WM10: Values Pie Chart
Virtual Coach
Work step-by-step through the Know What Matters exercise with the virtual coach.
Introduction
“Show me your calendar and I’ll show you your values.” The Values Pie Chart puts that mantra on paper: you slice a circle into wedges for 4‑6 top values, shade each wedge to represent how many waking hours you actually spend on it, then compare to how many hours you want to spend. The visual gap turns fuzzy intentions into clear scheduling tweaks.
Instructions
Values Pie
Goal: Complete one pie today; adjust your calendar to add one extra hour to the thinnest slice this week.
Steps
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Draw the Pie (1 min)
What it means: Sketch a circle on blank paper or print a template.
Example: 8-inch diameter circle.
Quick tip: Use a plate as stencil for neatness.
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List 4-6 Key Values (1 min)
What it means: Pull from earlier exercises (Bull’s Eye, Card Sort).
Example: Growth, Connection, Health, Creativity, Service.
Quick tip: Limit to six—clarity beats clutter.
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Estimate Actual Hours (3 min)
What it means: For each value, jot how many waking hours you devoted last typical week.
Example: Health 5 h, Connection 6 h, Growth 15 h, Creativity 2 h, Service 1 h.
Quick tip: Round to nearest half hour; gut estimates fine.
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Slice & Shade (3 min)
What it means: Divide pie into wedges proportional to ACTUAL hours; lightly shade each.
Example: Creativity wedge tiny sliver.
Quick tip: Use one colour for all “actual” shading.
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Draw Desired Outline (2 min)
What it means: Around each shaded wedge, draw a dotted outline showing DESIRED hours (same 168-hour total).
Example: Creativity outline 6 h slice—gap obvious.
Quick tip: Different colour pen highlights gap visually.
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Identify Thinnest Slice (30 sec)
What it means: Which value shows biggest shortage? Star it.
Example: Star “Creativity.”
Quick tip: Gap size = priority.
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Schedule +1 Hour (90 sec)
What it means: Open calendar; block an extra hour for that value this week.
Example: Thursday 8–9 p.m. water-colour session.
Quick tip: Name block after the value (“Creativity Hour”) for salience.
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Set Review Reminder (30 sec)
What it means: Add a 30-day reminder: “Re-draw Values Pie.”
Example: Google Cal ping next month.
Quick tip: Monthly iteration keeps slices balanced.
Worksheet & Virtual Coach
FAQs
168 hours feels overwhelming—count sleep?
Use waking hours (≈112/week). Sleep serves all values; focus on discretionary time.
What if two slices tie for thinnest?
Pick the one that energises other values when boosted. Still plan just one extra hour to keep change doable.
Can I include “Work” as a value?
Only if work expresses a genuine value (e.g., “Service”). Otherwise, allocate work hours across relevant values.
Hours don’t add up perfectly—okay?
Close enough is good enough. The visual gap, not mathematical precision, drives behaviour change.
How often should I redraw?
Monthly is ideal; quarterly at minimum. Life transitions? Redraw immediately.
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.
