Over time, this question has morphed into ‘What would the Universe wish you to be?’ Reflect on the significance of this question. What’s important is the quality of the vision. ‘What control do you have now, except thinking that you have? Can you guarantee you would be alive in a few months, or even tomorrow?’ ‘Don’t worry’, I said, “Stop controlling. Can you please visualize, I asked, at least 25 ~30 years ahead (or more if you are younger), when you are at about age 65? Can you visualize the legacy you would like to leave behind when you are no longer engaged in a soul-sapping work routine? When they asked ‘what control do I have so far ahead’, my answer was direct.

I accepted this, and requested a Wheel of life at end of 3 years, based on where they are now, and how they can grow with whatever experience and expertise they have. Most people I talked to in my leadership journey, later in my spiritual journey, and more recently my coaching journey, said they cannot see clearly beyond 3~5 years while setting goals. The present moment itself is only a starting point. Unless one creates two Wheels of Life, one for the present, and another for the desired future, there is no growth potential from the Wheel of Life. No one looks at the present situation without an element of what they need in the future. In my experience, the present moment Wheel of Meyer has limited value. I started using it much before I started coaching, for my own development. Let me take you through the version I use.

Though commonly attributed to Paul J Meyer, documented evidence exists from Buddha’s teachings on this, and even before, with the Upanishad, in terms of measuring oneself through multiple lenses. The concept of the Wheel of life has been around for long. Since these factors are based on our values, we need to customize. This approach creates awareness of where one is in multiple aspects of one’s life goals, at a point in time in life. I’d love for you to create some time and space to ponder the questions above like I did, and even share what you learned by commenting below.There are as many variations of Wheel of Life coaching configurations.

What would it take for you to come home to your ‘self’?.

What do I need to let go of to become that person?.

What keeps me from being myself is _ ?.

If you could change just one thing, what would it be?.

Who will you have to become to have all that you want?.

What do you need to do differently for your ‘self’ to thrive?.

I want this for you too! So make some time for you and here are:ħ Potent Questions For You to Ponder or Journal around: When I relax and do nothing – or do something creative – my brain stills and I get these bursts of insight that help me see what I need to be happy. This “breather” time has also cemented the idea of taking a leap and employing someone to help me run my business/es – I want to get off the hamster wheel! I’m feeling more confident – and bursting with ideas too – it’s exhilarating! I feel happier, more relaxed and connected to myself and I’m rethinking my working (and waking!) schedule for September and beyond. Of course it wasn’t enough – August has gone by in a flash – and I am craving more (in a good way). This included time in my garden, going hiking and taking a week-long painting course. In the extra “life” hours I gained, I made time and space for two things 1) Reading/doing nothing and 2) Creativity – playing my piano, writing and making yummy recipes with homegrown produce. I got up early (6am) and finished at either 1pm or 3pm. So in August I decided to work shorter hours – and give myself a “breather” from my self-created hamster wheel. For me to thrive I need mental space – taking things more slowly, letting go of “shoulds” and “musts” and recognizing that there will always be more to do than time allows.

Recently in a coaching session with my coach Mary Johnson we talked about listening to our inner wisdom, and honouring and giving our self space and permission to do what it needs to thrive. And it’s all too easy for us to get stuck in that rut because we lack the energy or perspective to make the necessary changes. The cost of not paying ourselves the attention we deserve is that we feel permanently tired, grumpy with those we care about, overwhelmed and stressed out. And we’re so busy on the “hamster wheel” of life that we can’t see it. We don’t realise that what we need, think – and feel – really matters. I think for many of us, we simply don’t value, respect or esteem our “self” enough. We may make a priority of taking care of others and/or our careers, but not our own selves. We all lead such busy lives – and all too often we simply don’t take enough care of our ‘selves’.

Coach life wheel