How often do you run out of gas, forget to buy food at the store,or just decide to just NOT show up for work? You might look at those examples and think, “are you kidding, I don’t do any of those on a regular basis. If I did, bad things would likely happen.” And you would be right.

Now how about this one?

How often do you neglect your well-being?

Well-being is a crucial aspect of our lives that affects every aspect of our being, including our mental and physical health, relationships, productivity, and overall life satisfaction. It enables us to live and lead well, but it’s often overlooked in our busy lives. However, with deliberate practice, we can develop and maintain a state of well-being that allows us to thrive and achieve our goals.

What does deliberate practice of well-being look like for you?

Relationships

One of the key components of well-being is the cultivation of meaningful relationships. We are social creatures, and our connections with others are essential for our emotional and mental well-being. Developing positive relationships can boost our self-esteem, reduce stress, and provide a sense of belonging. Research has shown that people who have close relationships with family and friends are more likely to be happy and healthy, and they are also more resilient in the face of challenges.

For example, consider a person who has a supportive partner, close friends, and a loving family. They have people they can turn to when they need help or advice, and they feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. This person is likely to have higher levels of well-being and be more successful in their personal and professional life than someone who lacks these relationships. Who are your “go to people” for love, support, challenge, and wisdom?

How’s the cultivation of relationship going for you?

Purpose in Life

Another crucial aspect of well-being is having a sense of purpose. When we have a clear sense of what we want to achieve and why, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and motivated. Purpose can come from many different sources, such as a career, hobbies, volunteering, or personal goals. Having a sense of purpose can also help us cope with adversity and setbacks, as we can draw on our values and goals to keep us focused and motivated.

Imagine a person who has a passion for environmental conservation. They volunteer regularly, donate to environmental causes, and try to live a sustainable lifestyle. They feel a sense of purpose in their efforts to protect the planet, and this gives them a sense of meaning and fulfillment. This person is likely to have higher levels of well-being than someone who lacks a sense of purpose and direction in their life.

What purpose(s) are you cultivating in your life?

Physical Health

Physical health and nutrition are also crucial components of well-being. Our bodies and minds are interconnected, and taking care of our physical health can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining good physical health, which in turn can improve our mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.

Consider a person who makes exercise and healthy eating a priority in their life. It is likely she will feel energized and focused, have a more positive body image, and enjoy a sense of physical well-being. This person is likely to have higher levels of self-confidence and overall well-being than someone who neglects their physical health.

Do you move, stretch, and strengthen your body?

How about food? Do you have a healthy relationship to food that fits your goals? 

It’s clear that well-being is a vital aspect of our lives that enables us to live and lead well. What actions can you take to make it more of a deliberate practice – so that it encompasses meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, physical health, and nutrition. When we prioritize our well-being and develop habits that promote it, we can improve our overall quality of life and achieve our goals with greater ease and satisfaction.

Let’s make this agreement: We won’t treat our cars better than our practice of well-being.