PILLARS OF A FULFILLED LIFE

When we look at our lives - whether we are looking back, looking at the present or planning for the future - we will always talk about different aspects. We like to call them our pillars of life. Of course, life is a unit and a big whole. But to be able to describe and plan it better, it helps a lot to define the different areas of our lives.

Perhaps our pillars of life model will help you with this. It simply shows the areas into which we can structure our lives. It is based on the well-known division of “body, mind and soul”, which we have expanded to include the “heart” area. The axis from top to bottom describes the balance between soul and body. The axis from left to right describes the balance between mind and heart.

This is just a model, as it goes without saying that all characteristics are present in every area of life - just in different weightings. The result is a vivid framework that represents the totality of our lives.

A short explanation of the different pillars:

SOUL

PEACE - BECOME WHO YOU ARE

This refers to our inner peace and all the philosophical, religious, spiritual and social commitments of our lives. Where and how do we place our own “small” life in a larger context? What is the meaning of my life for me? This question is central here and very different actions are derived from it. For some, it is working in development aid or climate protection. For another, it is writing books. And for a third person, it mainly involves activities of passion.

HAPPINESS - Enjoy the RIDE

The sphere of our hobbies and the many beautiful things in life. What do I enjoy? That is the central question in this area of life and here alone we could open up a number of related areas of life. Our living situation, our garden, vacations and travel, reading or sporting hobbies. What do we like to do? What do we enjoy?

HEART

FAMILY - WHAT REALLY MATTERS

This is about our family, which sometimes includes many people. I am a spouse (or in a relationship), I am a parent, maybe even a bonus parent. If my parents are still alive, I am also a child, which also comes with responsibilities as I get older. I may be a sibling, uncle, aunt and more. This is the world of the family community, in which I have roles and tasks. Some of these tasks are a great joy and some are a self-imposed duty. A very important area of life here is certainly our partnership with another person, which has a very special significance.

FRIENDS - SHARE THE JOY

This area of life is about our social networks and friendships that exist alongside the family. A best friend can play a similar role in our lives as a life partner in terms of time and affection. The roles are always individual, as is the time we spend on the corresponding tasks.

BODY

FITNESS - TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEMPLE

Healthy nutrition, exercise, preventive check-ups, endurance, strength, flexibility and times of rest and relaxation. We can also define some roles here. The role of the “runner” or the role of the “bodybuilder” (strength) or the role as a patient, even when it comes to prevention. We are familiar with these roles and they are often neglected.

FINANCE - GIVE AND TAKE

The area of our material and financial situation. This area concerns investments in material wishes as well as our retirement plan and private wealth situation.

MIND

BUSINESS - SET YOUR SAILS

This is the area of our professional and or entrepreneurial activities, which can take up a very large part of our lives.

EDUCATION - SHARPEN THE BLADE

The area in which we learn, train and educate ourselves. We may enjoy learning a new language and some hobbies are closely linked to education and training. This area plays a major role in a time of constant change and will play an increasingly important role in the future.

In each of these pillars of life, we fulfil different roles, for example the role of child, partner, father or mother, grandpa or grandma in the family area of life. And each of these roles entail different tasks.

Perhaps this model will help you to look for and recognize the sources of your own motivation:

What motivates you in the eight areas of your life?

Where do you gain good energy and where is energy currently being lost?