The start of a new year always feels like a fresh page. It’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and ask some important questions: How am I really doing? Where am I thriving? Where do I feel stuck?

If you’re anything like me, life can feel like a whirlwind of to-dos, leaving little time to stop and take stock of the bigger picture. You might notice the signs—feeling drained, disconnected, or unfulfilled—but it’s hard to pinpoint why when you’re caught up in the daily grind.

Here’s a truth that I’ve come to realize: Your wellbeing doesn’t just happen. Thriving in life takes intention, awareness, and a good plan.

But first, let’s talk about what wellbeing really is—and why it’s worth your attention this year.

Wellbeing vs. Wellness: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably heard a lot about “wellness”—things like exercise, nutrition, and getting enough sleep. Wellness is primarily about physical and mental health. And while that’s critical, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Wellbeing is broader. It’s about your overall quality of life and how fulfilled you feel across several areas—not just physical health, but also your career, relationships, finances, and sense of community. It’s a state of thriving that integrates mind, body, and purpose.

When one area of wellbeing is out of sync, it can spill over into other areas. Think about how stress at work affects your energy, your relationships, and even your sleep. On the flip side, improving one area—like feeling energized in your work—can lift up the rest.

So how do you know where you stand?

Gallup, a leader in human behavior research, identifies five key areas of wellbeing that shape how we thrive. Let’s explore each one and give you a simple way to rate yourself so you can step into the new year with clarity, focus, and intention.

The Five Elements of Wellbeing

1. Career Wellbeing: You like what you do every day.

This one’s about purpose and fulfillment in your work. Whether you’re in a paid role, volunteering, caregiving, or pursuing a passion project—career wellbeing is about enjoying how you spend your time.

When you wake up excited for the day, when your strengths are being used, and when you feel your work has meaning, it creates momentum for the rest of your life.

Gallup’s research suggests that career wellbeing is the most important element, as it heavily influences other areas of wellbeing. When you enjoy what you do and feel valued at work, your overall happiness increases.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like what I do every day?

• Does my work feel purposeful and fulfilling?

• Do I get to use my strengths regularly?

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5: How’s your Career Wellbeing?

2. Social Wellbeing: You have meaningful friendships in your life.

We are wired for connection. Social wellbeing is about the quality—not just the quantity—of the relationships in your life. Do you have people who support you, care about you, and bring you joy?

Strong relationships help you weather challenges, reduce stress, and make life more meaningful. Loneliness, on the other hand, can take a real toll.

Ask yourself:

• Do I have meaningful relationships that support me?

• Do I feel like I belong and am cared for by others?

• Do I have positive interactions with others daily?

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5: How’s your Social Wellbeing?

3. Financial Wellbeing: You manage your money well.

Financial wellbeing isn’t about how much you make—it’s about how your ability to manage your financial life well. People who report high financial wellbeing aren’t necessarily the wealthiest—they simply have a healthy relationship with money, making choices that support their needs and goals.

When you’re managing your finances well, it reduces stress, helps you feel more secure, and gives you freedom to focus on what matters most.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel in control of my financial situation?

• Am I able to make choices that align with my values and priorities?

• Am I managing my money without constant worry?

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5: How’s your Financial Wellbeing?

4. Physical Wellbeing: You have energy to get things done.

Physical wellbeing is the foundation for everything else. It’s about energy, strength, and resilience—taking care of your body so you can show up fully for life.

Small, sustainable habits like moving your body, eating well, sleeping enough, and managing stress can have a big impact here.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel energized and healthy enough to pursue my goals?

• Am I taking care of my body in ways that support my overall wellbeing?

• Do I prioritize habits that build physical resilience?

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5: How’s your Physical Wellbeing?

5. Community Wellbeing: You like where you live.

Community wellbeing is about connection to the places and people around you. It’s feeling a sense of belonging and contributing to something bigger than yourself.

Whether you’re volunteering, getting involved in your neighborhood, or simply feeling at home where you live—this element grounds you and adds purpose to your life.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel connected to my community?

• Am I engaged in meaningful activities that make a difference?

• Do I like where I live and how I contribute to it?

Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5: How’s your Community Wellbeing?

Take Stock: Where Are You Thriving? Where Do You Want to Grow?

Now that you’ve rated yourself, take a moment to reflect:

• Which area of wellbeing is thriving for you right now?

• Which one could use some attention as you head into the new year?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to “fix” everything all at once. Pick one area to focus on—maybe it’s the one that feels the most out of sync, or the one that would create the biggest ripple effect in your life.

Ready to Create a Plan That Works for You?

Once you’ve chosen your focus area, it’s time to make a plan. If you’re looking for some practical tips, check out my earlier blog: “10 Tips for Habit Change”.

And if you’re ready to take things further, this is where coaching comes in.

As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I believe the best plans are the ones that work with your natural wiring, not against it. Together, we can identify your unique strengths and create a plan that’s tailored to you—one that feels energizing, realistic, and doable.

Let’s Step Into the New Year Together

Wellbeing isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a process of checking in, growing, and making intentional choices to thrive. If you’re ready to prioritize your wellbeing and create a personalized plan for growth, let’s talk.

Contact me today to schedule a coaching session, and let’s start the year with clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Which area of wellbeing are you ready to focus on this year? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s take that first step together toward thriving.

Sources:
Gallup, Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements (Rath & Harter, 2010).
Gallup, Wellness vs. Wellbeing: What’s the Difference? (Ryan Pendell, March 22, 2021).

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Take your well-being from surviving to thriving - my various coaching options can help you kickstart the year. 💃

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