Four Pillar Friday

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

This Week’s Quote:

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” — Anaïs Nin

Physical Wellness

Michael Easter writes in The Comfort Crisis, “Most people today rarely step outside their comfort zones. We are living progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, safety-netted lives and it’s limiting the degree to which we experience our ‘one wild and precious life.’”

Real growth and fulfillment don’t come from staying comfortable—they come from pushing beyond our limits. This is the essence of Misogi—a challenge so big it forces us to grow, reshaping how we see ourselves. It doesn’t have to be extreme, just hard enough to make you question if you can do it, and transformative enough that you’re different on the other side.

So, what’s your Misogi? What’s the challenge you’ve been avoiding because it feels just a little too big?

I can’t recommend The Comfort Crisis enough. It’s a book that challenges how we think about discomfort, resilience, and what it truly means to live fully.

Mental Wellness

The Yerkes-Dodson Law explains the relationship between stress and performance—too little stress, and we’re disengaged; too much, and we’re overwhelmed. The sweet spot lies in the middle: enough challenge to stay motivated and focused, but not so much that we shut down. This applies to everything—work, workouts, finances, even personal growth. The key is intentional stress management—pushing ourselves just enough to grow while avoiding burnout. The question isn’t just “Am I working hard?” but rather “Am I working at the right intensity for sustainable progress?

To reflect on this, ask yourself: Where am I on the curve? Am I feeling understimulated and stagnant, or am I overwhelmed and burning out? Identify one area—work, fitness, finances—where you can either dial up the challenge or create more balance. Small adjustments can help you hit that optimal zone for growth.

Financial Wellness

In his article “The Time Billionaires,” Sahil Bloom reflects on a concept introduced by Graham Duncan: at 20 years old, assuming an 80-year lifespan, one has approximately two billion seconds remaining. This perspective emphasizes time as our most valuable asset, urging us to recognize our “time wealth” and use it intentionally. Bloom shares personal insights, especially after becoming a father, highlighting the fleeting nature of moments with loved ones and the importance of presence. He encourages embracing life’s brevity, finding joy in daily experiences, and prioritizing meaningful connections over the relentless pursuit of future milestones. Ultimately, the piece serves as a reminder to cherish the present and spend our finite time wisely.

Spiritual Wellness

Arthur Brooks challenges his students—and all of us—to reflect on life’s deepest questions by asking: “Why are you alive?” and “For what would you be willing to die right now?” These aren’t rhetorical or abstract; they force us to strip away distractions and identify what truly matters. The first question digs into purpose—what drives you, what gives your life meaning beyond day-to-day routines. The second confronts commitment—what is so valuable to you that you would sacrifice everything for it? Brooks doesn’t offer answers because the real value is in the process of discovering them for yourself. These questions serve as a compass, guiding decisions, priorities, and the way we show up in the world. If we don’t take the time to answer them, we risk drifting through life without clarity or conviction.

For me, the answers are clear. I am alive to help others live their best lives. That is my purpose—whether through coaching, wellness, or simply showing up fully for those around me. And when it comes to what I would be willing to die for, the answer is just as certain: my family. Every decision I make, every challenge I take on, is ultimately rooted in creating a better future for them. These questions aren’t just philosophical—they are a mirror, a test of alignment between what we say matters and how we actually live. So, what are your answers?

Stay Connected:
How are you integrating the four pillars into your life this week? We would love to hear from  you.

Here’s to Living Richly,
The Journey Team