Finding Goals That Truly Matter

Setting goals that align with our values and personal aspirations is not always easy. We are constantly influenced by family, colleagues, peers, and social media. This can skew our view of what a balanced, fulfilling life looks like, for our own unique personal experience. For instance, I often set weekly goals to hit the gym, even when my health metrics are fine, simply because it’s expected. Meanwhile, I might neglect practical tasks like renewing an expired passport or finally hanging up those pictures I had framed 2 years ago.

In our quest for purpose and intention, we sometimes settle for vague advice like “be more mindful” or “be grateful for what you have” without really understanding our unique needs and opportunities. Without the right tools, it’s hard to evaluate different areas of our lives, recognise our strengths, and address our weaknesses.

This is where the Life and Purpose Radial Assessment Chart — also known as the ‘Wheel of Life’ comes in. Developed by Paul J. Meyer in the 1960s, this tool offers a 360-degree view of your life, from relationships and family to career, health, and beyond, helping you set meaningful, personalised goals.

A Simple Tool for Self-Reflection

I’ve created a reusable MIRO template that makes this process straightforward. (For those who aren’t familiar, MIRO is a free digital canvas tool perfect for brainstorming, problem-solving, and visual collaboration.) This exercise is designed for individual reflection and growth. With this template, you can:

• Visualise your life balance across eight key areas.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses that affect your well-being.
• Prioritise personal growth by setting clear, actionable goals.
• Track your progress over time and adjust as needed.

How to Use the Radial Assessment Chart

1. Rate each area on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 = lowest, 10 = highest).
2. Mark your score on the radial chart for each category.
3. Connect the dots to form a shape — imbalances will stand out.
4. Reflect and act using the guided questions provided.

I have pre-filled the template with 8 Key Life Areas, which you can customise to suit your lifestyle. Ask yourself honest, reflective questions for each area. Consider what you’re doing well and where you might need to improve.

The 8 Key Life Areas

1. Career & Work — Am I satisfied with my job and professional growth?
2. Finances & Wealth — Do I feel financially secure and in control of my money?
3. Health & Fitness — Am I taking care of my body, addressing known health issues, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
4. Relationships & Social Life — Do I nurture strong, meaningful connections with family and friends? Do I show up how I want to?
5. Personal Growth & Learning — Am I committed to continuous learning and self-improvement?
6. Fun & Recreation — Do I make time for hobbies and leisure activities?
7. Spirituality & Inner Growth — Do I feel connected to my values and purpose?
8. Environment & Surroundings — Does my living and work space support my overall well-being?

Reflecting on Your Assessment

For this tool to really work, dig in to honest answers that might challenge your current routines or relationships. Embrace these insights as opportunities to grow. Consider the following questions:

• Which areas scored the lowest — and why?
• Which improvements would have the greatest positive impact?
• What specific actions can I take to address these areas?
• How can I measure my progress over time?

Next Steps: Taking Meaningful Action

1. Select 1–3 key areas to focus on for the next month.
2. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for each area.
3. Regularly reassess your chart to track your progress.

Keep your action steps manageable. For example, if your goal is to eventually move house (a 3- to 5-year goal), ask yourself: What can I do in the next three months? Perhaps compile a list of potential areas, set up a market watchlist, or plan minor improvements to your current home to enhance its value.

Final Thoughts

I found this tool immensely valuable in clarifying my priorities and guiding my personal growth. I hope it helps you too. Feel free to tweak the template to better suit your needs.

🔗 Link to MIRO Template
I’d love to hear about your experiences with this template. Share your reflections in the comments and suggest any improvements.

🚀 Boost Your Personal Growth:
Try out the MIRO template today and take the first step toward a more intentional life.

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I’m passionate about crafting intuitive, simple, and intelligent products that deliver measurable value to organizations.

My work spans the entire product lifecycle — from shaping a clear product vision and strategy to defining data-driven solutions with clean UX and architecture.