In the space between now and the future lies the magic of possibility.
Each of us is at a different level of well-being. This state of being is influenced by the systems in which we live, our genetic and epigenetic profile, temperament, mindset, and many other factors. Our personal values, sense of community and belonging, network of friends and social connections, work and home life and other environmental dynamics and our belief in our ability to impact our well-being all play active roles in how well we are. When you think of your personal well-being, what do you believe is possible?
Well-being operates on a spectrum—at one end, one experiences optimal well-being and at the other end, they experience dis-ease. Individuals often consider their personal well-being when the scales have tipped towards dis-ease. However, when we retain a sense of the personal well-being we desire, we can act to sustain it and respond appropriately when a shift occurs. By becoming aware of what fosters your sense of well-being and understanding the behaviors that contribute to it, you can more easily move in your desired direction.
The Wheel of Life Assessment is a powerful self-evaluation tool to support you in honestly assessing your present well-being, reflecting on how it differs from moments in the past and imagining how well you may feel in the future. This is not wishful thinking: it is an intentional practice. Give yourself time to complete this process in an unhurried, undistracted manner. The Wheel of Life Assessment offers a compass that guides you toward where you can best focus your attention to achieve your goals. As the saying goes, what we pay attention to, we bring into reality.
What well-being possibilities await you? What do you bravely want to enter or change, so that you can realize the full possibility of your well-being?
As you contemplate the shifts you would like to make or the behaviors you would like to maintain, it is helpful to know where you currently are on the spectrum of change. Are you contemplating a transformation or are you reverting into a previous pattern? The Stages of Change Model[1], also known as the Transtheoretical Model, describes your readiness to make a change or to take on a new behavior.
The Stages of Change Model:
Precontemplation: No intent to make a change
Contemplation: Awareness, with no commitment to act
Preparation: Taking action to address a desired change
Action: Engagement
Maintenance: Sustained change
Relapse: Reverting back into a previous pattern
When you determine what is motivating the change, you can use that inspiration as a beacon on your well-being journey. You may be exploring new and unknown terrain. And, as with any journey, there are many roads you can travel to arrive at your destination. Change requires action, and throughout this process, it will be important to consistently re-evaluate and re-commit to your path, particularly if you encounter any setbacks along the way. Take time to continue to learn from any past successes or missteps and to remind yourself of your commitment to your well-being.
At each stage, you may find that you need to utilize a different tool or strategy to progress along your chosen path. At times, you may notice a delay or identify a faster way to arrive at your destination. It is important to recognize that movement through this model is cyclical: You may progress to the next stage or regress to a previous stage. Sustained change does not signal inaction. Rather, you create stable behaviors and transform them through your efforts.
What would you like to act on, today or in the near term?
At BETA Coaching and Consulting we amplify individuals’ and organizations’ senses of well-being while nurturing systems to facilitate transformation. We build coaching as an organizational capacity and help individuals and institutions realize their definitions of well-being across multiple dimensions.
Interested in improving your well-being? Let’s connect.
[1] Prochaska, J.O., Butterworth, S., Redding, C.A., Burden, V., Perrin, N., Lea, Michael, Flaherty, Robb M., and Prochaska, J.M. (2008). Initial efficacy of MI, TTM tailoring, and HRI’s in multiple behaviors for employee health promotion. Preventive Medicine, 46, 226-231. (Abstract)