We are complex beings, made up of various dimensions that together form the whole of who we are. I like to refer to these as the Six Aspects of Self—the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial aspects. Each of these areas represents a crucial part of our existence, and when we pay attention to all six, we can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
But here’s the challenge: life rarely provides the ideal circumstances or role models to guide us along this journey of growth. For many of us, the environment we grow up in may not offer the right mentors, or we may lack access to individuals who inspire us to become better. I personally faced this obstacle early on. My surroundings didn’t offer many examples of who I aspired to be. However, I found a solution through reading.
Reading allowed me to connect with some of the greatest minds—people who lived hundreds of years ago, across different cultures, industries, and walks of life. With every book, I had the opportunity to peek into the minds of brilliant individuals who had already mastered parts of life I sought to improve. Books became my mentors, transcending space and time, offering wisdom that was otherwise unavailable to me. And so, I’ll always stand by this: a good book can open doors to understanding, wisdom, and growth that extend far beyond the physical limits of our world.
The Voids We Feel—A Signal for Change
Now, let’s talk about a feeling that many of us experience at some point in our lives—a feeling of emptiness or imbalance. It’s that unsettling sensation that something isn’t right. This feeling can come and go, depending on what’s happening in our lives at the moment. When this happens, many of us try to attribute this feeling to something external, hoping to find relevance in our circumstances. But in reality, these feelings are what I like to call Voids.
Voids are empty spaces within us. They are signals that something in our life is out of balance, that one or more aspects of the self—the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, or financial self—need attention. Left unchecked, these voids can grow and lead to deeper struggles like stress, anxiety, or even depression. That’s why it’s so important to listen to these signals early on. When we feel off, it’s often because one part of our self is not being nourished or taken care of.
Comfort vs. Growth: The Battle Within
Another critical realization I’ve had is that growth cannot happen in comfort. We’ve all heard the phrase “growth happens outside of your comfort zone,” and I believe this to be true. But here’s the twist: we often get too comfortable being comfortable. We find security in routine and familiarity, and over time, we avoid the discomfort that leads to real change. But the truth is, we need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
People who have true internal confidence have learned to master this. They’re the ones who radiate a quiet strength, not because life has been easy for them, but because they’ve learned to be at peace in the midst of challenges. They have a firm foundation within themselves that doesn’t waver based on external circumstances. You can feel their calm energy when they walk into a room, and it’s not because life has always been smooth for them—it’s because they’ve built resilience within.
True strength lies in the ability to treat life’s highs and lows—victories and losses—equally. As Shiloh Jones put it, “The strongest character is the will of he who can treat insults the same as compliments, and wins the same as losses. For his mentality will not falter with the season of such temporary triumphs and plights.” This is a powerful lesson in maintaining balance. When we center ourselves, we don’t get swept away by fleeting successes or failures. Instead, we remain steady, focused, and grounded.
Optimizing the Right Habits for Long-Term Success
Peter Drucker once said, “Nothing is less productive than making more efficient what should not be done at all.” This is such a profound insight, especially in today’s world where we often confuse busyness with productivity. It’s not enough to be efficient at something; we need to make sure that we’re optimizing the right things.
The key is choosing the habits that will serve us in the long run. What are the actions we can take today that will benefit us for years to come? These are the habits worth investing in and refining. This principle applies to every aspect of our lives—whether it’s our physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, spiritual growth, social connections, or financial stability.
Take physical health, for example. If you’re someone who enjoys working out, structuring your workout week is a great way to ensure long-term fitness. For those with a six-day workout schedule, dedicating each day to a different muscle group can bring a balanced routine. But if you prefer a more relaxed approach, a three-day workout plan works just as well, as long as you’re consistent.
Balancing the Six Aspects of Self
In the end, life is about balance. To nurture all six aspects of yourself—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and financial—you need to approach each dimension with intention. There will be times when one part of your self needs more attention than others. Maybe you’ve been neglecting your physical health because you’ve been focused on building your financial self. Or maybe your emotional self has taken a back seat because of career demands. Whatever it is, recognizing and addressing these imbalances is the key to long-term fulfillment.
Growth is not always easy, and the journey can feel uncomfortable at times. But by nurturing every part of yourself and embracing the discomfort that comes with change, you will create a stronger, more resilient foundation that will carry you through life’s ups and downs.
At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. So, take a moment to ask yourself: are you nurturing all Six Aspects of Self? If not, it’s time to start paying attention. Growth is a lifelong journey, and every part of you deserves the opportunity to thrive.