I was having a discussion recently about the wellness wheel in coaching and how helpful it can be in giving someone an overview of where they are in life.
You may be wondering what, exactly, is a wellness wheel. A wellness wheel, or wheel of life as it is also called, is a holistic tool often used in coaching to assess and support an individual’s overall well-being. It is a visual representation, usually depicted as a circle divided into different segments, each representing key areas of life that contribute to a person’s health and wellness. Common sections of a wellness wheel include physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, career, finances, intellectual growth, spiritual wellness, and environment. These categories are not fixed; coaches can adapt the segments based on their clients’ unique situations or needs.
How Does a Wellness Wheel Work?
The primary function of a wellness wheel is to provide a snapshot of balance in a client’s life. Each section is rated by the individual based on their current level of satisfaction or fulfillment in that area. For example, someone might feel highly satisfied in their career but find their physical health lacking. By rating each segment, a visual representation of imbalance or balance is formed, making it easier to identify which areas need attention.
Once this assessment is done, the coach and client can engage in discussions to explore why certain areas are flourishing and why others might be underdeveloped. The coach helps the client identify actionable steps to enhance weaker areas while maintaining the strengths of more successful ones. This tool helps coach and client to facilitate meaningful goal-setting based on a comprehensive view of the individual’s life.
Why is a Wellness Wheel Helpful?
A wellness wheel is invaluable because it promotes self-awareness and offers a structured approach to personal development. Many people tend to focus on one or two areas of life (like career or finances), sometimes neglecting equally important aspects such as relationships or mental health. The wellness wheel helps clients see their life as an interconnected system, where improvements in one area can positively affect others.
It also serves as a non-judgmental framework for growth. Rather than imposing an ideal standard, the wheel allows individuals to assess their own needs and values, helping them prioritize what matters most to them. This fosters intrinsic motivation, which is critical for sustainable change.
Finally, the wellness wheel aids in tracking progress. Clients can revisit the wheel over time to see how their ratings have evolved, providing a tangible measure of their development. It empowers them to continually adjust and refine their goals as they grow, making it a powerful tool for both coaches and clients.
A good coach typically has a variety of tools to use in working with clients and the wellness wheel is one that helps both coach and client build a solid foundation to move forward with. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning how to create more balance in life, for a limited time I’m offering a complimentary 30-minute wellness wheel assessment by appointment. Feel free to message me and we can find a mutually convenient time!