Spinning My Wheel of Life: Finding Authenticity through Self-Assessment.

Ninth Koi
3 min readDec 10, 2023

Hello everyone! You may remember that recently, I made the bold decision to leave my job earlier than planned. Let me tell you, enduring 18 months under a narcissistic and toxic manager was no walk in the park. It drained me, and although logic screamed to stick it out a bit longer, my Twisted Sister spirit roared, “I’m not going to take it anymore!” So, I listened.

Here’s the exciting part: As I transition to my new role starting mid-January, I’ve found myself in this precious ‘in-between’ phase. And what better way to use this time than to dive deep into my own 8-step program, designed for embracing life’s unpredictable changes? This journey isn’t just about career shifts; it’s about introspection and growth. Given my experiences with ADHD and neurodiversity, I’m approaching this with a unique lens. And the best part? I’m taking you along with me, every step of the way, starting with this week’s revelations.

My Self-Assessment Journey:

Wheel of Life Exercise: When I spun the Wheel of Life, examining eight crucial areas, it was like turning on a spotlight. Surprises were waiting for me. I found joy in discovering how well I’m doing in my role as a parent, but a wake-up call came when I looked at my friendships. It was a bittersweet realisation, but oh so necessary for growth.

Defining Moments: Digging into my defining moments, a standout achievement hit me — completing my first university degree while balancing a full-time job in my 20s. Against the backdrop of ADHD, this wasn’t just a milestone; it was a mountain I had climbed. It spoke volumes about my grit and resilience.

Pivotal People: Exploring the pivotal people in my life was like walking through a gallery of faces who’ve shaped me. A pattern emerged, clear and strong: the indelible influence of incredible women. This was more than just an insight; it was a tribute to those who’ve moulded my journey, both personally and professionally.

Discoveries and Contrasts:

Decision-Making and Impulsiveness: Confronting my decision-making style was like holding up a mirror to my impulsive nature. I’ve always known I ride on emotional waves when making choices. Recognising this trait hasn’t just been about self-awareness; it’s opened doors to rewire how I approach decisions.

Balancing Quirks and Seriousness: My life has been a dance of contrasts — quirky yet serious. These traits often tug-of-war inside me. Embracing this duality has become my latest quest — not to tame, but to harmonise these aspects of my personality.

Reaffirming Values and Uncovering Resilience: Revisiting my core values was akin to reconnecting with long-lost friends. Authenticity, freedom, adventure, and creativity — they’re still here, still guiding me. But a guest I hadn’t fully acknowledged before was resilience. This journey peeled back layers, revealing an adaptability I hadn’t fully appreciated.

Conclusion: This self-assessment journey has been an expedition of revelations. It’s not just about gazing inward; it’s about comprehending where I stand at this very moment. I’m excited to invite you, my dear readers, to embark on your own journey of self-discovery. The discoveries awaiting you might just surprise you.

Dive in now and find truths and treasures. I’d love to hear your stories. Drop them in the comments below, and let’s walk this path of personal growth together. 🌟

Free resources can be found at https://ninthkoi.com.au/free-resources, and I’f you’d like to see the video I made about my insights, you can find it here.

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Ninth Koi

Coach & writer on neurodiversity & change. Empowering 30+ individuals to thrive. Get my Free eGuide Let's embrace life's transitions together!