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Achieving Balance and Success: Level 10 Life vs. Wheel of Life

Updated: Nov 23, 2023


Image of a balanced wheel representing life

In the dynamic realm of personal growth strategies, two powerful tools have gained popularity: the "Level 10 Life" and the "Wheel of Life." As you diligently track your habits and understand your moods, these strategies offer unique perspectives on achieving balance and success in various life areas.


If you've explored the Level 10 Life concept, you may wonder how it compares to the Wheel of Life and whether both should be part of your self-improvement arsenal. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the Wheel of Life, examining its principles, methods, and benefits, while drawing parallels to the Level 10 Life approach. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how these two techniques can coexist and complement each other.


A visual representation of a balanced life wheel


The Wheel of Life


The Wheel of Life is a potent personal growth tool derived from the concept of holistic balance. Originating from Hal Elrod's book, "The Miracle Morning," this approach encourages individuals to select ten key areas of their life for evaluation, such as relationships, health, career, and more. The primary objective is to set goals and devise plans to elevate each of these areas to a "10," symbolizing the highest level of success and satisfaction.


External Affiliate Link: The Miracle Morning Book


At its core, the Wheel of Life emphasizes the importance of balance in our lives. It serves as a reminder that neglecting one aspect while focusing excessively on another can lead to an unfulfilled existence. The Wheel of Life provides a structured framework for individuals to systematically assess their life's balance.


Visual representation of a Wheel of Life chart


How the Wheel of Life Works


Creating a Wheel of Life involves constructing a visual representation of your life's key areas and your goals for each. This often takes the form of a circular chart divided into sections, resembling a wheel. On one side, you list the ten areas you've chosen for assessment. On the other side, you outline specific goals and plans to improve those areas, ultimately aiming for a "10" in each category. As you make progress towards these goals, you color in the corresponding sections of the wheel.


Visual representation of a person filling in their Wheel of Life chart

While the prospect of achieving a perfect "10" in every category may seem daunting, the Wheel of Life encourages you to view it as a continuous, year-long process. This flexibility allows you to prioritize certain aspects of your life during different phases or circumstances.


Examples of Wheel of Life Categories


Choosing the right categories for your Wheel of Life is a personal decision. However, here are some fundamental areas to consider:

  1. Friendships and Family

  2. Romantic Relationships

  3. Career and Education

  4. Mental Health

  5. Physical Health

  6. Finances

  7. Spiritual Well-being

  8. Personal Development

  9. Contributions to Others

  10. Fun and Leisure


Images representing the Wheel of Life categories

These categories serve as a starting point, and you can adapt and expand them based on your unique life circumstances and goals. The key is to select areas that resonate with you and align with your priorities.



Creating Your Wheel of Life


When creating your Wheel of Life, you have the freedom to design it in a way that resonates with your preferences. You can keep it simple or add complexity, depending on your visual and organizational preferences. Here are a few tips for creating your Wheel of Life:

  1. Choose Your Format: Decide whether you want a physical, hand-drawn chart or a digital version. There are also apps and templates available online for convenience.

  2. Identify Your Categories: List the ten areas you want to assess and improve. Remember, these should reflect your personal priorities and aspirations.

  3. Set Goals: For each category, establish specific goals that will help you reach a "10." These goals should be actionable and measurable.

  4. Color Coding: Assign a unique color to each category on your wheel. As you make progress, fill in the corresponding sections with the designated colors.

  5. Regular Assessment: Periodically review and adjust your Wheel of Life to reflect changes in your life circumstances or priorities.


A guide to creating a Wheel of Life chart


Level 10 Life vs. Wheel of Life


The Level 10 Life and the Wheel of Life share common ground in their pursuit of holistic self-improvement. Both approaches emphasize the importance of balance and the need to assess various aspects of one's life. However, there are distinct differences between the two:

  1. Number of Categories: While the Level 10 Life focuses on ten categories, the Wheel of Life is flexible, allowing individuals to choose their own areas of assessment. This flexibility makes the Wheel of Life more adaptable to diverse life circumstances and goals.

  2. Scoring System: The Level 10 Life encourages individuals to strive for a "10" in all categories, aiming for perfection. In contrast, the Wheel of Life acknowledges that perfection may not always be attainable and encourages a more balanced approach to self-improvement.

  3. Visualization: The Level 10 Life often relies on creative visual representations, like charts and spreads, to track progress. The Wheel of Life also employs visual charts but offers greater flexibility in their design, catering to individual preferences.

  4. Time Frame: The Level 10 Life can be seen as a year-long journey, but it may not explicitly account for variations in focus on different areas over time. The Wheel of Life's flexibility allows for prioritizing certain categories during specific periods, accommodating life's natural ebb and flow.


Visual comparison of Level 10 Life and Wheel of Life

In essence, the Level 10 Life sets a clear goal of achieving a perfect "10" in all areas, emphasizing perfection. On the other hand, the Wheel of Life offers a more adaptable and holistic approach, recognizing that life is dynamic and that balance can be achieved through ongoing assessment and adjustment.


Using Both Approaches


While the Level 10 Life and the Wheel of Life have their unique attributes, they can be complementary tools in your personal growth journey. Here's how you can integrate both approaches effectively:

  1. Initial Assessment: Begin by using the Wheel of Life to assess your current life balance. Identify areas that need improvement and set initial goals. This provides a comprehensive overview of your starting point.

  2. Level 10 Goals: Next, apply the Level 10 Life concept to some or all of the categories from your Wheel of Life assessment. Choose categories that resonate with your desire for significant improvement and set specific goals to reach a "10."

  3. Regular Review: Continuously use the Wheel of Life to track your progress and maintain balance across all areas of your life. Simultaneously, periodically revisit your Level 10 goals to assess your advancements.

  4. Adapt and Prioritize: Recognize that life circumstances change, and priorities may shift. Use the flexibility of both approaches to adapt your goals and focus on specific categories when necessary.


Integration of Level 10 Life and Wheel of Life

Final Thoughts


In the pursuit of personal growth and a fulfilling life, tools like the Level 10 Life and the Wheel of Life offer valuable frameworks. The Level 10 Life encourages setting ambitious goals to achieve perfection in selected categories, while the Wheel of Life provides a flexible and holistic approach to assessing and maintaining life balance.


Visual representation of a balanced and successful life

Ultimately, the choice between these two approaches depends on your preferences and objectives. Some may thrive on the Level 10 Life's quest for perfection, while others may appreciate the adaptability and inclusivity of the Wheel of Life.


The key takeaway is that these strategies need not be mutually exclusive. By combining the Level 10 Life's goal-setting mindset with the Wheel of Life's continuous assessment and adaptability, you can create a comprehensive approach to personal growth. Embrace both tools to embark on a journey towards a more balanced, fulfilling, and successful life.


Balance is not something you find, it's something you create.

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