If you’ve been an attending physician or practicing dentist for several years now, you’ve built your career, established a steady income, and gained more control over your schedule. On paper, life should feel easier—but in reality, the demands of work, family, and personal well-being can still feel overwhelming.
That’s where Zig Ziglar’s Wheel of Life comes in. It’s a simple tool that helps you maintain balance across seven key areas of life so you don’t burn out, lose relationships, or feel like life is slipping away.
What Is the Wheel of Life?
Think of life as a wheel with seven spokes:
- Career – Your work, practice, and professional growth
- Financial – Earning, saving, and investing
- Spiritual – Your faith, values, and personal fulfillment
- Physical – Health, fitness, and well-being
- Intellectual – Continuous learning and personal development
- Family – Relationships with your spouse, kids, and loved ones
- Social – Friendships, fun, and community involvement
When one area is out of balance, the wheel gets bumpy. If multiple areas are off, it feels like life is spinning out of control—which is exactly what happens to many busy doctors and dentists.
Let’s go through each area and how you can keep it in check.
Here’s a link to a Wheel of Life Assessment Worksheet, so you can fill it out and follow along.
1. Career: Love Your Work Without Letting It Take Over
Your medical career is your focus right now, but it shouldn’t be your entire identity. Many doctors regret spending all their time at work while neglecting other parts of life.
✅ Set Boundaries – Decide on a cutoff time for emails and calls. Protect your personal time.
✅ Don’t Overcommit – It’s tempting to take extra shifts or patients, but ask: “Does this serve my long-term goals?”
✅ Keep Growing – Whether it’s new skills, leadership, or business knowledge, continue learning to stay engaged.
✅ Consider Delegating – If you’re running a practice, delegate more tasks so you can focus on high-value work.
Example:
Dr. Sarah, a general dentist, used to take every patient who walked through the door. She was exhausted. She started limiting her schedule and training staff to handle minor tasks. Now, she enjoys her work without feeling drained.
2. Financial: Make Your Money Work for You
As a doctor or dentist, you earn well—but are you building wealth?
✅ Invest, Don’t Just Save – A high income won’t create long-term wealth if you don’t invest wisely. Work with a financial planner.
✅ Avoid “Doctor Lifestyle” Traps – Fancy cars and big houses are tempting, but financial freedom comes from smart spending and investing.
✅ Protect Yourself with Insurance – Disability insurance, life insurance, and malpractice coverage are non-negotiable.
✅ Plan for Retirement Now – Max out your 401(k), IRA, and other investments. The earlier you start, the better.
Example:
Dr. James, an orthopedic surgeon, spent years working nonstop but had no financial plan. At 45, he finally hired a financial planner and realized he could retire 10 years earlier if he optimized his investments.
3. Spiritual: Stay Connected to What Matters Most
Your career is not your identity. Spiritual health—whether through faith, meditation, or self-reflection—keeps you grounded and fulfilled.
✅ Start the Day with Gratitude – List three things you’re thankful for each morning.
✅ Find a Community – Join a faith group, attend services, or connect with like-minded people.
✅ Take Time for Reflection – Journaling, prayer, or quiet walks can help you reset.
Example:
Dr. Rachel, an anesthesiologist, started a 5-minute gratitude practice every morning. It helped shift her focus from stress to appreciation, making her days more fulfilling.
4. Physical: Prioritize Your Health Like You Do Your Patients'
As a doctor, you tell patients to take care of themselves. But do you take care of yourself? Poor sleep, bad eating habits, and no exercise lead to exhaustion and poor performance.
✅ Protect Your Sleep – A solid 6-8 hours improves focus, energy, and longevity.
✅ Make Workouts Automatic – Schedule exercise like you do patient appointments.
✅ Fuel Your Body Right – Meal prep or find healthy takeout options to avoid stress eating.
✅ See Your Own Doctor – Don’t skip checkups just because you’re a doctor.
Example:
Dr. Mark, a dermatologist, was exhausted from work. He started walking for 30 minutes daily and prepping healthy lunches. Within weeks, he felt sharper and less stressed.
5. Intellectual: Keep Growing Beyond Medicine
✅ Read Non-Medical Books – Business, psychology, or even fiction can expand your thinking.
✅ Learn a New Skill – A language, an instrument, or even golf keeps your mind sharp.
✅ Take a Break from Medicine – Conversations, hobbies, and learning outside of healthcare refresh your brain.
Example:
Dr. Julia, a dentist, started taking online business courses to improve her practice’s efficiency. Within a year, her stress went down, and her revenue went up.
6. Family: Strengthen Relationships Before It’s Too Late
✅ Schedule Time for Loved Ones – A weekly date night or one-on-one time with your kids makes a huge difference.
✅ Put the Phone Away – Be fully present during family time.
✅ Plan Vacations in Advance – If you don’t schedule time off, it won’t happen.
Example:
Dr. Adam, an ER physician, used to feel guilty about missing family events. Now, he blocks time on his calendar for family first—work adjusts around it, not the other way around.
7. Social: Make Time for Fun
✅ Prioritize Friendships – Schedule a monthly dinner, golf game, or coffee meet-up.
✅ Join a Non-Medical Group – A sports league, book club, or even a local charity helps you connect beyond work.
✅ Laugh More – Watch comedy, play games, and enjoy life.
Example:
Dr. Sophia used to say, “I don’t have time for friends.” Now, she commits to one social event per month—and she’s much happier.
Final Thoughts: Your Life Is More Than Work
Attending physicians and dentists often let work take over because they feel like they “have to.” But you don’t have to sacrifice everything else to be a great doctor.
✅ Balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent small efforts.
✅ Pick one area of the Wheel of Life to focus on first.
✅ Set boundaries now so you don’t regret it later.
A well-balanced doctor is a better doctor. Start today—your future self (and your family) will thank you.
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