Life is a delicate balance of many parts, and sometimes it helps to step back and look at the bigger picture. The Wheel of Life is a simple, powerful tool to bring awareness to where you are now and where you'd like to be. It’s a chance to reflect, refocus, and take action in a way that feels both achievable and inspiring.

Let’s guide you through creating your own Wheel of Life, step by step.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

Around the New Year, it’s natural to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. Resolutions might feel exciting at first, but for many of us, they come with a hidden trap. If we don’t stick to them perfectly, we can feel guilt or disappointment, which can chip away at our self-esteem.

The Wheel of Life offers a kinder, more flexible way to approach growth and change. Instead of overwhelming yourself with rigid goals, you’re invited to gently assess what matters most to you and focus on small, meaningful steps that feel good. Not to try to achieve perfection overnight—think about honouring your unique journey and taking care of yourself in the process.

What Is the Wheel of Life?

The Wheel of Life is a visual tool—a pie chart of eight sections representing key areas of your life. These sections might include Love, Fun, Work, Health, Self-Development, Self-Care, Money, Family, Friends, Legacy, or Connection—or you can create your own categories. The beauty of the Wheel of Life is that it’s entirely yours to shape.

Each section is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “needs a lot of work” and 10 being “couldn’t be better.” This is not about judgment or self-criticism; it’s about clarity. If some areas are low, that’s simply an opportunity to explore how you can bring more balance and joy to those parts of your life.

Making Self-Care a Priority

In the rush of daily life, it’s far too easy to put ourselves last. Whether it’s the demands of work, family, or simply surviving the day, self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. The Wheel of Life is a gentle reminder to check in with yourself. It’s not about adding another chore to your to-do list; it’s about creating space to prioritise your well-being.

Taking time to reflect on your life and what you need isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you nurture yourself, you build the foundation for everything else in your life to thrive.

How to Create Your Wheel of Life

1. Choose Your Eight Sections
Reflect on the aspects of life that matter most to you. What are your priorities right now? What areas feel like they need attention? Your eight sections might include classics like Health or Work, or something deeply personal like Adventure, Creativity, or Spirituality.

2. Rate Each Section
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate how satisfied you feel in each area today. Remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s simply a snapshot of where you are right now.

3. Identify One Thing for Each Section
For each area, think about one action that would have the most positive impact over the next year. For example:

• If your Health is rated low, perhaps the one thing is committing to regular exercise, improving your diet, or prioritising better sleep.
• If your Self-Care score is low, maybe the one thing is setting aside 15 minutes a day just for you—whether that’s journaling, meditating, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea.
• By choosing just one thing per section, you avoid overwhelming yourself and set yourself up for sustainable, meaningful progress.

Make It Fun

It’s important not to see this as a chore. Instead, think of it as a gift to yourself—a chance to spend some time focusing on you. Make it an enjoyable experience!

• Gather some colourful pens, markers, or even stickers to make your Wheel of Life visually appealing.
• If you love crafting, turn it into a collage by cutting out pictures or words from magazines that represent each section of your life.
• Play your favourite music or enjoy a cup of tea as you work on your wheel.

By making the process enjoyable, you’ll create something you’re proud of and want to revisit throughout the year.

Focusing on One Step at a Time

It’s easy to feel like there’s a lot to fix when some areas of your wheel score low, but this isn’t about tackling everything at once. Start by picking one or two areas that feel most important to you right now—the ones where a small change could make a big difference. If you feel ready, you can choose one thing for each area, but don’t pressure yourself to address everything at once. This process is about creating manageable, positive momentum.

By focusing on just one or a few steps at a time, you’ll build confidence and start to see positive changes ripple through your life. Once you’ve made progress in these areas, you can revisit your Wheel of Life and set new goals.

A Tool for Positivity

If any section of your wheel feels particularly low, don’t let it dishearten you. Low scores are simply opportunities to bring awareness and action to that part of your life. Instead of viewing it as a problem, see it as a chance to create positive change.

For example:

• If your Connection score is low, perhaps the one thing you commit to is scheduling regular coffee catch-ups with friends.
• If Work feels overwhelming, maybe the one thing is setting clearer boundaries to protect your time and energy.

Even small changes can have a profound impact over time.

Your Wheel, Your Journey

The Wheel of Life isn’t just a tool for the New Year—it’s something you can revisit at any time. Whenever you feel out of balance or stuck in survival mode, it can help you reflect, reset, and refocus.

Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to a life that feels fulfilling and balanced. So why not give it a try? Spend a little time designing your Wheel of Life, and see where it leads you.

What’s one thing you’ll start with today?