Well. It’s here, January, whether you like it or not. I quite like the feeling of a fresh start and the opportunity to reinvent yourself. I think January is a month when lots of people think about how to reset and this is where the Wheel Of Life comes.
I do think something magical about January, do you? The quiet that descends after the holiday chaos, the crisp morning air that seems to whisper possibilities, and that gentle nudge from within saying, “Perhaps it’s time for a change.” I’ve learned, though, that true transformation isn’t about grand gestures or impossible resolutions – it’s about mindful reflection and intentional growth. This is how I entered January with quiet intentions and a bag full of determination.
Think of January as a blank canvas, a perfect space to reinvent yourself and one that already has some beautiful colours bleeding into its edges from the year before. It’s not a harsh break from the year before. It’s a continuation and a chance to reflect and restart. I see all month starts like this. I didn’t enjoy much of last year, but I look back and realise that the hard times weren’t mistakes or imperfections but the foundations to build upon.
I got out my Wheel of Life workbook but couldn’t face it. I can’t explain, but I had no motivation. However, I have already done January’s and loved doing it. It’s gone from another task on a to-do list to a more compassionate tool for self-discovery and growth.
What Is A Wheel Of Life?
The Wheel of Life is a popular coaching tool used for self-reflection. It allows you to visualise your life as a circle divided into key life segments, much like slicing a pie into pieces. Imagine looking down at a bicycle wheel – when all spokes are strong and balanced, the wheel turns smoothly. Similarly, when all areas of your life receive appropriate attention, your journey through life feels more harmonious. Or at least it should be if you follow through with your actions.
Each segment of the wheel represents a fundamental area of your life – from physical health to spiritual growth, relationships, and career aspirations. When you assess each area, you rate your satisfaction on a scale (typically 1-10), creating a visual map of where you’re thriving and where you might need more nurturing attention.
The true magic of the Wheel of Life lies in its ability to reveal patterns and connections we might otherwise miss. For instance, you might notice that when your physical wellness score is low, your emotional well-being also tends to dip. Or perhaps you’ll discover that investing in your spiritual growth naturally elevates your sense of life purpose.
Using a Wheel of Life regularly serves several purposes:
Firstly, it acts as a gentle mirror, reflecting the current state of your life’s different dimensions without judgment. Think of it as taking a snapshot of where you are right now, acknowledging what is flourishing and the areas needing more tender care.
Secondly, it serves as a compass for intentional living. Rather than setting arbitrary goals, the Wheel helps you identify which areas truly need your attention, allowing you to direct your energy where it will have the most meaningful impact.
Thirdly, it becomes a tool for tracking your growth journey over time. By revisiting your Wheel regularly – perhaps monthly or quarterly – you can witness your evolution and celebrate your progress, even in small increments.
Most importantly, the Wheel of Life isn’t about achieving perfect balance – because perfect balance is a myth that can lead to unnecessary pressure. Instead, it’s about understanding the natural ebb and flow of life’s different aspects and making conscious choices about where to focus your energy in each season of your life.
Consider it like tending to a garden throughout the year – different areas need different kinds of attention at different times. Sometimes, your career might need extra nurturing, while at other times, your relationships or spiritual practice might require more focused care.
When you use the Wheel of Life as a monthly practice, it becomes a sacred check-in with yourself, a moment to pause and listen to the whispers of your inner wisdom. It’s not about harsh self-judgment or rigid goal-setting but rather about creating awareness and opening yourself to possibilities for gentle, intentional growth.
The Wheel of Life: Your Monthly Compass
I remember the first time I encountered the Wheel of Life. It was donkey’s years ago on a weekend coaching course. I was feeling rather lost, honestly – you know that sensation when you’re doing everything ‘right’ but something still feels off? It was like having a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing that truly felt like ‘me’. The Wheel of Life became my mirror, reflecting not just where I was but showing me the path to where I yearned to be.
Dipping in and out of this over the years meant I never truly focused on what I needed and wanted. I was haphazard.
Starting again in 2025, I see it as a sacred monthly ritual rather than a rigid assessment tool. Each month brings its own energy, its own challenges, and its own opportunities for growth. January’s energy is particularly potent for this practice – it carries the whispers of new beginnings yet honours the wisdom we’ve gathered from our past experiences.
As I said, I really enjoyed doing my first one and have diarised the rest of the year. So here goes!
Embracing Fresh Starts (Even When Your Duvet Feels Like Your Best Friend)
Let’s be honest – sometimes the idea of a ‘fresh start’ feels about as appealing as ice swimming in winter. I hate the cold. Perhaps you’re carrying the weight of previous attempts at change, or maybe the comfort of familiar patterns feels safer than the uncertainty of transformation. I get it. I’ve had mornings where my bed felt like the only safe haven in a world of overwhelming possibilities.
But I have three dogs and can’t get away with laying in. If I try, I will get a paw in the face. So, each day is embraced like a dog sees life with renewed enthusiasm.
But here’s what I’ve learned: transformation doesn’t demand that we leap into the unknown. Sometimes, it’s as simple as shifting our perspective ever so slightly, like adjusting a camera lens to bring a new detail into focus. Just get dogs. They’ll teach you something new every day.
The Art of Intuitive Life Auditing
When I guide people through the Wheel of Life, I often see them tense up at the thought of examining eight different life areas all at once. That’s why I advocate for what I call ‘intuitive auditing’ – going through the eight areas using intuition and then choosing just two areas that resonate most strongly with your current season of life.
Here’s why this approach works:
- It honours your inner wisdom and current capacity for change
- It prevents the overwhelm that often leads to inaction
- It allows for deeper, more meaningful transformation in focused areas
The life audit areas I offer create a delicate balance between mind, body, soul, and spirit, encompassing everything from Mental Wellness to Professional Development. But remember, you’re not meant to tackle them all at once. That would be like trying to repaint your entire house in a day – exhausting and likely to leave you with a mess rather than a masterpiece.
The Value-Led Journey
One of the best questions we can ask ourselves is not “What do I want to achieve?” but rather “Am I living in alignment with my values?” This subtle shift in perspective can transform how we approach our goals and intentions for the year ahead.
When we align our actions with our values, even small steps feel meaningful. It’s the difference between forcing yourself to go to the gym because you ‘should’ and choosing to move your body because you value vitality and self-care.
Goals versus Intentions: A Gentle Approach to Growth
Sometimes, the word ‘goal’ itself can feel heavy, laden with expectations and the possibility of failure. This is where setting intentions comes in – a gentler, more fluid approach to personal growth. While a goal might be “I will meditate for 20 minutes every day,” an intention might be “I choose to cultivate inner peace through mindful practices.”
The difference? Goals focus on specific outcomes, while intentions embrace the journey and allow for the natural evolution of your practice.
I think that this has to be a personal choice. I often start with intentions and then move into goal setting. I do need deadlines for launching products and services.
Your January Journal Prompts
I love journaling, so here are seven journal prompts to guide your reflection:
1. What wisdom from last year do I want to carry forward into this new chapter?
2. How does my body feel when I imagine my ideal day? What sensations arise?
3. What parts of myself am I ready to release with love, and what qualities am I ready to nurture?
4. If I could write a love letter to my future self, what words of encouragement would I share?
5.”What does ‘balance’ feel like in my body? How can I create more of that sensation?
6. What small ritual could I create to honour my intentions each morning?
7. How can I show myself more compassion as I navigate this journey of growth?
Creating Your Sacred Space for Change
As you work with the Wheel of Life this January, remember to create a space that supports your reflection. This might be a physical space – a cosy corner with soft lighting and your favourite tea – or a temporal space, like the quiet hours of early morning when the world is still dreaming.
The Reinvent Yourself Journey
This journey of reinvention isn’t about becoming a different person – it’s about peeling back the layers to reveal more of your authentic self. The Wheel of Life is simply a compass, helping you navigate back to your inner wisdom.
As you move through January, hold your intentions gently. Allow yourself to be surprised by the ways in which transformation manifests. Sometimes, the best changes come not from forcing new habits but simply creating the space for natural evolution.
Trust that each small step, moment of reflection, and gentle choice aligned with your values contribute to your growth journey. You’re not just turning a new page but authoring a new chapter in your unique story. I love to see how this unfolds.
As you work with the Wheel of Life this month, you’re not alone on this journey. We’re all walking our own paths of discovery, supporting each other with each brave step forward. Let January be not just a fresh start but a continuation of your beautiful journey of becoming.
I’ll be introducing you to the Wheel Of Life in 12 Weeks To A New You.
