Book of the week....

My book of the week is Wellbeing by Tom Rath and Jim Harter and published by Gallup Press (first published 2010).

 

 

Gallup scientists have been studying the life well-lived for over fifty years, across more than 150 countries and have asked questions relating to  health, wealth, relationships, jobs and communities providing a snapshot  of more than 98% of the world's population.

 

Upon completion of their research, five distinct statistical factors emerged making up the universal pillars of wellbeing. Rath and Harter believe that "these elements are the currency of the life that matters" and are essential to most people (1).

 

The first element is Career Wellbeing, or how you occupy your time or like what you do every day.

 

The second element is Social Wellbeing, or having strong relationships and love in your life.

 

The third element is Financial Wellbeing, or how effectively you manage your economic life.

 

The fourth element is Physical Wellbeing, or your level of good health and enough energy to get things done on a daily basis.

 

The fifth and final element is Community Wellbeing, or the sense of engagement you have with the area you live in.

 

Gallup ascertained that only 7% of their sample were thriving  in all five, with 66% doing well in at least one of these areas. Rath and Harter suggest that we're not getting the most out of life unless we are living effectively in all of the five above areas.They also continue with suggestions on how to improve your wellbeing within the five areas, recommendations that are based on real-life actions taken by the highest scorers of wellbeing within their sample. For example, to increase career wellbeing, focus on using your strengths daily, buy experiences rather than 'things' to increase financial wellbeing and opt in to community groups or events to boost your community wellbeing.

 

This book makes an interesting read for anyone who is curious about boosting their wellbeing. It also includes a technical report section for the psychology buffs who want to view their research methods and metric components.

 

Personally, I loved this book and I will be blogging about specific areas of this wellbeing theory soon. But for today I wanted to leave you with a question. What particular area of wellbeing are you thriving in?

 

Have a great day!

Nina

 

References:

(1) Rath, T and Harter, J. (2010). Wellbeing. The Five Essential Elements. Gallup Press, New York.