Last week’s parting reflection on my failed start-up got me thinking on what we were trying to achieve. The core was community, something that I’ve been reflecting on regarding growth options for the Chief Wellbeing Officer platform. For example, might Chief Wellbeing Officer be a home for those offering wellbeing insights and services as well as seeking them?
There’s no doubt that community makes a huge difference to our personal wellbeing. Belonging is one powerful example of what it offers us, particularly relevant to wellbeing practitioners and coaches who can lead a lone-wolf existence — I speak from first-hand experience!
One of the new nudges in the Community (December) chapter of the 2024 version of The Daily Reset can be viewed as a type of roadmap for building a strong community. Who is your person or people for each of the 7 keystones noted below?
Great energy here today in the MacGregor household. School’s out for Summer!
Thanks for reading this week and see you next Friday.
Steven
The Harvard Study of Adult Development
In 1938, Harvard researchers embarked on a decades long study to find out what makes us happy in life.
Eventual US President John F. Kennedy and longtime Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee were in the original study group of 268 Harvard sophomores which has been extended to thousands more in the 80 plus years since.
Their conclusion is unequivocal. The number one factor in human happiness, health and longevity is positive relationships.
Robert Waldinger, current director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development talks of the importance of ‘social fitness’ and offers seven keystones of support which we should examine in terms of our relationships:
1. Safety and security
Who would you call if you woke up scared in the middle of the night? Who would you turn to in a moment of crisis?
2. Learning and growth
Who encourages you to try new things, to take chances, to pursue your life’s goals?
3. Emotional closeness and confiding
Who knows everything (or most things) about you? Who can you call on when you’re feeling low and be honest with about how you’re feeling?
4. Identity affirmation and shared experience
Is there someone in your life who has shared many experiences with you and who helps you strengthen your sense of who you are?
5. Romantic intimacy
Do you feel satisfied with the amount of romantic intimacy in your life?
6. Help (both informational and practical)
Who do you turn to if you need some expertise or help solving a practical problem (e.g., planting a tree, fixing your WiFi connection).
7. Fun and relaxation
Who makes you laugh? Who do you call to see a movie or go on a road trip with who makes you feel connected and at ease?
How are your needs fulfilled across these seven keystones? This can be your roadmap for building a strong and supportive community.
7 Keystones of Social Fitness
Last week’s parting reflection on my failed start-up got me thinking on what we were trying to achieve. The core was community, something that I’ve been reflecting on regarding growth options for the Chief Wellbeing Officer platform. For example, might Chief Wellbeing Officer be a home for those offering wellbeing insights and services as well as seeking them?
There’s no doubt that community makes a huge difference to our personal wellbeing. Belonging is one powerful example of what it offers us, particularly relevant to wellbeing practitioners and coaches who can lead a lone-wolf existence — I speak from first-hand experience!
One of the new nudges in the Community (December) chapter of the 2024 version of The Daily Reset can be viewed as a type of roadmap for building a strong community. Who is your person or people for each of the 7 keystones noted below?
Great energy here today in the MacGregor household. School’s out for Summer!
Thanks for reading this week and see you next Friday.
Steven
The Harvard Study of Adult Development
In 1938, Harvard researchers embarked on a decades long study to find out what makes us happy in life.
Eventual US President John F. Kennedy and longtime Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee were in the original study group of 268 Harvard sophomores which has been extended to thousands more in the 80 plus years since.
Their conclusion is unequivocal. The number one factor in human happiness, health and longevity is positive relationships.
Robert Waldinger, current director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development talks of the importance of ‘social fitness’ and offers seven keystones of support which we should examine in terms of our relationships:
1. Safety and security
Who would you call if you woke up scared in the middle of the night? Who would you turn to in a moment of crisis?
2. Learning and growth
Who encourages you to try new things, to take chances, to pursue your life’s goals?
3. Emotional closeness and confiding
Who knows everything (or most things) about you? Who can you call on when you’re feeling low and be honest with about how you’re feeling?
4. Identity affirmation and shared experience
Is there someone in your life who has shared many experiences with you and who helps you strengthen your sense of who you are?
5. Romantic intimacy
Do you feel satisfied with the amount of romantic intimacy in your life?
6. Help (both informational and practical)
Who do you turn to if you need some expertise or help solving a practical problem (e.g., planting a tree, fixing your WiFi connection).
7. Fun and relaxation
Who makes you laugh? Who do you call to see a movie or go on a road trip with who makes you feel connected and at ease?
How are your needs fulfilled across these seven keystones? This can be your roadmap for building a strong and supportive community.
Click here to download the PDF version.
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