This toolkit is designed to help you reflect on and improve your well-being by fostering intentional habits. By focusing on who you need to be rather than just what you need to do, these strategies offer a personalized and holistic approach to thriving in your life and work.
What is Well-Being?
Well-being involves a thriving quality of life that extends beyond money, status, and advancement. It’s about feeling good and functioning effectively in all areas of life. Gallup’s research identifies five essential elements of well-being:
Career Well-Being: Engaging in work that you enjoy and find motivating.
Social Well-Being: Cultivating strong, supportive relationships.
Financial Well-Being: Effectively managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security.
Physical Well-Being: Maintaining good health and having enough energy to get things done daily.
Community Well-Being: Liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community.
These five elements provide a framework for identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth as you build a balanced, fulfilling life.
Intentions to Enhance Your Well-Being
Use these intentions to guide your journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life:
1. Be Reflective
What It Means: Assess your current state in each well-being element without judgment.
How to Practice:
Evaluate areas of strength and opportunities for growth in your career, relationships, finances, health, and community.
Example: Take five minutes at the end of the day to journal about one area that energized you and one that drained you.
2. Be Real
What It Means: Align your actions with your authentic self to foster genuine connections and satisfaction.
How to Practice:
Let go of the pressure to meet external expectations and focus on what feels true to you.
Example: Share one vulnerable truth with someone you trust to strengthen your connection.
3. Be Mindful
What It Means: Identify and challenge limiting beliefs that may hinder progress in any well-being area.
How to Practice:
Reflect on assumptions you hold about your career or finances and consider alternative perspectives.
Example: If you believe “I’m not good at managing money,” reframe it to, “I can learn to manage my finances effectively.”
4. Be Open
What It Means: Explore new opportunities and experiences that can enhance your well-being.
How to Practice:
Engage in activities that expand your network and community involvement.
Example: Volunteer locally or join a community group that aligns with your interests.
5. Be Willing
What It Means: Take proactive steps to learn and improve, even when it feels uncomfortable.
How to Practice:
Embrace new opportunities as chances to grow and adapt.
Example: Attend a workshop on a topic outside your comfort zone to gain new insights and skills.
6. Be Connected
What It Means: Build a support network that encourages and holds you accountable in your well-being journey.
How to Practice:
Foster relationships that offer encouragement and feedback.
Example: Schedule regular check-ins with a friend or mentor to share progress and goals.
Why Intentions Work
Intentions differ from traditional goal-setting. Instead of focusing solely on what you need to do, intentions guide you in defining who you need to be in the moment. They create balance and congruence in your life and work, especially when you’re feeling stuck or reluctant to move forward.
Reflection Questions
Use these prompts below to deepen your practice. Write down your answers and revisit them weekly to track your progress and refine your intentions.
What areas of my life need more alignment with my values and purpose?
How can I incorporate these intentions into my daily habits?
Which intention resonates most with me right now, and why?
Start small. Focus on one intention today, reflect on your progress, and embrace the journey toward a more fulfilling life. Remember, small shifts can lead to big changes in how you feel and function in life and work.
What are your thoughts on ways to increase well-being? I’d love to hear from you!
