Unveiling the Circle of Life tool
In the eternal tapestry of life, we often find ourselves pondering the deeper meaning and purpose of our existence. It is within this search for understanding that tools and frameworks emerge to guide us along our personal journeys. One such tool, that I use with nearly every client, is the Circle of Life. Rooted in the idea of self-reflection and growth, the Circle of Life provides individuals with a framework to assess and improve various aspects of their lives. I typically use this tool in the discovery session to gauge a client’s sense of life fulfillment and to help them clarify priorities for goal-setting.
The Circle of Life tool is a visual representation of the different facets that make up our lives. It encompasses various interconnected elements, each corresponding to a specific domain of our existence. While its precise origins remain elusive, it is built upon the understanding that life is a holistic experience, and our well-being depends on finding harmony and balance within its multiple dimensions. Therefore, all the domains that are in the circle of life have a weight on our happiness and wellbeing. And the key to potentiating this happiness is to intentionally bring balance to the Circle.
At its core, the Circle of Life tool is designed to encourage self-reflection. By evaluating the different areas of our lives, we gain insights into the aspects that bring us joy, fulfillment, and contentment, as well as those that require attention and improvement. This process of introspection allows us to uncover hidden patterns, identify areas of imbalance, and make conscious choices towards growth and transformation.
One of the key insights provided by the Circle of Life tool is the interconnectivity of the different domains. The quality of one area can significantly impact other aspects of our lives. For example, a strained relationship can negatively affect our emotional well-being and spill over into our work or physical health. Recognizing these interdependencies allows us to address underlying issues and foster growth across multiple dimensions simultaneously.
How to use it
To use the Circle of Life tool, you need to rate your satisfaction within each domain from a scale of 1-10, with 1 indicating low satisfaction and 10 representing a high level of contentment. Place a dot inside each area to indicate your level of satisfaction. A dot toward the center indicates dissatisfaction, and a dot toward the
periphery indicates satisfaction. So, the center of the circle represents 0 and a dot on the outside line of the circle represents a 10. By assessing each element and connecting all the dots in the end, you can visualize your Circle of Life in this moment and discern areas that need further exploration or development.
An important thing to note is that each person will interpret the Circle of Life tool according to its own values. Not everyone will need all the different domains to be in perfect balance. The Circle of Life tool is nevertheless a reminder that all these domains do play a part in our wellbeing and it can encourages us to work on the facets of our lives that we had somehow neglected before.
Once the Circle has been evaluated, the focus shifts to action and growth. Ask yourself: "Which areas am I unsatisfied with that I wasn't aware of before? Why? And what is a small thing that can I do this week to bring more satisfaction in these domains?" By setting specific goals and intentions within each domain, we can create a roadmap for our personal development journey.
This is why the Circle of Life tool serves as a valuable compass on our journey of self-discovery and personal growth. By embracing self-reflection, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various domains, and taking intentional actions, we can move closer to leading more meaningful and balanced lives.
