(And Why It All Starts with Your Job)

What if we’ve been asking the wrong question?

For years, we’ve tried to fix burnout with better time management. We’ve addressed stress with yoga classes and bonus days off. We’ve added “self-care” to our to-do lists.

But according to Gallup research, there’s a deeper answer—and a clear roadmap.

They’ve identified five elements of wellbeing that are universally important to living a good life. Not just in the U.S. Not just in certain industries. But globally.

And they believe these five areas are so essential, they could “change the world and human development forever.”

Here they are, in order of impact:

Career Wellbeing

This one surprised me—though it shouldn’t have.

The #1 predictor of a thriving life is whether you “like what you do every day.”

It’s not about job title or salary. It’s about purpose. Do you get to use your God-given strengths? Do you feel energized by your work? Do you feel valued?

When career wellbeing is strong, it supports every other area of your life. When it’s weak, everything else wobbles.

Social Wellbeing

Life is better with meaningful relationships. And yet, we live in a time where loneliness is called a public health crisis.

Strong social wellbeing means you have deep connections—people who see you, celebrate you, and walk with you through the ups and downs.

At work and at home, this matters more than we think.

Financial Wellbeing

Let’s be clear—this isn’t about being rich. It’s about having enough. Enough to feel secure, plan for the future, and handle life’s curveballs without falling apart.

When we’re financially stressed, it clouds our thinking and drains our joy. Helping people feel confident and empowered with money is key to true wellbeing.

Physical Wellbeing

This is the one most of us try to fix when we feel off. We join gyms. We start smoothies. But physical wellbeing isn’t about extremes—it’s about energy.

Do you have the strength and stamina to do what you want to do each day? Are you sleeping well? Nourishing your body? Moving in a way that feels good?

A thriving life needs a body that can carry it.

Community Wellbeing

This is about more than volunteering or voting. It’s about belonging. Feeling proud of where you live. Contributing to something larger than yourself.

When people feel connected to their community, they’re more resilient, hopeful, and engaged.

So What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a leader, a coach, a teacher, a manager—or simply a human being who cares—it means this:

Wellbeing isn’t one-dimensional.
We can’t just fix burnout with bubble baths.
We can’t ignore career fulfillment while focusing only on nutrition or finances.

We have to look at the whole human.

It starts with meaningful work. It grows through connection, stability, energy, and purpose.

And yes—it can change the world.

Q: Which area of wellbeing feels strongest for you right now? Which one needs some love?

Let’s start there. Let’s grow from there. Let’s build lives (and workplaces) that thrive.