Wheel of life: what it is and how to use it to identify needs

The wheel of life is a useful tool for self-analysis and prioritization.

Many times, people, as multidimensional beings that we are, feel that several of the aspects that make up our lives are not fully realized and we want to improve, but we do not know where to start.

That is why we are going to present in this article one of the most useful tools for self-analysis, the wheel of life. Coming from the field of coaching, it allows us to have a greater awareness of the aspects to improve in each one of us and to start this process of self-realization. Let's see more in depth what it is and how to carry it out.

What is the wheel of life?

The wheel of life is a graphic tool from the field of coaching, which allows us to have a greater awareness of the aspects that make up each one, what is the perceived degree of satisfaction of each one of them and also to start the process of self-improvement. Visually, allows to know if the person's vital needs or desires are in balance or not..

This technique was developed by Paul J. Meyer, one of the leading figures in coaching, personal and professional development, known for being the founder of the Success Motivation Institute. Meyer took as inspiration for the development of this technique the wheel of life of the Tibetan Buddhist religion.

Utility of this technique

Meyer's Wheel of Life is a technique for self-analysis of the different areas that a person considers important in his or her life. Thanks to it, helps you to have a better awareness of how these vital needs and desires are being met or not being met at the present time, as well as allowing you to compare with past times and see if any progress is being made. and desires are being met or not at the present time, as well as allowing you to compare with past times and see if any progress is being made.

Basically, the advantages offered by this technique are the following:

• Identification of which areas are considered important to the person.
• Awareness of the degree of life satisfaction.
• It allows to know where to start to improve.
• Stimulates the initiation of a process of change.
• It helps to be constant, favoring the focus on the less satisfactory aspect.
• It allows you to be aware of how far you are progressing.
• It can be applied both at personal and work level.

How to elaborate it: steps to follow

Although the technique itself is easy to develop, it is necessary to follow a series of steps to ensure that the self-analysis is done in the most satisfactory way.

1. Representing the areas in a circle

First of all, proceed to represent the areas considered most important to the person in a circle. of the person in a circle.

On the Internet there are many pages where you can download a template with the wheel of life already elaborated, and there are also mobile applications that also have a virtual wheel. Another option, more common and simple, is to draw a circle on a sheet of paper and manually write the names of each area outside its circumference.

Each person is different and, therefore, may consider as highlighted areas in his or her one or others. That is why the number of areas and their name is very variable.

However, the most common are the following: family, couple, health, friendship, work, studies, economy and personal success..

2. Scoring each aspect

Once the number of areas considered fundamental in the person's life has been selected, they are given a score based on the degree of satisfaction perceived for each of them.

Normally, scores range from 1, not at all satisfied, to 10, totally satisfied.. The lower the score, the closer the point is to the center of the circle for that particular aspect.

Scores from 8 to 10 mean that you are very satisfied in that particular area. 5 to 7 means that, although you are not very dissatisfied, you should initiate improvement. Below 4 means that you should urgently look for ways to improve them.

3. Join areas and analyze

Once values have been assigned to each area, they are joined by drawing a line and thus a geometric figure is drawn..

When the values given for each aspect have been joined together, it will be possible to see what the person's life is like, roughly speaking.

If the figure that has been drawn is more or less harmonious, similar to a circle, it means that there is a certain balance in the person's life. On the other hand, if the figure is irregular, with ups and downs, it indicates that there are areas that are less satisfied than others.

It should be said that the fact that there is a certain harmony does not mean that the person is satisfied. It is possible that, in fact, all aspects are so low that there is harmony in terms of how dissatisfied you are in general with your life.

4. Begin the change

Once you have identified the areas where you are least satisfied, it is time to start improving, it is time to start improving.

First of all, it is important to meditate on whether you have been sincere or exaggerated your dissatisfaction with that element. If you have been honest, you can proceed to improve. It is not necessarily necessary to start with the lowest score given, although it is a good starting point.

In order to achieve change, it is necessary to draw up an improvement plan. It is very important to think deeply about how the selected aspect is going to be improved, and also to take into account possible obstacles that may be encountered along the way.

Brainstorming is extremely necessary at this point.It is also necessary to consult with people you know in order to find the right balance in the short and long term. It is quite productive to select short term goals that are realistic but at the same time stimulating, since they will make it easier to reach the final objective and will contribute to stay focused and motivated.

To be aware of the progress you are making, it is highly recommended to keep a diary in which you write down everything you are achieving, in addition to dedicating some time each week to evaluate the state of the situation in general.

Also, as a follow-up, it is advisable to make, after a certain period of time, a new wheel of life, comparing how you were at the beginning of the process and how you are now..

What does each plot mean?

As we have already mentioned, each person is different and, therefore, will give greater importance to different aspects compared to the rest of their peers, however, there are certain areas that tend to appear in most of the wheels of life.

Below we will look at some of them, offering sample questions that can help in the analysis of satisfaction.both general and particular, of the person.

1. Health

Do I usually have a cold? Do I take too much medicine? Do I exercise regularly? How many times have I been sick in the last month? Should I see a doctor? Do I need psychological help?

2. My job

Am I satisfied with my job? Is it what I wanted to be? Is there a chance for promotion? Am I working in what I have studied? What job options do I have?

3. Partner

Do I love my partner? Do I feel satisfied in this relationship? Does he/she satisfy me sexually? Am I enough for him/her? Is he/she enough for me? Is there still the same magic as in the beginning?

4. Family

Who is my family? Do my parents, brothers/sisters, and other Blood relatives fall within my concept of close family? Are my closest friends my real family? What are the family dynamics I am exposed to? Does my family love me? Do I love my family?

5. Friends

Do my friends satisfy me? What is a friend to me? Do I call anyone a friend? Do I feel that they are really my friends?

6. Studies

Do I like what I am studying? Am I good at what I am studying? Am I really learning? Should I do something else?

7. Personal success

Do I feel comfortable with my life? Do I believe that better times are really coming? Am I important in anything? What can I offer to the world?

8. Economy

Do I earn enough? do I spend too much? should I save more? how can I manage my money better? do I need help from a manager?

Bibliographical references:

• Kübler-Ross, E. (2013). The wheel of life. Vergara.
• Zeus, P., & Skiffington, S. (2004). "Practical "coaching": a complete guide to techniques and tools. McGraw-Hill, Interamericana de España.