The Five Essential Elements of Wellbeing
What differentiates a thriving life from one spent suffering? Gallup scientists have been exploring the demands of a life well-lived since the mid-20th century. More recently, in partnership with leading economists, psychologists, and other acclaimed scientists, we began to explore the common elements of wellbeing that transcend countries and cultures.
As part of this research, Gallup conducted a comprehensive global study of more than 150 countries, giving us a lens into the wellbeing of more than 98% of the world's population. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, we asked hundreds of questions about health, wealth, relationships, jobs, and communities. In our initial research, we asked people what "the best possible future" for them would look like. Across the groups we surveyed, "good health" and "wealth" were two of the most common responses. Perhaps this is because these things are easy to measure and track over time -- we can monitor our height, weight, blood pressure, and household income. Yet we do not have a standard way to measure the quality of our careers or the health of our relationships.
Five distinct statistical factors emerged. These are the universal elements of wellbeing that differentiate a thriving life from one spent suffering. These elements are the currency of a life that matters.
· The first element is about how you occupy your time or simply liking what you do every day: your Career Wellbeing.
· The second element is about having strong relationships and love in your life: your Social Wellbeing.
· The third element is about effectively managing your economic life: your Financial Wellbeing.
· The fourth element is about having good health and enough energy to get things done on a daily basis: your Physical Wellbeing.
· The fifth element is about the sense of engagement you have with the area where you live: your Community Wellbeing.
While 66% of people are doing well in at least one of these areas, just 7% are thriving in all five. If we're struggling in any one of these domains, as most of us are, it damages our wellbeing and wears on our daily life. When we strengthen our wellbeing in any of these areas, we will have better days, months, and decades.
There are many ways to create thriving Career, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community Wellbeing. Because these critical elements are within our control, we have the ability to improve them (for example, exercising, spending more time with friends, or using money wisely). However, the single biggest threat to our own wellbeing tends to be ourselves. Without even giving it much thought, we allow our short-term decisions to override what's best for our long-term wellbeing.
We know that physical activity will improve our health, yet we skip exercising. We know that too much sugar and fried foods are bad for our health. But we grab a handful of candy or chips without even thinking. With so many options to satisfy ourselves in the moment, it can be difficult to make the right long-term decisions. It is, after all, in our nature to do things that will provide the most immediate reward. For decades, psychologists have described increases in the ability to delay gratification as a cornerstone of human development from childhood to adulthood.
As long as we allow short-term desires to win, it will be difficult to effect long-term behavioural change. However, if we can find short-term incentives that are consistent with our long-term objectives, it is much easier to make the right decisions in the moment
Best wishes, The 2-in-2-1 Team
This Newsletter is edited by Hilary Gerber (YWAM Family Rescource Centre) from an original publication by 2-in-2-1 Ltd, Company No. 3792423 Registered office:-11 Lamborne Close, Sandhurst, Berks, GU47 8JL, © Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Paul Marsh
Intl. Committee Member/Area Director
Family Rescource Centre
University of the Nations
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