There are a number of values clarification exercises that help people discover things about themselves—their life, their values, and their work. One of these is the quality of life self-care wheel that gives a clear view of a person’s personal and professional life. The wheel of life is an orienting tool or a compass that is composed of the four basic elements positioned on the north-south, east-west axes. The four elements are values, relationships, work, and self-care, which are said to be “the primary components to a rich, full life” (Crowell, 2016, p.181). The four primary components are leisure, nutrition, exercise, and centering. The center of the wheel signifies congruence and balance, which makes a person be aware of all acts and feelings, for them to live their values to a balanced life.
I answered the self-care wheel, and it turned out that my strengths are the following: (1) environment; (2) health; (3) rest/recreation; and (4) passion. I got higher scores in these areas, which meant that: first, I am aware and respectful of the environment, and sensitive to the impact I have on the environment; second, I exercise and do healthful eating, and I maintain an appropriate weight and use effective stress reduction strategies; third, I make sure I have adequate sleep and rest periods, and I pursue hobbies and have fun; and finally, I define and live my life based on my inner desires, dream, and feelings (Napoli & Roe, 2011).
On the other hand, it turned out that my weaknesses, which got lower scores, turned to be the following: (1) financing; (2) personal development or relationship; and (3) career or school. This meant that: first, I do not have sufficient resources to support myself, and I do not align needed resources with my daily requirements; second, I do not have fulfilling and rewarding relationships with others, and I needed emotional support systems and develop personal goals; and finally, I do not regularly improve my knowledge and skill base, and I do not set professional goals to try achieve them, or have a satisfying and meaningful profession. Thus, my problems are under self-care, work and relationships (Napoli & Roe, 2011).
I prepared two strategies that I can use to maintain or maximize each identified strength. To maximize environment, I will collect 10 plastic bottles of water each week and submit it to the recycle station. I will also gather 1 bag of trash every day and keep my front house and yard clean and safe from pollution every 4 o’clock in the afternoon. To maximize health, I will go to the park every weekend and try to rest and reduce stress at about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I will also make sure I buy 2 big bottles of milk from the grocery every weekend. To maximize rest/recreation, I will go to parties with my friends for at least twice a month. I will also buy 1 book every month and enjoy myself reading. Lastly, to maximize passion, I will set aside 1 whole day with my family every week, and 6 hours with my friends every week. I will also buy a diary and write there my passion, my dreams, and the sources of my happiness every other night before going to sleep (Free Management Books, 2015).
I also prepared two strategies that I can use to strengthen each area needing development. To strengthen financing, I will set aside $20 every day from my money resources and put them in my piggy bank, and then deposit the $100 every Saturday in my bank account. By this I can make sure I have enough money to buy what I want every month, where I will have about $400 by the end of the month. I will also increase my finance resources by working an additional hour every day at the fast food chain where I work 6 hours a day. To strengthen personal development or relationship, I will set aside 30 minutes of my time every night before going to sleep, to read a portion of the Bible to enhance spirituality. I will also improve my listening skills by joining formal or informal group discussions at least once a day. Lastly, to strengthen career or school, I will write in my personal diary 3 things why I am thankful for my career/school life. I will also set 1 professional goal every 4 months, until the end of the year when I try to meditate the things that I am most thankful for in my career/school life (Free Management Books, 2015). All these will help me be a better person by balancing the four basic elements of self-care wheel.
References:
Crowell, D.M. (2016). Complexity leadership: Nursing’s role in health-care delivery (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Print.
Free Management Books. (2015). SMART-specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely. Retrieved April 13, 2016 from http://www.free-management-ebooks.com/faqps/goal-04.htm.
Napoli, M., & Roe, S. (2011). Life by personal design: Limitless horizons. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt. Print.
