Do you feel like you’ve hit a roadblock? You were happy, satisfied, and even excited about where your life was going… but now something feels off. You’re no longer motivated or enthused with your current situation. Everything at work is “fine.” Everything at home is “alright.” Yet, something feels off balance, and you know it deserves your attention.
What’s a Life Wheel?
If you’re feeling restless or as if you’re experiencing a lull in your life, then chances are one or more aspects of your life aren’t being fulfilled. Fortunately, there’s a simple and methodical method for getting to the root of the problem and addressing said problem, as explained by Dr. Paulette Sherman: “When you are restless, you can connect with that feeling and ask yourself why. Are your feelings trying to tell you something that you are attempting to run away from by keeping busy? Are you lonely, sad about something? Or are you bored and something is missing?
If it’s the latter than you can use a coaching tool like a life wheel (which is basically a circle divided into 8 quadrants or life areas) and rate your satisfaction from 0-10 (none to totally satisfied). Look at your lowest three quadrants and identify a few baby steps to raise them. For example, if health is a three, then eating a healthy lunch or working out once a week might raise it a point or two. Sometimes restlessness feels like you don’t know what to do or where to go, but structure and action can prove effective as long as it’s aligned with a true and healthier inner need.”
Assess and Fulfill the 8 Life Quadrants
Life wheels can differ in size, but a traditional model has eight categories of which include: career, finances, health, family and friends, romance, personal growth, recreation, and spirituality. Take a moment to think about each of these life areas and decide whether or not they’re being fulfilled. If you think a certain area could use some improvement, be proactive and take necessary steps to do so:
Business/Career
Are you happy with where you are in your career? You might be comfortable financially, but is your job giving you the creative freedom you desire? Do you feel like you’re making a difference? Are you in search of something different or more challenging? These are important questions to ask yourself, which will help you determine if this area needs some tweaking and what kind of tweaking it needs.
Finances
It’s true what they say: money can’t buy you happiness. But that’s not to say your finances don’t play a role in your happiness and overall wellbeing. If your desired lifestyle requires a higher salary than you’re making right now, it might be time to brainstorm how you can make more money or allocate your money more wisely. This might mean a job change, additional work, or simply cutting out unnecessary purchases.
Health
Is your health lacking? Maybe your diet has fallen off the wagon or you haven’t exercised in months. If that’s the case, no wonder you’re feeling less than satisfied. Physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand: get on top of eating healthy and staying active and you’ll feel immensely better.
Family and Friends
Do you prioritize time with friends and family? If you don’t, it’s time to start. Socializing and maintaining interpersonal relationships is critical to maintaining a healthy, happy heart and mind. I’m sure you’re busy with work and chores at home, but making a 10-minute phone call or scheduling a weekly lunch with your best friend can go a long way. Set a goal of the like and this aspect of your life will improve immediately.
Romance
If you’re romantically involved, are you happy with your relationship? And if you’re not, are you happily single? Oftentimes people feel unfulfilled or unsatisfied in this sector of life—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Do some soul searching and decide how you feel about your relationship status. Find happiness within and you’ll find fulfillment, regardless of if you’re single or taken.
Personal Growth
If you’re feeling restless or unsatisfied, it might be time to seek out new opportunities and set new goals. These goals might be related to your career, your health, your relationships… in any regard, setting out to accomplish something will restore your wellbeing.
Fun and Recreation
Many of us undervalue the importance of having fun, but the reality is that it plays a huge role in our life. If you aren’t making time for your favorite hobbies, attending outings with your friends, or finding joy in the little things, then it’s time to make a change. Yes, work is important, but so is laughing, smiling, and having fun.
Spirituality
And lastly, how do you feel spiritually? Do you feel like you’re on the right path? Are you in need of some meditation or a mindful reboot? Look within and discover what your soul needs. Every single one of us could use daily reflection.
