The five key pillars of well-being and how to rate yourself
Wellness is all the rage these days. And if we’re being honest, sometimes it can go a little overboard, from elaborate 4am cold plunge routines to meeting protein macros and everything in between, it seems we’re inundated with wellness and well-being.
But aside from being marketed to, how healthy are you, from a holistic perspective? How does one even go about thinking or answering that question? Where do you start to evaluate yourself or your life? What takes precedence?
That’s where the five key pillars of well-being come into play.
Here’s how to think about them.
The Five Key Pillars of Well-Being
Physical Well-Being
✔ Do you feel energized and physically strong?
✔ Do you have a sustainable routine for movement, nutrition, and rest?
✔ Is your body supporting your ability to perform at your highest level?
Key Questions:
How do I feel physically on most days—energized or depleted?
Am I prioritizing movement, sleep, and healthy nutrition?
What small habit would make the biggest difference in my well-being?
Actionable Steps:
Set a non-negotiable movement practice (yoga, walking, strength training).
Create a sleep and recovery routine.
Reduce stress-induced habits (e.g., caffeine, skipping meals).
Financial Well-Being
✔ Do you feel financially secure and in control of your money?
✔ Does you have the financial freedom to make career moves without fear?
✔ Are your finances aligned with your long-term goals (e.g., retirement, entrepreneurship, philanthropy)?
Key Questions:
What’s my current financial runway if I transition careers?
Am I saving and investing in a way that supports my long-term goals?
What financial fears or limiting beliefs do I need to address?
Actionable Steps:
Meet with a financial advisor for a career transition plan.
Create a financial buffer for the next 6-12 months.
Align spending with values (e.g., shifting from luxury purchases to investing in well-being or business growth).
Professional Well-Being
✔ Are you engaged, challenged, and fulfilled in your work?
✔ Is your career aligned with your values and strengths?
✔ Do you feel respected and valued in your professional environment?
Key Questions:
Does my current work energize me or deplete me?
What aspects of my career bring me the most joy and purpose?
What changes would allow me to feel more aligned and fulfilled?
Actionable Steps:
Identify top career values and realign work accordingly.
Define and pursue a leadership role that aligns with purpose.
Explore alternative career paths (consulting, advisory, entrepreneurship).
Social Well-Being
✔ Do you have meaningful, fulfilling relationships?
✔ Are you surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you?
✔ Are you prioritizing connection over isolation?
Key Questions:
Who are the five people I spend the most time with, and do they support my growth?
Have I built a network that nurtures both my personal and professional well-being?
Where do I feel most seen, heard, and valued?
Actionable Steps:
Prioritize deepening existing relationships that fuel growth.
Set boundaries with relationships that drain energy.
Join or create an executive women’s mastermind for connection and accountability.
Mental, Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being
✔ Do you feel emotionally balanced and resilient?
✔ Do you have tools for managing stress and burnout?
✔ Are you connected to a deeper sense of purpose or spirituality?
Key Questions:
Am I experiencing more burnout or joy in my daily life?
What practices help me feel most centered and grounded?
How do I want to feel in this next chapter of my life?
Actionable Steps:
Incorporate mindfulness, journaling, or therapy into weekly routines.
Create a non-work-related passion ritual (reading, art, nature).
Establish emotional boundaries in high-stress environments.
How to Rate Yourself
Now that you have a better understanding of each pillar, rank yourself 1-5 starting with 1 as the lowest and 5 as the highest in each pillar. How full is your cup in each?
1. My cup is empty or near empty. Needs addressing.
2. It’s low, but not empty. Not great.
3. It’s about half full. Some things are lacking but I’m making due and ok.
4. It’s well-filled. Some things could be better but pretty good overall.
5. It’s full. Not much to improve or complain about. Pretty great as-is.
After you’re done, take a moment to reflect on your ratings. Why did you rate yourself what you did? What’s driving the ratings? You can also give yourself an average holistic well-being score by adding up your scores and dividing them by 5.
Determining The Relationship Between Pillars
Now that you’ve rated yourself on your key pillars and have a high-level idea of your holistic well-being, the most interesting part is to examine the relationship between the pillars and the ratings on a deeper level.
For instance, if your physical energy level is low, how is that affecting other areas of your life? Are you mentally and emotionally very stressed at work, and is that affecting your social or physical well-being in certain areas? What would need to give or take to make something better? What needs immediate addressing or attention?
The point here is that it’s all connected. One pillar is never 100% separate from the other. Remember how good you feel after a workout? That helps you mentally, too. The goal isn’t to have them all “perfect,” but to check in regularly and make intentional choices to bring them into better alignment.
How to Create a Holistic Well-being Plan
Creating a holistic well-being plan isn’t about striving for perfection in every area of life—it’s about awareness and alignment. The five pillars of well-being—financial, physical, mental/emotional/spiritual, social, and professional—are deeply interconnected. When one is neglected, the others often feel the strain.
The key is to pause, reflect, and intentionally design the life you want to lead. Start by asking yourself the tough questions: Where am I thriving? Where am I merely surviving? Then choose one or two small, meaningful actions that move you closer to balance where you feel you need it based on your ratings and gut intuition.
Remember: true success and sustainability come from creating a life where your values, energy, and goals work together—not against each other. Our professional life shouldn’t be draining us of our other key areas of well-being, for instance.
Your well-being is your greatest asset. Fill your cup first, and you’ll have more clarity, energy, and purpose to pour into everything else.
Ready to Design Your Next Chapter?
If you’re ready to stop running on autopilot and start building a career and life that actually feel good, we can help. Inside the Strategic Executive Exit program, we dive deep into these five pillars to help you design a next chapter that’s sustainable, purpose-driven, and uniquely yours.
Learn more and grab your free masterclass here→ Your next chapter starts with a Full Cup;).