Four Pillar Friday

Your weekly guide to thriving in every aspect of life—Physical, Mental, Spiritual, and Financial Wellness.

This Week’s Quote:
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”– John Lennon

Physical Wellness

Our physical wellness pillar isn’t just about exercise—it’s about pushing boundaries, stepping into discomfort, and discovering what we’re truly capable of. Few stories embody this better than Finding Ultra by Rich Roll. Once an out-of-shape, middle-aged lawyer stuck in unhealthy habits, Roll didn’t just tweak his routine—he completely redefined himself, going on to become one of the world’s most accomplished endurance athletes. His journey is proof that transformation isn’t about talent or luck—it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and embracing the process. It’s a reminder that real change happens when we commit to the hard things, trust ourselves to figure it out along the way, and keep moving forward—no matter what. Whether you’re looking to run your first mile, clean up your nutrition, or take on a challenge that scares you, Finding Ultra will make you think bigger about what’s possible.

Mental Wellness

Our mental wellness is shaped not just by what we do but how we spend our time—and this chart paints a powerful picture of how that shifts over a lifetime. Early adulthood is dominated by work and education, often at the expense of sleep, social connection, and movement—factors essential for mental well-being. As responsibilities pile up in our 30s and 40s, time spent caring for others spikes, while personal time, socializing, and recreation take a backseat. This phase of life can feel like a constant juggling act, leaving little room for the mental space needed to recharge. The mental load of career growth, parenting, and everyday demands can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of losing yourself in the grind.

Later in life, the chart reveals a shift—a redistribution of time toward leisure, socializing, and even increased participation in spiritual and reflective activities. The irony? Many of the things that contribute to mental well-being—community, movement, self-care, rest—don’t have to wait for retirement. This is a reminder to reclaim time now, to be intentional about aligning daily habits with what truly matters. The goal isn’t just to avoid burnout but to build a life where mental wellness isn’t an afterthought—it’s a priority. The way we spend our time shapes the way we feel—so what’s one small shift you can make today?

Financial Wellness

As investors, we often focus on earning, saving, and investing—but there’s another key factor that plays a huge role: our expectations. The recently released report, Mind the Gap 2024, dives into the widening gap between how people expect their wealth to grow and the financial realities they actually face. This gap—fueled by market fluctuations, behavioral biases, and economic uncertainty—can lead to stress, short-sighted decision-making, and a feeling of always being behind. Financial wellness isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s about aligning expectations, strategy, and mindset to create real financial security.

One of the biggest takeaways from the report is how many people overestimate future returns, underestimate market volatility, and struggle to align financial decisions with long-term goals. This is why financial wellness is more than just accumulating wealth—it’s about understanding risk, adapting to changing conditions, and making intentional choices that support your life vision. Having a framework to manage expectations and navigate financial uncertainty is key to reducing stress and making better financial decisions.

If you want to better understand the forces shaping wealth-building today, this report is an eye-opener. It’s a reminder that financial success isn’t about chasing unrealistic projections—it’s about building a plan that is adaptable, sustainable, and aligned with what truly matters to you.

Spiritual Wellness

When we talk about spiritual wellness, we are often talking about something more then religion or belief—it’s about purpose, connection, and meaning. The McKinsey Health Institute’s report, In Search of Self and Something Bigger, highlights just how essential this is to our overall well-being. Their global study of 41,000 people across 26 countries found that spiritual health is a key pillar of personal fulfillment, yet many—especially younger generations—are struggling to find it.

The study reveals that when people feel a sense of purpose and connection, their mental, emotional, and even physical well-being improves. This isn’t just theoretical—it’s backed by research showing that aligning our lives with a deeper sense of meaning leads to greater resilience, reduced stress, and stronger relationships. The challenge? Many of us spend so much time focused on external achievements that we neglect this inner foundation. The good news? We can cultivate spiritual wellness through reflection, intentionality, and practices that reconnect us to what truly matters—whether that’s through time in nature, meditation, meaningful work, or deep conversations.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on why spiritual wellness matters and how it shapes our health, this report is worth reading. It’s a reminder that the most fulfilling life isn’t just about doing more—it’s about being connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Stay Connected:
What steps—big or small—are you taking in physical, mental, financial, and spiritual wellness? Maybe you pushed your limits in a workout, made a mindful financial choice, or found time for reflection.

We’d love to hear! Reply, message us, or tag us—because real growth happens when we show up and share the journey. How are you integrating the Four Pillars this week?

Here’s to Living Richly,
The Journey Team