WHEEL OF LIFE OF A MENTOR/ENTREPRENEUR

Often, people, as multidimensional beings, feel that they have to be Several aspects of our lives are not fully realised and we want to improve, but we don't know where to start.

That is why we are going to present in this TIP one of the most useful tools for self-analysis, the wheel of life. Coming from the field of coaching allows to have a greater awareness of the aspects of each of us that need to be improved and to start this process of self-realisation. 

What is the wheel of life?

The wheel of life is a graphic tool from the field of coaching, which allows a greater awareness of the aspects that make up each one of us, the perceived degree of satisfaction of each of them, and also to initiate the process of self-improvement.

Visually, allows us to know whether the person's vital needs or desires are in balance or not. The developer of this technique was Paul J. Meyer, one of the leading figures in coaching, personal and professional development, known as the founder of the Success Motivation Institute.

Meyer took the wheel of life of the Tibetan Buddhist religion as inspiration for the development of this technique.

Usefulness of this technique:

Meyer's Wheel of Life is a technique of self-analysis of the different areas that a person considers important in his or her life. As a result, it helps 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.

Basically, the advantages offered by the wheel of life are:

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

How to make the wheel of life: steps to follow

Although the technique itself is easy to work out, a number of steps need to be followed to ensure that the self-analysis is done in the most satisfactory way.

1. REPRESENTING THE AREAS IN A CIRCLE

First of all, the most important areas of the person should be represented in a circle. On the internet there are many websites where you can download a template with a ready-made wheel of life, and there are also mobile applications that also have a virtual wheel.

Another, more common and simpler option 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 andtherefore, can be considered as areas of emphasis in one or the other. This is why the number of areas and their names vary greatly. However, the most common are: family, partner, health, friendship, work, studies, economy and personal success.

2. SCORING EACH ASPECT

Once the number of areas considered fundamental to the person's life has been selected, The scores are then given on the basis of the degree of satisfaction perceived for each of them. Typically, scores range from 1, not at all satisfied, to 10, fully satisfied.

The lower the score, the closer to the centre of the circle the point will be for that particular aspect. Scores of the 8 to 10 means that you are very satisfied in the particular area. From 5 to 7 means thatThe situation is not very unpleasant, an improvement should be initiated.

Below 4 means that urgent improvement must be sought.

3. LINKING AREAS AND ANALYSING

Once values have been assigned to each area, they are joined by drawing a line and a geometric figure is drawn. When the values given for each aspect have been put together, it will be possible to see what the person's life is like in broad terms.

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 some areas are less satisfied than others. It should be said that the fact that there is some harmony does not mean that the person is satisfied.

It is possible that, in factIn this way, all aspects are so low that there is harmony in terms of how dissatisfied you are with your life in general.

4. START THE CHANGE

Once you have identified the areas where you are least satisfied, it is time to start improving. First of all, it is important to reflect on whether one has been sincere or exaggerated dissatisfaction with this element. If you have been honest, you can proceed to improve.

You do not necessarily have to start with the lowest score given, although it is a good starting point. ¡¡In order to achieve change, it is necessary to develop an improvement plan!

It is very important to think deeply about how the selected aspect is going to be improved and, also, account should be taken of possible obstacles that may be encountered along the way. Brainstorming (+) is extremely necessary at this point, as well as, to be able to consult well-known forms in order to find the right balance in the short and long term.

It is quite productive to select short-term goals to achievethat are realistic but at the same time stimulating, as they will make it easier to reach the final goal and help to stay focused and motivated.

In order to be aware of the progress being made, it is highly recommended to tkeep a diary of what is being achieved, and take time each week to assess the overall state of the situation. Also, as a follow-up, it is advisable to carry out, 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 his or her peers, however, there are certain areas that tend to appear in most of the wheels of life.

In the following, we will look at some of them, offering sample questions that can help in the analysis of both general and individual satisfaction:

1. HEALTH

• Do I often 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 go to a doctor?
• Do I need psychological help?

2. WORK

• Am I satisfied with my work?
• Is it what I wanted to be?
• Is there a chance I will be promoted?
• Am I working in what I have studied?
• What are my employment options?

3. COUPLE

• Do I love my partner?
• Do I feel satisfied in this relationship?
• Does it satisfy me sexually?
• Am I enough for him/her?
• Is it 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 to which I am exposed?
• Does my family love me?
• Do I want 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 study?
• Am I good for what I am studying?
• Am I really learning?
• Should I do something else?

7. PERSONAL SUCCESS

• Am I comfortable with my life?
• Do I believe that better times are really coming?
• Am I important in any way?
• What can I offer 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?