The 5 Types of Wealth: Are you biting off more than you can chew?
This is Charlie Rose, our beloved pup who has brought so much joy and vibrancy into our home. She’s a bundle of happiness with boundless energy and an uncanny ability to teach us lessons—without uttering a single word. One of Charlie’s quirks that always makes us laugh is her tendency to look for a second toy the moment she has one. Her sheer excitement when ‘her people’ are home is unmatched. But sometimes, that excitement leads to a funny yet concerning habit: in her eagerness to please, she gets so caught up in the moment that she literally forgets to breathe.
Sounds silly, doesn’t it? But if we’re being honest, doesn’t her behaviour sound eerily familiar?
How many times have you been so focused on tackling the next task, chasing the next goal, or pleasing those around you that you’ve neglected your own basic needs? How often has your health suffered in the name of striving for professional wealth? It’s easy to fall into this pattern—until we pause and realize the toll it’s taking.
The Cost of Neglecting Total Wealth
Sahil Bloom’s framework in The 5 Types of Wealth encourages us to recalibrate our lives and consider the balance we need to truly thrive. Among the five types—Time Wealth, Social Wealth, Mental Wealth, Physical Wealth, and Financial Wealth—Health Wealth often gets overshadowed.
Bloom’s insights hit home when he reflects on playing the wrong game, focusing too much on one type of wealth at the expense of all the others. It’s a lesson that resonates deeply. We can’t perform at our best—at work or in life—if we neglect our well-being in the process.
The Leadership Parallel
Leadership isn’t just about driving results or meeting expectations. True leadership includes taking care of yourself so you can show up fully and sustainably for others. It means recognizing that your health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Just like Charlie Rose, sometimes we need to stop, take a breath, and prioritize what truly matters.
Are You Playing the Right Game?
So here’s your challenge: Are you playing the wrong game? Are you pouring your energy into one type of wealth at the expense of others? What steps can you take today to invest in your health wealth? Maybe it’s committing to a morning workout, taking a walk outside, or even just pausing for deep breaths during a busy day.
Charlie reminds me daily of the importance of balance, joy, and slowing down. Her excitement is contagious, but her inability to stop and breathe is a cautionary tale. Let’s learn from her and recalibrate—not just for our success but for our health and well-being. What’s one small step you can take today to get back on track? Let’s start there.
