WM6: Life Compass
Virtual Coach
Work step-by-step through the Know What Matters exercise with the virtual coach.
Introduction
A sailor doesn’t steer by every wave—she fixes on a compass bearing. Likewise, having four “north‑star” values lets you navigate work shifts, mood swings, and plot twists without losing direction. Life Compass turns those values into a literal compass rose, then asks how closely your current heading matches each point. The visual gap becomes a quarterly cue to correct course.
Instructions
Life Compass — Guided Practice
Goal: Complete one Life Compass today; review and re-rate alignment every quarter.
Steps
-
Draw a Compass Rose (1 min)
- What it means: On a blank page, sketch a circle with a cross (N-E-S-W).
- Concrete example: Simple + inside a circle.
- Quick tip: Thick marker = easy-to-see zones.
-
Assign Top Values (2 min)
- What it means: Write one core value at each point—N, E, S, W.
- Concrete example: N Integrity, E Adventure, S Connection, W Growth.
- Quick tip: Pull from Bull’s Eye or Card Sort results.
-
Define “True North” (1 min)
- What it means: Under the compass, jot a sentence for each value: “Living Integrity means…”
- Concrete example: “…speaking honestly even when awkward.”
- Quick tip: Keep sentences action-oriented.
-
Rate Alignment 0-10 (2 min)
- What it means: For each direction, draw a small dot from centre (0) to rim (10) marking how well you’re living that value now.
- Concrete example: Integrity 6, Adventure 3, Connection 8, Growth 5.
- Quick tip: Gut rating—3-second rule.
-
Connect the Dots (30 sec)
- What it means: Link dots; the irregular shape shows current heading.
- Concrete example: Lopsided shape bulging toward Connection.
- Quick tip: Shaded shape = clearer visual gap.
-
Spot Biggest Gap (30 sec)
- What it means: Note which spoke sits lowest; that’s priority for course correction.
- Concrete example: Adventure at 3.
- Quick tip: Circle the lowest rating for focus.
-
Plan Micro-Correction (2 min)
- What it means: Pick a ≤15-minute action to nudge the low value one point higher this week.
- Concrete example: Adventure → book Saturday trail walk.
- Quick tip: Calendar it immediately—action seals intent.
-
Schedule Quarterly Checkpoint (30 sec)
- What it means: Add a calendar reminder three months out to redraw ratings.
- Concrete example: “Life Compass review – Oct 30.”
- Quick tip: Same reminder repeats annually.
Worksheet & Virtual Coach
FAQs
Can I use more than four values?
Stick with four to keep direction clear; create a second compass if truly needed.
Ratings feel arbitrary—how judge 0-10?
Use gut sense today; consistency (same gut each quarter) matters more than precision.
All spokes equal—no gap—what now?
Great. Choose the value you’d enjoy amplifying and plan a celebratory action.
Compass looks ugly—discouraging!
View shape as data, not judgment. Irregularity highlights opportunities, not failures.
Do I redraw or update the same sheet?
Redraw; separate snapshots show progress at a glance. Staple them by year.
Disclaimer
If you have any behavioral health questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare or mental health care provider. This article is supported by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from behavioral health societies and governmental agencies. However, it is not a substitute for professional behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
