The Wheel of Life is a circular self-assessment tool created by Paul J. Meyer in the 1960s that enables individuals to evaluate satisfaction across major life domains using visual scoring. Originally developed for Success Motivation Institute (SMI), this coaching instrument has become a foundational framework in personal development, helping practitioners identify imbalances, prioritize improvements, and track progress over time. Unlike binary goal checklists, the Wheel reveals nuanced satisfaction patterns through segmented visualization, making abstract life balance tangible and actionable. The tool's enduring value lies in its ability to transform subjective feelings into measurable baselines that guide meaningful change.
What This Cheat Sheet Covers
This topic spans 12 focused tables and 115 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.
Table 1: Core Assessment Components
| Component | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
Circle divided into 8-12 equal segments, each labeled with a life domain | • Visual framework where each segment represents a distinct life area • the circle's shape reflects overall balance | |
Health, Career, Finances, Relationships, Personal Growth, Fun & Recreation, Environment, Spirituality | • Key areas of life assessed independently • typically 8-10 domains though customizable to individual needs | |
Rate each domain 0-10 where 0 = completely dissatisfied, 10 = completely satisfied | • Subjective numerical rating representing current satisfaction level • creates quantifiable baseline for comparison | |
Mark score on each spoke, then draw lines to connect adjacent scores | • Creates visual shape showing balance • irregular/jagged shapes reveal imbalances requiring attention |