Date of the last update: 07.06.2023
The Circle of Life is a popular coaching method used by trainers, coaches and therapists around the world. Importantly, we can also do this exercise on our own to identify those areas of life that need improvement. Find out what it is and how to use the Wheel of Life!
Table of contents:
- What is the Wheel of Life?
- Sample areas for analysis
- How to practice the Wheel of Life on your own?
- Advantages of the Circle of Life as a developmental practice
- Conclusion
You can read this article in 3 minutes.
What is the Wheel of Life?
The Wheel of Life is a coaching exercise invented by Paul J. Meyer. It allows people to evaluate different areas of their lives and identify those they would like to improve. In its classic version, the exercise involves drawing a circle and dividing it into individual sections. Each of them represents a different area of life. It can be, for example, physical health, professional career, spirituality, relationships, etc. Then the participant of such an exercise is asked to rate his level of satisfaction or fulfillment in a given area on a scale of 1 to 10.
Based on the grades given, the trainer and the participant of the exercise can discuss individual answers, and then develop goals and methods of action to improve indicators in those areas that the person is particularly interested in. The Circle of Life exercise can be used in coaching, therapy and group workshops.
Sample areas for analysis
The Wheel of Life is a visual representation of what our life looks like compared to what we would like it to look like. What segments, areas or dimensions of life are most often analyzed using this method? Usually it is 8 or 10 domains. Areas that are particularly often considered with this exercise are:
- physical health,
- career,
- relationship / love,
- family,
- friends and acquaintances,
- finances,
- well-being / emotions,
- personal development,
- passions,
- spirituality,
- recreation / leisure.
Importantly, everyone can create their own Wheel of Life, focusing on the assessment of subjectively selected, most important areas in life.
How to practice the Wheel of Life on your own?
The Circle of Life exercise can be performed not only as part of a coaching or therapeutic session, but also independently. To do this, select the segments of life that you want to analyze. We then indicate how satisfied we are with that area of our lives on a scale of 1 to 10. By combining our answers on a circle divided into ten parts, we will get a second circle representing our balance or lack of balance in life.
Most often, in some areas we will observe a fairly large imbalance in relation to other areas. It is these most “unsustainable” areas that require our greatest attention. The next step is an in-depth analysis of our life vision for this particular field, what we already “have” within it and what we “want to have” in the future. We can stay here for longer and visualize the perfect day. One where we could choose a score of 9 or 10 in a given area. The next step is to think about what we can do to move up 1 point on the scale between the current result and the ideal. The ideal effect of this exercise will be setting yourself a specific task to perform and its subsequent implementation.
Advantages of the Circle of Life as a developmental practice
By evaluating different areas of life and developing practical steps to improve them, Circle of Life practitioners can make progress towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. This exercise can be a helpful tool for anyone who wants to be clear about their goals, priorities and areas they want to develop in the near future.
Interests and take action to achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life. The Wheel of Life allows you to identify your weak points and admit to yourself in which areas significant improvements should be made. Two issues are crucial here. Firstly, practical conclusions should be drawn from this tool and implemented. Secondly, you should repeat the exercise periodically, e.g. every month or quarter, analyzing your progress and, if necessary, making corrections to the chosen course.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wheel of Life can be a helpful tool for all those who want to make positive changes in their lives, as well as for coaches and therapists who work with clients on a daily basis to help them achieve their goals. This method has gained great popularity all over the world and is widely used, which to a large extent proves its high efficiency.
Sources:
- Louise E.: The Complete Guide to The Wheel of Lige, https://www.thecoachingtoolscompany.com/wheel-of-life-complete-guide-everything-you-need-to-know/, dostęp: 24.02.2023
- Jeffrey S.: How to use the wheel of life coaching assessment for personal fullfillment, https://scottjeffrey.com/wheel-of-life/, dostęp: 25.02.2023.
- Mind Tools Content Team, https://www.mindtools.com/ak6jd6w/the-wheel-of-life, dostęp: 25.02.2023.
