the human being are satisfied.

The wheel can be modified to work or other specific areas, but I like it best at its most basic form: the balanced representation of our needs. These are:

  • Health
  • Significant Other or Romance
  • Friends and Family
  • Money
  • Career
  • Fun and Recreation
  • Personal Growth or Contribution
  • Physical Environment.

The headings can be modified as most appropriate for you. For example, personal growth could be contribution to society, studying something or spiritual growth. Physical environment is usually applied to your house, but it can be your physical surrounding, it could be where you live (city or not, etc.) It’s all about your needs being met.

How to Use the Wheel of Life Graph

Step One: Draw a wheel similar to the one below and decide on the specific titles you will give your general headings.

Step Two: Go through the headings one by one and decide how you feel you are doing in this area. Give it a number between 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 the highest). This is about your perception of where you are rather than the place itself. Some people might not have a partner but feel totally fine with it, in which case, their number may be 8 or 9. But if it is an area you feel there is a great need not met then you might give it  a 3, or lower. Let your intuition guide you in the number and place a mark on the corresponding spoke of the wheel for each area. 

Step 3: Join the markers and see how “ridable” your bicycle is! Pretty balanced? Congratulations! You must be leading a satisfying life.

Step 4: Deep dents in the wheel? These are the priorities points to tackle. Look at them and decide which one is the easiest to do something about first. Which one can you do something about now?

Step 5: Action Plan. Make a decision on What, Where, When. Specify it in your calendar.

The wheel of life in itself does not guarantee success; it is only a tool to guide you to greater clarity. Getting in touch with a coach and getting a few coaching session will greatly help you bring your goals to fruition because it brings in the accountability factor.

We are all human and one of the best ways to make personal progress is to enlist the help of others who can make us accountable for our decisions.  

Did you know coaching can be done on the phone, or by Skype? Contact me if you have any questions.