The first month of the year is always a special time, filled with reflection, hope, and new beginnings. For the past three years, I’ve made it a tradition to dedicate this time to reviewing my Wheel of Life, a simple yet powerful exercise that helps me track progress, identify areas for improvement, and set meaningful goals for both personal and professional growth.
This year was no different. After a calm morning and a breakfast filled with gratitude, I sat down with my notebook to take stock of where I stand. As usual, this moment of reflection was shared with my wife, turning it into a joint exercise that not only strengthens our bond but also sets the foundation for the year ahead.
What better time than the first day of the year to pause, reflect, and commit to growth?
What is the Wheel of Life?
The Wheel of Life is a circular diagram divided into segments, each representing a key area of your life. Common categories include:
- Career
- Finances
- Health and Well-Being
- Love and Relationships
- Home and Family
- Personal Growth
- Hobbies and Leisure
- Social Life
Each segment reflects an area that contributes to your overall well-being. The idea is to rate your satisfaction in each category on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means “completely dissatisfied” and 10 means “fully satisfied.”
This year, I introduced a new scale, extending it from 10 to 20. Why? Because in some areas, I had already reached the maximum rating, but I believe that even when it feels like you’ve achieved the highest level, there’s always room for improvement.
At the end of the exercise, you can use colors to highlight your ratings or connect the points to create a visual representation of your balance – or lack thereof – across different areas of life.
It’s a snapshot that helps you quickly identify where you’re excelling and where you need to focus more attention.
Why is The Wheel of Life so Impactful?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to focus on just a few areas of life, like work or finances, while neglecting others. The Wheel of Life invites you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It encourages you to pause and reflect on what truly matters and what might need more attention to feel fulfilled.
Every time I revisit my Wheel, I gain new insights. Some areas improve, while others demand renewed focus. This year, for example, I realized that while I’ve made significant strides in two aspects, there are two others where I still feel far from satisfied.
For me, the Wheel of Life is not just a tool for reflection but also a guide for continuous improvement. It helps me prioritize, set goals, and most importantly, act with intention.
I’m sharing this because I believe it could spark something in you – a small step towards personal and professional growth.
When is the Best Time to Reflect on Your Wheel of Life?
I personally find the first days of the year to be the ideal time for this exercise. After the holiday season, January 1st offers a unique opportunity to pause, listen to yourself, and define your path for the year ahead.
That said, there’s no need to wait for the new year. My first Wheel of Life dates back to June 20, 2020. The best time to start is whenever you feel the need to take stock of your life—be it on your birthday, mid-year, or during a period of change.
How to Get Started with your Wheel of life
Here’s a simple guide to creating your Wheel of Life:
- Draw a circle and divide it into 8 segments.
- Assign each segment a life area (e.g., career, health, relationships, etc.).
- Rate each area on a scale of 1 to 10 (or higher if you prefer), using different colors to highlight your ratings. Ask yourself how satisfied you feel in each category.
- Observe the chart. What stands out? Which areas need more attention? Where do you feel ready to take the next step?
- Set clear, actionable goals to help you improve weaker areas and maintain your satisfaction in those that are already thriving.
Observe and Act
I see the Wheel of Life as both a tool for observation and a roadmap for action. It’s a way to analyze where you stand and to create a plan for intentional growth.
As someone who has always been driven by the desire to grow—both personally and professionally—I can confidently say this exercise has been a game-changer for me. It’s a practice that clarifies where I am and where I want to go.
If you’re reading this, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised by the clarity it brings and how it can become a trusted ally in building a more balanced and fulfilling life.
