Technique 1.166    Wheel of Life (self-assessment)

Introduction
Well-being is subjective, ie how you feel; it is your perception about reality.with
It has different components, ie

- satisfaction in general (subjective judgements about your life)
- satisfaction with important life domains (like work, family, recreation, hobbies, etc)
- positive effect (experiencing pleasant emotions and moods)
- low levels of negative effect (experiencing unpleasant emotions and moods)
(main source: Seph Fontane Pennock, 2023c)

This technique is used to address your satisfaction with important life domains; it requires you to
- identified specific life domains (career development, relationships, leisure time, etc)
- then to rank on a scale (from 1 ('not at all satisfied') to 10 ('completely satisfied') and fill in wagon wheel, ie

(source: Seph Fontane Pennock, 2023c) - after completing the wagon wheel, explore opportunities to increase satisfaction in each domain.

It can be used
- to gauge a sense of your sense of life fulfilment.
- to clarify priorities for goal setting
- to reflect on your current life and future direction
- identify any gaps between perceived balance and reality
- it is a current snapshot that is subject to change with time
- to measure changes over time
"...repeated measures allow you to monitor your progress in the perceived life balance. periodic balance checks can highlight useful pattern to date behaviour changes..."
Seph Fontane Pennock, 2023c

NB The ideal balance between different domains will vary from person to person.
It is a good idea to have somebody who knows you well to validate your rankings. This person should be trusted by you and whose opinion you value.
Awareness of low levels of satisfaction may trigger desire to improve. However, don't setting unrealistic goals to improve your life balance willmost likely cause frustration, lower your motivation and your well-being; it is better to aim to improve rather than to be the best!!
The technique is applicable in group settings; life domains may be replaced with group values like collaboration, honesty, etc, ie it can be used to monitor the extent to which the group behaves in line with its values.

Some recommended defined domains  (10)
"...- money & finance
     - career & work
     - health & fitness
     - fun & recreation
     - environment
     - community
     - family & friends
     - partner & love
     - growth & learning
     - spirituality..."
Seph Fontane Pennock, 2023c

NB If need be, add or modify the domains
Instructions

1. Define the domains (see above for some suggestions)
2. Rank level of your satisfaction (on a scale from 1 ('not at all satisfied') to 10 ('completely satisfied'))
3. After ranking, connect the lines to form an inner wheel (see eg below) (this will give you an overview of the level of satisfaction with your life)



(source: Seph Fontane Pennock, 2023c)

5. Discuss how you want to change the shape of the inner wheel, ie which domains to focus on
6. After domain(s) selection to focus on, asked the following questions
"...- Why does this domain need attention?
     - What would it take to raise your satisfaction by one score in this domain?
     - What can you do to raise your satisfaction in this domain?..."