Free wheel of life template: Learn a great self-development tool
- Ryszard Skarbek
- Jul 12, 2021
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 22
To start with, I agree with the statement that you can't manage time. You can only manage yourself over time. It is free and flows steadily. It is like a river. How we perceive it and how we use it depends on us.
There are various techniques for effectively scheduling your activities over time. However, I would like to write about a slightly different perspective on time management.
It does not mean that I disagree with these techniques. On the contrary, I use them a lot!
However, I would like to show a broader context of our "being" and present a general compass without which we can effectively manage wrongly invested time.
Implementing changes in the field I want to write about may bring incomparably better benefits than mastering typical techniques.
It is the Wheel of Life (aka Life Balance Wheel). For many people, doing the Life Wheel exercise becomes an "aha!" moment. It's a turning point. In the second part of this article, we explain how the Wheel of Life helps identify areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. We have also prepared downloadable templates in various formats. You will find both filled-in and blank versions.
Most effective techniques of time management.
Let's start with a brief description of popular time management techniques.
Pareto Principle (also known as the 80/20 rule).
Regarding time, this principle says that 20% of our efforts bring 80% of the results. Hence, the point is to think carefully about where to concentrate our efforts before taking action. For example, ask yourself: which of our actions will most help us achieve the intended results?
In other words, the technique of dividing cases according to two criteria: significant and urgent. In short, the idea is to choose first those matters that are significant but not necessarily urgent. Eisenhower himself said, "What is urgent is seldom important. And what is important is rarely urgent."
The technique of planning your calendar according to the 70/30 rule.
I believe business leaders should use this technique regularly. It consists of the fact that we always leave 30% of our calendar unplanned. It is a buffer for unforeseen events.
The principle of dealing with only one case at a time.
In my opinion, this is a crucial detail. It is especially critical for all leaders and managers working in larger organizations. Peter Drucker, a world authority in the field of management theory, writes about it:
“An effective manager does not get involved in anything but this one, only task on which he focuses his strength. Later, he will review the topics and choose the next task that will be at the top of his list from now on.”
I would also like to mention the noteworthy skill that enables one to stick to the course, keep concentration, and deal with time eaters.
If you have decided to work on a selected matter (for example, creating a presentation or preparing an analysis), do not answer the phone (unless the family is calling on a hotline), and do not check your e-mail. If you have your room, close the door. If you work in an open space, use headphones; alternatively, book a conference room.
If you plan to be a boss as part of your career (or you already are, but you want to be an even bigger boss), in my opinion, this skill will play an increasingly important role.
On this occasion, I would also like to mention that scientists busted the myth of multitasking. It turns out that it is simply impossible due to the way our brain is constructed. I also recommend the book "The Myth of Multitasking: How 'Doing It All' Gets Nothing Done" by Dave Crenshaw.
Life Wheel: a different perspective on time management.
Time management techniques are presented mainly in the context of our work. Where are the rest of our lives?
Hence, let me present a powerful tool that enables you to assess different areas of your life instantly.
Let's divide our "world" into four areas:
1. I (me).
My knowledge, skills, talents, experiences, passions, life goals, mental and physical well-being, and personal and spiritual development. Regardless of where I work and who I love at the moment.
2. My job and professional career.
I believe we don't need any explanations here.
3. My loved ones.
My romantic relationships. My relationships with my relatives. Wife, husband, partner, fiancée, children, parents, siblings, and close friends.
4. My social life.
My neighbors, associations, clubs, housing community, church (understood as a community), charity, and volunteering. My overall contribution to my local community and the world.
Imagine a square that you divide into four equal quarters (similar to the Eisenhower Matrix). Now, draw a circle in each quadrant, and let each circle correspond to one of the four areas. And let the radius of each circle show the amount of time you are currently devoting to that area in your life.
"Pictures speak more than 1000 words". Please, look at your drawing. It's you! That is the snapshot of your life. Are you satisfied with this picture? Is it in balance?
If not, please draw the proportion of areas that you would like to achieve in 6 months, a year, and in 3 years. And from tomorrow on, invest your time accordingly.
“Moments of freedom will never be given to you. You must take them.”
Who Invented the Wheel of Life?
The Life Wheel was invented in the early 1960s by Paul J. Meyer. Born in 1928, Paul J. Meyer is considered the creator of the then-innovative business sector focused on personal development.
He founded companies such as Success Motivation Institute (SMI) and Leadership Management Inc. His 24 comprehensive development programs have sold for more than two billion dollars worldwide. It is more than any other author, living or dead, has accomplished in this field.
At the link above, you will find an inspiring biography of Paul J. Meyer, which presents the difficulties he struggled with and yet continued to pursue his goals. His mission drove him to action.
You can also find many inspirational quotes from Paul J. Meyer. I will quote here three selected golden thoughts:
Goal setting is the most important aspect of all improvement and personal development plans. It is the key to all fulfillment and achievement.
Imagine something new, or you will only go where you have been.
Life is a painting, and you are the artist. You have on your palette all the colors in the spectrum - the same ones available to Michaelangelo and da Vinci.
What life categories are analyzed in the Wheel of Life assessment?
Since the 1960s, a lot of time has passed. And like everything in this world, the Wheel of Life is also evolving. In addition, it is a "democratic" framework. Everyone can customize it. That is why it is hard to find the right standard.
The world is changing dynamically. Recently, we faced global changes that affected our entire lifestyle, level of human awareness, and human needs. We discuss personal development here, and the Wheel of Life is a valuable solution that supports this development. Hence, the tool also transforms.
Therefore, in Empowerment Coaching Krakow, we have chosen the Life Wheel template, which reflects the current situation of the 21st-century man.
This model consists of the following eight parts:
1. Job and professional development.
2. Finance (income, savings, expenses, liabilities).
3. Love (romantic relationship and immediate family).
4. Friends, colleagues, and extended family.
5. Contribution to the community and the world.
6. Physical and mental health.
7. Leisure, passions, and hobbies.
8. Personal growth (including spirituality).
How to do the Wheel of Life exercise yourself? Step-by-step guide and examples.
Firstly, create a calm, distraction-free space. Ensure a peaceful environment that will allow you to focus deeply and gain clear insights.
In the header of this text, you can find a simplified version of the Wheel of Life consisting of four parts. Now, we can go further and draw a scale for the radius length. Usually, that is a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the maximum positive value.
A simplified template with a scale of 1-10.
So, you can now do the Wheel of Life exercise using a blank template, but this time mark in each of the four main sections how much time you spend on each main topic.
Then, by connecting individual points from all four parts, you will get a radar chart, which can often be found, for example, in the results of a 360-degree survey or other tests of selected competencies. Such a radar chart will present the life balance or imbalance in a simple graphical way.
Here is an example of such a simplified template to use in the Wheel of Life exercise.
Full template with 1-10 scale.
Now, you can go one step further and do the Wheel of Life exercise more deeply. You will use the template consisting of eight parts, each with a scale of 1-10.
As in the previous step, mark your level of involvement in the appropriate parts of the blank wheel, connect the marked points, and see what picture of YOUR life you get. How healthy (or unhealthy) is your life balance?
Here is the template with eight parts and a scale of 1-10:
Here are some examples of completed diagrams that present a life balance typical for the 21st century:
How can a life coach help you use the Wheel of Life?
Finally, let's reveal the secret that the model proposed in this post is a version (or simplification) of an awareness-raising tool often used in the coaching process. You may find many versions of this stool. One of them is described on the positive psychology portal.
A good coach can help you navigate this process, particularly when your initial discoveries turn out to be shocking. Especially when you first think that you can't change much anyway, or don't have the strength (or worse, time!). A Coach will provide instructions on how to use the wheel. Their non-judgmental mindset will lead you to insightful self-improvement ideas and optimize your goal-setting efforts.
Improving the client's life is always at the heart of the coaching process. Using a wheel of life coaching was one of the best decisions for the lives of numerous people.
However, if you don't need a coach, there are also many online platforms where you can conduct such a test.
But I believe that you can do this valuable exercise without the Internet 😎
There is something powerful about making hand drawings or writing by hand. Such activity makes our thoughts organize and flow from our minds to the outside world, emptying and purifying our minds at the same time. That is why keeping a handwritten diary is a valuable personal development routine.
Choosing the right questions while working with this coaching tool.
If you do your exercises, and it turns out that your picture looks poor, the following in-depth questions will help you with setting goals, building momentum, tracking your progress, and ultimately securing greater fulfillment in your life:
Where do I find the lowest scoring?
Which area do I want to tackle first (choose no more than three)?
How do I like to make selected areas look in 3 months?
What do I need to change first to accomplish this goal?
What is my action plan?
How do I want to increase my level of life satisfaction or contentment?
What is one thing (even simple) that I can start doing differently tomorrow?
What harmful habits can I replace with ones that will serve me better?
How often do I want to revisit my framework?
How will I know that I am progressing towards my goal (weekly, monthly)?
How will I appreciate/reward myself for making the above progress?
How would I like to celebrate achieving my end goals?
A final word to coaches who hesitate about doing wheel of life coaching.
The Wheel of Life template is an effective tool that can help clients assess various areas of their lives. By using this process, clients can pinpoint their current state in certain categories, such as relationships, career, health, and spiritual growth. This tool helps clients identify specific areas where they seek complete satisfaction and emphasizes the importance of a balanced overall life.
As part of the process, clients are encouraged to take time to reflect on each category name and notice warning signs in certain areas. By asking your client to focus on key categories, you can guide them toward their next step in personal development. This resonates particularly with those aspiring to have a more mindful existence, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment in their lives.
Free Wheel of Life Template - Download in PDF format.
To get a printable Wheel of Life Template in PDF format, please find below the link and download various pre-labeled templates.
Invariably, I encourage you to practice manually, marking the appropriate points on the hard copy and then manually painting over the graphical area.
See also:
What's more important: the journey or the destination?
Personal Development - episode 1
Where are you hiding your shadow? – episode 1
TED Video - Projecting Your Shadow
Can spirituality be an escape from reality?
Burnout speaks volumes about the workplace, not people
The power of silence
What Does Einstein's Theory Have to Do with Personal Development?
How to discover your personal values - free PDF e-book for coaching clients
How are emotions made? - free ebook
Leadership and employee engagement - questions for a coaching conversation, free PDF
Life Coach vs Business Coach: What's the difference?
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