Is Your Life Built on Quicksand or Quartz? Assess Now with This Powerful Tool

Brian Johnson's book "Arete" offers bite-sized wisdom in every chapter. Every time I pick it up and read a chapter or two (which has become a daily habit), I walk away with an actionable insight.  

One of the standout chapters I explored is titled "Jesus, Tolle & You - The Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders." (Curious? You can give the book a whirl by downloading the first 11 chapters for free here).

The chapter draws inspiration from the biblical parable of the wise and foolish builders, illustrating the importance of laying a solid foundation in life. 

Just as the wise man from the story in Matthew 7:24-27 builds his house on a rock, ensuring it withstands the tests of rain and wind, we are encouraged to build our lives on strong, enduring principles. 

The foolish man, on the other hand, chooses sand as his foundation; his house inevitably succumbs to the elements, collapsing under the pressures of the first storm.

This parable serves as a metaphor for life's challenges. Those who anchor their choices and actions in deep, meaningful beliefs—like rocks embedded in the earth—can face life’s storms with resilience. 

In contrast, a life built on fleeting, superficial values—like shifting sands—will falter when adversity strikes. 

Johnson uses this story to ask us to consider what underlies our daily actions and decisions. Are we anchored securely enough to withstand life's curveballs, or are we at risk of being brought to our knees when the next “high and hard” pitch comes our way?  

This chapter from Arete prompts a deeper evaluation of our core values and philosophies, guiding us to construct lives that are not only successful on the surface but also resilient and fulfilling at their foundation.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• You are the builder.

• Your life is the house.

• How you live—your actions and daily habits—is your foundation.

• What you believe and value underpins everything.

It got me thinking: what does a solid foundation look like for Men over 50? 

Let’s break it down using the Wheel of Life, a concept developed by Paul J. Meyer. Think of it as checking the health of your house’s foundation. If you are scoring well on each of these components, you have a solid foundation.

Wheel of Life Components

Health: If you are overweight or obese, your risks of the top 10 causes of death are significantly higher than the lean and strong version of you. Men should aim for 15% body fat, as higher levels offer no benefits and come with significant health risks. Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle might also reduce the need for many of the prescriptions you take. Read issue #048 for guidance on your strategy. There are no health benefits to being fat and weak.

Fitness: Fitness is crucial not just for weight management but also for increasing strength and muscle mass, both of which are linked to a longer and healthier life. Integrate strength training into your routine and regularly perform fitness activities that are known to correlate with longevity. Find a variety of exercises that you enjoy to keep it sustainable.

Mindset: Maintaining a youthful, agile mindset involves more than just a positive outlook; it's about continually adapting and embracing strategies to slow down your biological aging. Stay proactive in your health and personal habits to ensure you're aging slower and living better. Read issue #070 for ideas on shifting your mindset.

Relationships: Meaningful relationships are not just a source of joy but also a key factor in long-term health. Invest time in nurturing strong bonds with family and friends. Social interactions can help maintain your mental sharpness and contribute to emotional well-being.

Finances: Financial stability is foundational. It reduces stress and allows better access to health care and healthy lifestyle options. Manage your finances wisely to secure your future and maintain peace of mind, which is vital for a long, fulfilling life.

Optimism: An optimistic outlook is directly beneficial to your health. It can improve your heart health and reduce mortality risk. Cultivate a habit of looking at the brighter side of life to improve not only your mood but also your physical health. Choose the Gain, not the Gap.

Personal Growth: Engaging in lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and can help prevent cognitive decline. Challenge your brain with new skills, courses, and hobbies to stay cognitively engaged as you age.

Mental Health: Mental wellness is as critical as physical health. Regular mental health check-ups, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices are essential to keep you mentally fit and resilient against life’s pressures.

Spirituality: Explore spiritual practices that resonate with you, whether it's through organized religion, meditation, or spending reflective time in nature. Spirituality can provide a profound sense of purpose and peace, which is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Wheel of Life Exercise: Assessing Your Foundation with Trend Indicators

1. Draw Your Wheel:

• Sketch a large circle on a piece of paper and divide it into nine equal segments (like pie slices).

2. Label Each Segment:

• Each segment represents a different life area: Health, Fitness, Mindset, Relationships, Finances, Optimism, Personal Growth, Mental Health, and Spirituality.

3. Rate and Indicate Trend for Each Area:

• Reflect on your current satisfaction or success in each area. Rate each on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 needing significant improvement and 10 being excellent.

• Next to each score, draw an arrow: Upward (↑) if you're improving, stable (→) if there’s no significant change, and downward (↓) if the area is declining. This will give you a visual cue of the direction each part of your life is heading.

4. Connect the Dots:

• Connect your ratings with lines inside the circle to see the overall shape of your Wheel of Life. This visual will highlight both your strengths and areas for improvement, now enriched with the dynamic trends of each sector.

5. Assess and Plan for Health:

• Trend Assessment: Particularly for Health, if you rate below 6, it’s crucial to determine if it’s improving, stable, or declining.

• Immediate Action: For declining health, prioritize visiting a healthcare professional urgently.

• Stable but Low: For stable but low health ratings, plan gradual improvements such as a better diet, increased exercise, or enhanced stress management.

• Professional Advice: Consider a health check-up to discuss your Wheel of Life health score and get tailored advice.

• Set Specific Goals: With professional guidance and personal reflection, set realistic health goals.

• Support System: Build a support system to achieve these goals, involving family, friends, or support groups.

6. Reflect on Other Areas:

• Consider how improving your health, especially if trending upwards, can positively impact other areas of your life. Plan specific steps to bolster these areas as well.

7. Regular Review and Adjustments:

• Regularly review your Wheel of Life and health progress, including the trend indicators. Adjust your goals and strategies as needed to continue improving your overall well-being.

This enhanced Wheel of Life exercise provides not only a snapshot of your current life balance but also a clear indication of how each area is progressing over time. Such insights can be incredibly powerful for making informed decisions about where to focus your efforts for maximum impact.

Let’s keep building, one step at a time. Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write your first draft of your Wheel of Life.

Here’s to constructing a life that’s robust, rewarding and built on a solid foundation!

Argent Alpha only works with Men over 50 who believe the 2nd half of life can be the best half of life. If you meet this criteria and are ready, willing and able to make the decisions to improve your life, you are a fit. Apply today.