Power Tool: LIFEWHEEL©

A Coaching Power Tool created by Balakrishna Shenoy
(Executive Coach, INDIA)

Introduction

A motivated person can move a mountain. It is widely accepted that motivation generates positive energy and sustains our interest until we succeed in our goal. In his 1943 paper

A Theory of Human Motivation

Maslow proposed his now famous hierarchy of needs. These needs are often depicted as a pyramid, though Maslow himself never used the pyramid to explain his theory.

The human mind and brain is complex and have parallel processes running at the same time – so, many different motivations from different levels of Maslow’s pyramid, usually occur at the same time

(Source Wikipedia on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs).

LIFEWHEEL©

It is useful, nay necessary to view our life in all its glorious aspects. Using Maslow’s theory as a base, I have identified nine key areas of life and created the mnemonic LIFEWHEEL©.

The nine areas are Life Purpose, Individual Growth, Family/Friends/Relationships, Emotional Wellbeing, Work/Career, Health/Fitness, Expression/Creativity, Entertainment/fun and Lifestyle.

To assess ourselves in these nine areas of life, I have created a simple survey called the LIFEWHEEL© survey. Through a series of statements and thought provoking questions, the survey helps us to plot our current state, choose our priority, set goals and create action plans.

Choosing Our Priorities

On completing Part One of the survey, we might find ourselves in a sweet spot – i.e. already living a finely balanced life. Or we might find that we have focused too much on one aspect at the cost of one or more areas.
We may have a clear sense of the one significant gap in our need that we want to work on. We may have multiple significant issues and therefore may have to choose our focus.

We are where we are. Identifying what is really important to us and working to make the necessary changes is what really matters. Choosing our priority via the LIFEWHEEL survey can be useful in two ways:

a. We clearly know that the area we have chosen to focus on is our top priority
b. The nagging doubt that there are other needs lurking around the corner is put at rest.

LIFEWHEEL© TOOL

The LIFEWHEEL© Tool is a short survey that is divided into two parts. In the first part, the respondent looks at his/her past and responds to statement relating to the 9 aspects of life. In the second part, the respondent chooses two priorities and a timeframe. The respondent further sets goals, and uses the RPM (Results, Purpose and Massive Action) method to action plan.

The survey can take anywhere between 20 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the respondent’s need to reflect and introspect.

Self Application

The LIFEWHEEL© is a tool that we can use to find our balance or regain our balance. Finding a quiet spot and spending a leisurely hour will go a long way to derive maximum benefit from the tool.
It is recommended we regularly introspect using LIFEWHEEL© – at least once in six months.

Coaching Application

LIFEWHEEL© can be used with clients as a home work. The report can then be used in the coaching session to discuss the issues, goals and action plans.
Web link for LIFEWHEEL©