The Transformation Wheel: Examples of Issues to Challenge for Change

Hi, everybody!

Some of you may be testing our new Transformation Wheel initiative, and others may be considering it but struggling with finding the core issue they'd like to challenge to make changes in their life.

You can read about the issue I confronted in the introductory post. The instructional slidedeck also highlights another example of a breakup here.

Here are a few more to broaden your scope as you do your self-explorations.

1. Self-Esteem

Center of the Wheel: Instead of a specific event, write "Low Self-Esteem" or a specific aspect like "Body Image Issues" in the center.

Outer Sections: The categories around the wheel can be used to explore different facets of your self-esteem:

• I Feel: What emotions are connected to your low self-esteem? (e.g., shame, worthlessness, anxiety)
• I Believe: What negative core beliefs do you hold about yourself? (e.g., "I'm not good enough," "I'm unlovable")
• People Impacted: Who in your life is affected by your low self-esteem? (This could be yourself, your relationships, etc.)
• This Results In: What are the consequences of your low self-esteem? (e.g., social isolation, difficulty making decisions, self-sabotage)
• I Behave By: What behaviors do you engage in that reinforce your low self-esteem? (e.g., people-pleasing, avoiding challenges)
• Memories: Are there any specific memories or past experiences that contribute to your low self-esteem?
• Related Issues: Are there other issues that are intertwined with your self-esteem, such as anxiety or depression?

2. Body Image issues

• I Feel: Ashamed, anxious, self-conscious
• I Believe: "I'm not attractive," "My body is flawed"
• People Impacted: Myself, romantic relationships
• This Results In: Avoiding social situations, negative self-talk, comparing myself to others
• I Behave By: Criticizing my appearance, wearing clothes that hide my body
• Memories: Being teased about my weight as a child
• Related Issues: Anxiety, perfectionism

3. Financial Stress

• I Feel: What emotions are associated with your financial stress? (e.g., anxiety, worry, overwhelmed, guilt, shame)
• I Believe: What negative beliefs do you hold about money? (e.g., "I'm not good with money," "I'll never be able to afford what I want")
• People Impacted: How is your financial stress affecting your relationships? (e.g., arguments with your partner about money, feeling isolated from friends due to financial constraints)
• This Results In: What are the consequences of your financial stress? (e.g., difficulty sleeping, unhealthy eating habits, relationship problems, poor job performance)
• I Behave By: What behaviors contribute to your financial stress? (e.g., overspending, impulsive purchases, avoiding budgeting)
• Memories: Are there any past experiences or financial traumas that contribute to your stress?
• Related Issues: Are there other issues intertwined with your financial stress, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship problems?
  

Using the Wheel for Change:

• Identify Patterns: By filling out the wheel, you can start to see patterns and connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to self-esteem.
• Challenge Negative Beliefs: Once you've identified your negative core beliefs, you can start to challenge them with evidence and affirmations.
• Develop Coping Strategies: The wheel can help you identify areas where you need to develop new coping strategies, such as practicing self-compassion or setting healthy boundaries.
• Track Progress: Use the wheel to track your progress over time and celebrate your successes.

Note that these examples are generic. You'll want to be more specific with yours. The more context, the more clearly you'll understand yourself and what you're dealing with.

By using the Transformation Wheel in this way, you can target your issue, identify its root causes and develop strategies for managing them and ideally overcoming them!

Any questions? Leave 'em below!