Better is Just the Beginning
The Drive to Improve
I’ve always loved the word better. Not just as a word, but as a philosophy—a way to live. Early on, I didn’t know this was my driving force, but I was hooked on growth, improvement, and finding ways to do more with what I had.
When I was 14, someone I looked up to (who had a poor way with words) told me , “No matter what you do, it’ll never be enough.” That hit hard. At first, it felt discouraging, but then I started to see it differently. What they meant was that there’s always room to grow, to go beyond what we think is possible. And that idea has shaped everything I do.
A Passion for Performance
Fitness was my first doorway into the world of self-improvement. Back in college, I’d spend hours lifting weights, talking to people about their goals, and learning. I wanted to crack the code on how we grow and achieve—not just physically, but in every part of life.
I realized quickly that better performance didn’t just apply to fitness. Whether I was helping a stay-at-home mom avoid back pain or a D1 athlete hit a personal record, it was always about finding what truly mattered to them and figuring out how to get there efficiently.
Fitness Isn’t the Whole Picture
Over time, I noticed something interesting with my clients: they weren’t just seeking physical transformation. People would come in wanting to lose weight or gain strength, but as we talked, deeper issues started to surface. Many were dealing with stress, burnout, and emotional struggles that fitness alone couldn’t solve.
That’s when it hit me: helping people isn’t just about giving them fitness plans. It’s about helping them find a balance that feels right for their whole life. I began to wonder, could there be a more holistic way to measure and improve all areas of wellbeing?
The Birth of the Wellbeing Continuums
After much research and reflection, I created what I call the Wellbeing Continuums—a model that breaks down life into eight essential dimensions. Each one represents a different area where we can either thrive or struggle, with the goal of finding a balanced, fulfilling life.
Here’s a quick look at these eight dimensions:
Directional Wellbeing: Knowing our purpose and aligning our values. This dimension is the anchor.
Spiritual Wellbeing: Feeling connected to something larger than ourselves, be it community, nature, or a personal mission.
Physical Wellbeing: Building health as a foundation, while remembering it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Mental Wellbeing: Strengthening our emotional and intellectual resilience.
Social Wellbeing: Cultivating meaningful relationships, which studies show is critical for long-term happiness.
Vocational Wellbeing: Finding purpose in how we spend our time, whether through career, volunteer work, or personal projects.
Material Wellbeing: Ensuring we have the resources—financial or otherwise—that support a good quality of life.
Spatial Wellbeing: Creating an environment that supports our values and goals, from green spaces to safe and inspiring surroundings.
The Power of a Continuum
Each of these areas isn’t a box to check off but a continuum—a spectrum where we’re constantly moving between “sickness” and “fitness.” This approach allows us to see where we currently stand and recognize areas where we can improve. And it’s not about perfection. The goal is progress—understanding where we are, so we can chart a course to where we want to go.
While working with my clients, once we have a true definition of where they want to go (the Direction piece of my 3 Stage Next Better Path), we now have 8 places to start. Usually, my client is struggling in one or two of these, making it the perfect place to begin moving them up the continuum.
Why Wellbeing Matters
Whether you’re struggling to get out of a rut or trying to take things from a 9 to a 10, the Wellbeing Continuums give you a roadmap to improvement. By addressing all eight dimensions, we can live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
This blog series will dive deeper into each dimension, exploring practical ways to assess and improve them. My hope is that these continuums become a tool for anyone—whether you're striving for that next level of achievement or looking to find balance in your life.
If you’re on a journey to improve your life, join me in exploring the Wellbeing Continuums. Together, we’ll take practical steps toward a life that’s not only healthier but deeply fulfilling.
If you’re ready to see just where you stand in your Wellbeing Continuums, take the Wellbeing Continuums Survey that I’ve developed.
If you know where you stand, and you’re ready for your Next Better step, schedule a discovery call.
