Before we get started, one of the most essential considerations is, to be honest with yourself when assessing your life balance. 

There are several free templates and worksheets available for you to use, or you can refer to the infographic above and follow the steps below to create your wheel of life by hand and assess your balance.

1. Draw a circle and divide it into eight equal segments. Label each segment with the following life areas: Career, Wealth, Health, Family and Friends, Significant Other, Personal Growth, Fun and Recreation, and Environment.
2. Consider each life area and give it a score from 0 to 10 based on how satisfied you are with that area of your life. For example, if you are very satisfied with your career, you might give it a score of 9 or 10. If you are not satisfied with your health, you might give it a lower score of 3 or 4.
3. Once you have scored each life area, draw a line from the centre of the circle to the point on the circumference that represents that score. Continue to do this for each life area until you have drawn a line for each.
4. Look at the resulting shape that the lines have created. Is it circular or lopsided? This shape is a representation of your wheel of life and shows which areas of your life are thriving and which ones need more attention.
5. Reflect on your wheel of life and ask yourself the following questions: What surprised me? What areas do I need to focus on improving? What areas am I neglecting? What can I do to improve these areas? What changes do I need to make to achieve balance and fulfillment in my life?
6. Set goals for each life area based on your reflections. Write down specific actions you can take to improve each area and make a plan to implement them.
7. Reassess your wheel of life periodically to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments and use it as a guide to help you identify areas of your life that need improvement and make a plan to achieve balance and fulfillment in all areas of your life.

Remember, it is impossible to improve ourselves if we are not willing to acknowledge our weaknesses and areas where we need to make changes. For example, if an individual scores low in the “health” category of the wheel of life, they may need to identify areas where they can improve their diet, exercise routine, or stress management. By being honest with themselves and acknowledging their current state of health, they can take concrete steps towards improving their well-being. 

Similarly, if an individual scores low in the “career” category, they may need to identify areas where they can improve their skills, network, or work-life balance. By recognizing areas where they need to grow and develop, they can create an action plan to achieve their career goals.

So, being honest with oneself and identifying areas that need improvement is crucial for personal growth, improved relationships, career success, and emotional well-being. 

It involves taking a critical look at oneself, acknowledging one’s strengths and weaknesses, and being open to feedback and self-reflection. It may require courage and vulnerability, but it is a necessary step towards becoming the best version of oneself.

A Few Pointers to Live a Balanced Life

Creating a balanced life can be challenging, but it’s an essential component of well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve balance in your life:

• Set clear priorities: Determine what is most important to you in your life, whether it’s family, work, health, or personal growth, and prioritize your time and energy accordingly.
• Establish boundaries: Set limits on your time and energy, so you don’t feel overwhelmed or burned out. Learn to say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities.
• Take care of yourself: Make time for self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring you joy.
• Manage your time effectively: Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and prioritization techniques to stay organized and on track with your goals.
• Cultivate positive relationships: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and make time for meaningful connections with loved ones.
• Seek professional help if needed: If you’re struggling with mental health issues, seek help from a qualified professional, such as a therapist or counsellor.

Creating a balanced life is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and adjustment. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your goals, and you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

What Can Be Done to Improve Each Area of the Wheel of Life?

Once you have the assessment of your wheel of life, do not feel disappointed if something is not upto the mark. It’s natural to feel disappointed when something in our lives isn’t going the way we want it to.

Instead of getting caught up in the areas that may not be where you want them to be, try to focus and embrace the opportunity to reflect on your life and set goals for yourself. 

Use the information from the wheel of life assessment as a starting point to create a plan for how you can take steps to monitor and improve all aspects of our lives. Like the captain of a ship, who constantly scans the horizon, adjusts the sails, and course-corrects when needed to steer towards their desired destination. 

Just as a captain must be vigilant and proactive to ensure the safety and success of their vessel, you must be also intentional and disciplined in your efforts to cultivate a fulfilling and balanced life by taking actions to improve each area of the wheel of life. 

Here are some tips you can consider:

Career

• Develop new skills and learn new technologies to stay up-to-date with industry trends
• Seek out a mentor or coach to help you identify and work towards your career goals
• Network with colleagues and attend industry events to expand your professional circle
• Look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects to gain valuable experience and demonstrate your potential

Wealth

• Create a budget and track your expenses to identify areas where you can reduce spending
• Increase your income by asking for a raise or seeking out new job opportunities
• Save regularly and invest wisely to build wealth over time
• Seek out financial education resources to improve your knowledge of personal finance

Health

• Exercise regularly and incorporate physical activity into your daily routine
• Eat a balanced diet and limit processed and high-sugar foods
• Get adequate sleep each night to promote physical and mental health
• Seek medical attention for any health concerns or issues

Family & Friends

• Plan regular social events with friends and family to strengthen relationships
• Make time for one-on-one conversations and quality time with loved ones
• Offer support and encouragement to family and friends during difficult times
• Join community organizations or groups to meet new people and expand your social network

Significant Other

• Schedule regular date nights or special outings to prioritize your relationship
• Communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your thoughts, feelings, and needs
• Show appreciation and affection regularly to reinforce your bond
• Work together to address any issues or challenges in your relationship

Personal Growth

• Set personal goals and develop a plan to achieve them
• Read books, attend seminars or take courses to learn new skills
• Practice self-reflection and introspection
• Seek feedback and constructive criticism to identify areas for improvement
• Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone
• Volunteer or engage in community service to gain new perspectives

Fun & Recreation

• Schedule regular downtime for yourself and prioritize activities that bring you joy.
• Try new activities or hobbies that you’ve always been curious about.
• Plan outings or vacations that allow you to explore new places and experiences.
• Join a recreational sports league or club to stay active and social.
• Spend time with friends and loved ones doing activities you all enjoy.

Environment

• Declutter and organize your living and work spaces to create a more comfortable and functional environment.
• Decorate your living space with plants or artwork that make you happy and inspired
• Improve lighting, air quality, and temperature to enhance your physical comfort
• Create a cleaning and maintenance schedule to keep your environment clean and tidy
• Consider moving to a new location or upgrading your living space if it no longer suits your needs or preferences

You have the power to make positive changes in your life, and every step you take towards a better future is a step in the right direction. So don’t be too hard on yourself. Keep moving forward with a positive attitude and a determination to create the life you want.

The Bottom Line

Leading a balanced life is like being in a well-tuned orchestra, where every instrument plays its part in harmony to create a beautiful symphony. In a balanced life, every aspect of one’s life, including work, family, health, and personal growth, receives the attention and care it needs to function at its best. 

Just as an orchestra needs every instrument to be in tune and play its part, a balanced life requires that all aspects of one’s life are in sync and not overwhelming each other. When we achieve balance, we can experience a sense of calm and fulfilment, like a well-conducted orchestra producing a beautiful and harmonious sound that is pleasing to the ears.