how to cultivate holistic wealth

a deep dive into the shift framework.

by jackie meyer

success is often defined in dollar signs and business metrics, but as a seasoned advisor you know that true wealth extends far beyond the financial statement. after all, what’s the point of a seven-figure firm if your health is in shambles, your relationships are strained, or you have no time to enjoy life?

more: five hard-earned lessons from exiting an accounting firm | it’s never too early to plan your exit strategy | beyond blocking: more time management strategies | reclaim your hours with time management and productivity hacks | hiring strategies for your dream team | streamline your operations with systems and processes | from compliance to advisory: shifting the value proposition | how i became an accidental entrepreneur | build a seven-figure firm in four hours a week
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in this article, we’re going to zoom out and look at the whole picture of what it means to be a “balanced millionaire.” this is about cultivating holistic wealth across all areas of life, using the shift framework – social, health, financial, time. these are the four pillars of holistic wealth and well-being that support a truly balanced and fulfilling life for a high-achieving professional.

we’ll dive deep into each aspect:

• social: your relationships and contribution to others
• health: your physical, mental and emotional well-being
• financial: not just your business revenue, but personal financial security and continued growth (including personal growth)
• time: your freedom and how you use the hours of your life in alignment with your purpose and passions

each section will explore why that pillar matters, how improving it increases your freedom or impact (the roi on investing in yourself), and practical strategies to strengthen it. you’ll also see how these pillars are interconnected – neglecting one can undermine the others, while improving one can lift all of them up. by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear road map for cultivating wealth in every sense of the word, and some exercises to put it into practice immediately.

redefining wealth: the shift perspective

earlier, we challenged the notion that success is purely financial. let’s reiterate why this is so critical: many advisors build a lucrative practice only to find themselves burned out, lonely or unfulfilled. i’ve been there – after hitting certain financial milestones, i faced personal challenges (like health scares and burnout) that money alone couldn’t fix. that wakeup call led me to develop the shift framework, which organizes the key assets in your life into four categories: social, health, financial and time.

think of these as a personal “balance sheet of life.” you want assets (strengths, positive habits, reserves) built up in each category, and minimized liabilities (things that detract from your well-being in those areas). true wealth is about balancing these accounts.

before diving in, a quick note on interconnectedness: these four pillars influence one another. for example, improving your health can give you more energy (time) to spend with family (social) and be more productive at work (financial). strengthening relationships (social) can improve mental health, which boosts productivity, and so on. keep this in mind as we explore each pillar – your goal is a harmonious balance that’s personal to you.

now, let’s break down each element of shift and look at how you can cultivate each one.

social wealth: relationships and contribution

“no one succeeds alone.” social wealth is all about the richness of your relationships – both personal and professional – and the sense of connection and contribution you have with the world around you. for many driven entrepreneurs, this is the area that unintentionally gets neglected when business demands peak. but strong relationships and a supportive network are fuel for sustained success and happiness.

why social wealth matters: humans are social creatures. we thrive on connection, love, support and a sense of belonging. for an advisor, your network can also be a source of referrals, learning and collaboration. but beyond business, your friends, family and community give life meaning. they are your support system in tough times and your joy in good times. investing in relationships can reduce stress, improve mental health and even extend your life (studies consistently show people with strong social ties live longer, healthier lives). plus, when you eventually look back on life, you’re more likely to regret not spending time with loved ones than not spending an extra hour at the office.

roi of social wealth: how does improving relationships increase your freedom, time or revenue? consider this: a broad, trusted network can lead to better opportunities (business partnerships, high-quality referrals that reduce your marketing needs, mentors who guide you away from mistakes). emotional support from friends/family can reduce burnout, meaning fewer sick days or breakdowns that halt your productivity. a happy home life often translates to greater focus and energy at work. and contributing to others – through volunteering or mentorship – builds your reputation (potentially attracting clients) and gives a profound sense of purpose, which is the ultimate motivator. in short, social wealth creates a virtuous cycle of support and opportunity that benefits both your business and personal life.

i’ve become a huge hallmark movie fan – christmas movies or otherwise at this point. i love the comforting consistency and reliably good endings they promise. recently, i rediscovered an older but wonderful hallmark movie starring lacey chabert called “the color of rain.” there’s a powerful moment when a grieving widowed father is stranded in his car, feeling like a complete failure and doubting if he’ll ever find happiness again. he receives unforgettable advice: whatever happens, he cannot cut ties with his community. they need him, and he needs them. by the end, he courageously overcomes his natural introverted tendency to isolate, embraces connection, and the payoff is extraordinary – for him, his children and of course, lacey’s character (his charming new love interest – hubba hubba!).

this story resonates deeply with me because many accountants – including myself – are introverts. in fact, i’m an extreme introvert by nature. like many introverts, i’m prone to isolation, and i’ve also struggled at times with depression. recognizing our need for others, especially in moments when we’re inclined to withdraw, is vital. isolation can intensify struggles with mental health, whereas connection can dramatically ease them. staying engaged with and investing in our communities creates a reservoir of strength, opportunity and joy we simply can’t generate alone. just like in a good hallmark movie, genuine connection always leads to a happier, richer ending.

strategies to build social wealth

• nurture key relationships: identify the most important people in your life (your spouse/partner, children, closest friends, maybe a mentor or two). make it a point to regularly invest time and thought in those relationships. this could mean weekly date nights, one-on-one time with kids or a monthly lunch with your best friend. put these on your calendar like you would a business meeting – they’re that important. small gestures count too: send a quick check-in text, remember birthdays, celebrate their wins, lend an ear when they’re down. consistency over time deepens trust and love.
• build your professional network: outside your inner circle, cultivate a network of peers and colleagues. join an industry mastermind or local cpa society committee, attend conferences, or simply reach out on linkedin to connect with other forward-thinking advisors. schedule, say, one networking call or coffee a week. these connections can spark ideas, referrals and even friendships with people who understand your professional challenges. the key is to approach networking with a mindset of giving, not just taking – ask how you can help others, share knowledge, and you’ll naturally get value in return.
• mentorship and coaching (give and take): seek out mentors who can guide you (social wealth isn’t just peers – it’s wisdom from those who’ve walked the path). at the same time, consider mentoring a younger professional or student. being a mentor is rewarding and often you learn as much as you teach. it also solidifies your own knowledge and network. if you have a team, mentoring your staff to grow in their careers is a double win: stronger relationships and a more capable team (which eventually gives you more freedom).
• community and contribution: find ways to give back outside of work. this could be volunteering in a cause you care about, participating in community events, or using your professional skills pro bono for a nonprofit. contribution boosts your social capital and gives a deep sense of fulfillment. for example, you might volunteer to teach financial literacy at a local school or help a nonprofit with their accounting. not only do you meet new people, but you also reinforce your own sense of purpose.
• set boundaries around toxic relationships: social wealth isn’t just about adding relationships, it’s also about setting healthy boundaries with people who drain you. if there are clients, colleagues or even friends who consistently bring negativity or disrespect, it might be time to limit those interactions. surround yourself with people who uplift you, challenge you in positive ways and support your growth. quality over quantity is fine; one supportive friend beats a dozen flaky acquaintances.

example – rebuilding social connections: i’ll share a quick personal anecdote. in the thick of growing my firm, i realized one day i hadn’t spoken to my college best friend in over a year. we’d exchanged likes on facebook, sure, but no real conversation. i felt i “didn’t have time.” when i finally called her, we talked for two hours, and i hung up feeling recharged. after that, we set up a recurring coffee. those talks became a form of therapy and joy for me. as a result, i found myself less stressed and more creative at work in the weeks after each call. it was a reminder that making time for friends isn’t a luxury – it’s self-care and an investment in my own resilience.

exercise – social network audit: take a piece of paper. write down three categories: “inner circle” (those closest to you), “professional network” and “community/contribution.” list the names or groups that matter to you under each. now ask: when was the last time i gave quality time or attention to each? where do i feel a gap? pick one action from the strategy list (or of your own) to strengthen one relationship in each category this month. perhaps it’s scheduling a date night, attending a local meetup or signing up to volunteer at an event. put those actions on your calendar.

realizing you don’t have any mentors? this was me … from the age of 15 when i moved out of a mentally unstable home environment all the way through my 20s. i didn’t allow 99 percent of people to get to know me, let alone feel like they wanted to guide me. so how did i fix this? i bought mentors … i paid for business coaches, programs and people who i knew had answers i didn’t, and eventually i opened up and found those who would support me whether paid or not.

by consciously cultivating social wealth, you’ll create a support system that makes every other achievement sweeter and every challenge easier to bear.

health wealth: physical and mental well-being

“your body is your most important business asset.” as driven professionals, we sometimes treat our bodies and minds as machines that can be pushed endlessly. but without good health, nothing else we’re talking about is sustainable. health wealth is about having the energy, clarity and longevity to enjoy your success and keep achieving at a high level without burning out.

why health matters (more than you think): think of a time you were sick or utterly exhausted – how productive were you? how enjoyable was life? likely neither. good physical health (strength, endurance, absence of chronic pain) gives you stamina for long days and busy seasons. good mental health (low stress, positive mood, resilience) allows you to think creatively, make sound decisions and lead effectively. poor health, conversely, can slow you down, force you to take breaks you didn’t plan (or worse, medical leave) and can even cut a career short. many people sacrifice health for wealth, only to spend that wealth later trying to regain health. the balanced millionaire approach says: invest in your health as you build wealth, so you can truly enjoy both.

roi of health improvements: the return on investing in your health is enormous. more energy means you can be more productive in less time (freeing hours or allowing you to handle more clients). better stress management means fewer mistakes and better relationships with clients and team (stress can make us irritable or unfocused). staying healthy reduces downtime from illness – imagine reclaiming those sick days or preventing a burnout that could derail an entire busy season. and think long term: if you intend to reap the rewards of your business success, you want to be healthy in your later years to travel, enjoy family, maybe start another venture. there’s also a financial roi: healthy habits can reduce health care costs over time (fewer medications, etc.). but beyond all that, the quality of life improvement is priceless – waking up feeling good is a great way to start the day!

strategies to build health wealth

• prioritize sleep: if you do nothing else, do this. sleep is when your body repairs and your brain consolidates memory and learning. chronic sleep deprivation impairs focus, mood and even can lead to serious health issues. aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep. this might mean setting a firm bedtime, creating a wind-down routine (no screens 30 minutes before bed, maybe read or meditate) or improving your sleep environment (dark, cool room, comfy mattress). treat sleep as non-negotiable – it’s a high-leverage investment. often, one hour more sleep can make the other 15 hours far more effective.
• incorporate regular exercise: you don’t have to become a triathlete, but you do need to move. exercise reduces stress, boosts energy and improves cognitive function (lots of studies show exercise literally makes your brain work better). schedule workouts like appointments. find something you enjoy so it’s not a chore – brisk walking, cycling, yoga, weightlifting, even dancing or a sport. aim for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. bonus: exercise can double as social or family time if you do group activities or family walks. if you struggle to find time, consider this: exercise can make you so much sharper that it likely saves time in the long run through improved efficiency.
• eat for energy and health: food is fuel. as busy professionals, it’s easy to grab quick, processed meals that leave us sluggish or jittery. try to adopt a diet that stabilizes energy: plenty of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats (nuts, avocados) and whole grains. limit excessive sugar and caffeine – they cause crashes and jitters. this isn’t about a fad diet, it’s about balanced nutrition. some advisors meal-prep on sundays or use healthy meal delivery to avoid daily decision fatigue about food. hydration is part of this: drink water throughout the day; even mild dehydration can sap concentration. when you eat and drink better, you think better and have more steady energy all day.
• manage stress proactively: stress will come – how you manage it is key. develop a toolkit of stress-reduction habits. this could include mindfulness meditation (even five to 10 minutes a day of deep breathing or an app-guided meditation can reduce anxiety and improve focus), journaling (getting worries out of your head onto paper) or hobbies that relax you (painting, music, gardening – whatever takes your mind off work and recenters you). physical practices like yoga, stretching or even a short walk outside can rapidly lower stress in a tense moment. another part of stress management is knowing when to take breaks and vacations: regularly disconnect to recharge. you’ll come back sharper. burnout is far costlier than a week off.
• routine health maintenance: don’t ignore medical checkups. get your annual physical, stay on top of any chronic conditions with your doctor, and address issues before they snowball. if something feels off (persistent fatigue, mood changes, etc.), seek professional advice. there’s no valor in toughing out potential health issues. it’s much better to course-correct early (whether that’s through medical treatment or lifestyle changes) than to have a health crisis. treat your body as the valuable asset it is – give it proper maintenance. this includes mental health: if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression or overwhelming stress, talking to a therapist or counselor can be a game-changer. strong people ask for help when needed.

personal note on health: i mentioned earlier a postpartum depression in my timeline and how it reshaped me. that was a dark time – i was physically fine, but mentally and emotionally drained. i realized then that mental health is health. i sought support, reprioritized self-care and gradually came back stronger. later, as my business grew, i also encountered periods of extreme stress where i wasn’t sleeping enough and my blood pressure spiked. i learned that ignoring self-care had real, measurable consequences. since then, i’ve treated my workouts and wellness practices as sacred. the payoff? i have more energy in my 40s than i did in my 30s. i handle busy season with far less strain. and i’m confident i’ll be active and kicking to enjoy the fruits of my labor for decades to come.

exercise – health inventory and 1 percent improvements: take stock of your health habits. on a scale of 1-10, rate yourself on sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress management and preventive care. be honest. now, for any category that’s not a 9 or 10, identify a small improvement you can make – just 1 percent better this week. for example: if sleep is a 6, maybe this week you commit to lights out by 11 p.m. (instead of midnight) twice. if exercise is low, maybe a 10-minute walk at lunch each day. write down one action per category to try. small steps lead to bigger ones; you don’t have to overhaul everything overnight.

your health is the foundation that everything else stands on. by taking care of it, you’re actually taking care of your business and your future. you deserve to enjoy the success you’re building – and that enjoyment multiplies when you feel great physically and mentally.

financial wealth: personal finances and lifelong learning

it may seem odd to discuss financial wealth here because my whole book is about building a financially successful firm. but this pillar is about your personal financial well-being and growth, which goes beyond just your business’s revenue. as advisors, we often focus so much on clients’ finances or our business p&l that we neglect our personal financial planning. additionally, in the shift framework, “financial” encompasses professional growth (learning) as well, because in the knowledge economy, continued learning directly impacts your earning potential.

why personal financial health matters: you might have a high income, but are you building long-term wealth for yourself and your family? do you have your own finances in order – budget, debt management, investments, insurance, retirement plan? advisors ironically can be guilty of not following their own advice because of lack of time. personal financial stability provides peace of mind and freedom. it also sets an example: how can we preach planning if our own house isn’t in order? moreover, if your business hit a rough patch, having personal savings and investments would cushion you and prevent panic. and ultimately, one day you will exit the business; personal financial wealth ensures that when work income winds down, you’re still in great shape to live your desired lifestyle.

the learning aspect: the reason “learning” was included under this pillar in the outline is that continuous education is a form of wealth. every new skill or knowledge you acquire can translate to better services for clients, more efficiency or new opportunities. it’s an investment in your human capital – the one asset that actually can appreciate with age if you keep feeding it knowledge.

roi of strengthening financial and knowledge base: this one might be obvious – better personal finances mean less stress (financial stress is huge for many folks, advisors not excluded) and more freedom to make optimal choices (you’re not forced to take on a bad-fit client just for cash flow if you have a solid financial cushion, for example). it also means when opportunities arise (like investing in a new business or buying an office building), you can capitalize on them. as for learning, gaining new expertise (say, mastering a new tax law, a tech tool or a coaching certification) can open new revenue streams or allow you to charge premium fees. learning keeps you competitive and relevant, which is a direct contributor to long-term financial success.

strategies to build financial wealth (personal and professional growth)

• pay yourself first: ensure that as your business generates income, you are systematically transferring money to personal savings and investments. treat “jackie the individual” as an important vendor who must be paid! this could mean setting up an automatic transfer of a certain percentage of revenue or your salary to a separate investment account. also, maintain an emergency fund – typically three to six months of personal expenses – so a business hiccup or economic downturn doesn’t personally derail you. automating savings is key because it happens without relying on willpower each month.
• invest in retirement and beyond: as a business owner, you have great retirement saving options (sep-ira, solo 401(k), etc.). maximize those if you can – it reduces taxable income and builds your future nest egg. additionally, consider investments outside of retirement: a diversified portfolio of stocks/bonds, maybe real estate, or even equity in other businesses. essentially, diversify your wealth so it’s not 100 percent tied up in your own company. that way, your money is working for you in multiple ways. if investments aren’t your forte or interest, consider hiring a financial advisor for yourself (yes, even advisors benefit from advisors – someone to keep you accountable and bring an outside perspective).
• keep personal spending in check: it’s tempting when income rises to inflate your lifestyle accordingly (the “lifestyle creep”). while you should enjoy your success, make sure you’re not sabotaging future wealth by overspending on things that don’t truly add value to your life. create a personal budget or spending plan that aligns with your goals. for example, if traveling with family is a goal, budget generously for that – but maybe cut back on unnecessary subscriptions or luxury impulse buys that don’t matter. maintaining a gap between income and expenses (so you can invest the difference) is how wealth is built. as an exercise, calculate your personal “burn rate” (monthly cost of your desired lifestyle) and compare it to passive income from investments + what you pay yourself. strive to make the latter exceed the former eventually – that’s true financial freedom.
• never stop learning: set learning goals each year. perhaps you aim to read 12 professional books a year (one per month) or earn a certification (like the cfp, or a specialty designation) or attend a certain number of workshops/conferences. maybe it’s as simple as subscribing to an industry newsletter or joining an online community of forward-thinking accountants. the key is to schedule time for learning just like you do for client work. that could mean a “learning hour” every friday morning, or attending a quarterly seminar. also, learn beyond your niche – study leadership, marketing, technology, psychology (for client relations), etc. the more well-rounded your knowledge, the more creative solutions you can bring to your business.
• teach to learn: one of the best ways to solidify and expand your knowledge is to teach others. this could be internal (training your team on a new concept) or external (hosting a webinar or writing a blog). teaching forces you to truly understand the material and often raises questions that deepen your knowledge. it also can establish you as a thought leader, which indirectly boosts business. so it’s a two-for-one: you get smarter and you market yourself by educating others.
• mind your business value: although personal finance is the focus, remember your business is likely your largest asset. invest in it wisely and keep tabs on its value. regularly ask, “what is my firm worth, and how can i increase that?” it might encourage you to build more recurring revenue (which investors value) or reduce owner dependency (so it’s saleable). by treating your firm as an asset to grow, you’ll likely make decisions that also increase current profitability and eventual sale value. that’s financial wealth building on two fronts.

example – learning pays off: let me share how focusing on learning paid dividends for me. a few years ago, i dove into learning about automation and artificial intelligence in accounting. i spent time experimenting with new software and reading up on it. this directly led me to implement a more efficient tech stack in my firm (less time on grunt work, more capacity for advisory projects – which means more revenue). it also inspired me to co-create a software tool (taxplaniq) to fill a gap i saw. that became an entirely new business with significant value. had i stuck only to what i already knew, none of that would have happened. similarly, investing in personal finance knowledge (despite being a cpa, personal finance has its nuances) helped me optimize my own wealth – for instance, using a defined benefit plan in my high-earning years to supercharge retirement savings. the point: learning and then applying that knowledge can create direct financial returns in sometimes unexpected ways.

exercise – personal finance checkup: schedule a “meeting” with yourself (and your spouse/partner if applicable) to review your personal finances. in that meeting, go over

• your net worth statement (list assets and liabilities)
• your investment allocations (are they aligned with your risk tolerance and goals?)
• your insurance coverage (life, disability, etc., to protect your family) and
• your estate plan (will or trust, especially if you have dependents)

identify one action to improve your personal financial security – maybe increasing your retirement contribution, adjusting insurance or drafting a will if you haven’t. next, schedule time to outline a personal learning plan for the next six to 12 months. pick a topic or skill you want to develop (e.g., “improve public speaking” or “learn advanced excel modeling” or “study leadership techniques”) and find a course or book to start with. treat these self-development tasks as seriously as client appointments – they are investments in you.

building financial wealth is like tending a garden – you plant seeds (savings, investments, knowledge), nurture them over time and eventually you have a thriving ecosystem that can sustain you. it gives you options: the option to retire early, to weather storms, to seize opportunities or just the peace of mind that you’re secure. combine that with continuous learning, and you ensure that you’ll not only preserve what you have but continue to grow it, in wisdom and in wealth.

time wealth: freedom and purpose

we’ve discussed time management hacks, and it’s fitting that we conclude the shift deep dive with time, but at a more philosophical level. time wealth is having control over your time and using it in alignment with your purpose and passions. it’s the culmination of all the other pillars: when you have good relationships, health and finances, you earn the freedom to spend your time meaningfully.

what time wealth really means: it’s not just about working fewer hours (though that can be part of it); it’s about choice. the freedom to decide what you do and when. it means your life isn’t dictated by endless obligations or frantic scrambling. you have the flexibility to prioritize what matters each day. time wealth might manifest as being able to take a week off to travel without worry, or structuring your day so you can pick up your kids from school and have dinner together. it might mean dedicating an afternoon a week to a hobby or to volunteer. essentially, time wealth is when you own your schedule, rather than your schedule (or others’ demands) owning you.

purpose and passion: time is only as rich as what you fill it with. a key part of this pillar is making sure you’re spending time on things that fulfill you. by now, you’ve probably realized that being a balanced millionaire is not about slacking – often, you might still work hard, but you work on things that have purpose and bring joy or impact. your “purpose” could be your vision for your business, a cause you care about or your family life. your “passions” are those activities that light you up – be it a sport, an art, travel or simply learning. incorporating purpose and passion into your schedule regularly ensures that life is not just productive, but also rewarding.

roi of time wealth: this is somewhat self-evident: more control over your time means higher quality of life. but concretely, when you allocate time to strategic thinking (because you’re not drowning in tasks), your business can grow more – so revenue increases. time for rest and fun means when you work, you’re more effective (a rested mind is creative and sharp). also, having free time can lead to serendipitous opportunities. think about it: if you’re always busy, you might miss the chance to take a meeting that could pivot you to something amazing or the mental space to hatch a breakthrough idea. time wealth is also the ultimate objective for many – what good is money without time to enjoy it?

strategies to cultivate time wealth

• clarify your priorities (find your “north star”): start by knowing what matters most to you. it could be “more time with family,” “building my charity initiative,” “exploring the world” or simply “having quiet time to think and be creative.” when you know your top priorities, you can actively design your schedule to protect time for them. write down your top three life priorities right now. are you giving them the time they deserve? if not, what can change? sometimes it means literally scheduling “family time” or “workout” or “painting” on your calendar as if it were a client. block time for your passions and personal goals so they don’t get the leftovers.
• implement a default calendar (and stick to it): create a default template for your ideal week that includes not just work, but personal blocks too. for example, maybe fridays after 2 p.m. are always blocked for “ceo time” or personal development. or 7-8 a.m. is “gym time” daily, 6-8 p.m. is “family/dinner time,” no work. by creating a routine, you minimize ad-hoc decisions and ensure recurring important things aren’t crowded out. respect these blocks; treat them as you would an appointment with your best client. over time, it becomes habit.
• delegate and outsource relentlessly: to free time, you must let go of doing everything yourself. we discussed delegation at work earlier but consider personal life outsourcing too. if cleaning your house or mowing the lawn is eating up your saturdays and you don’t enjoy it, hire someone if you can. use delivery services for groceries if errands eat time. at work, continue to empower your team to handle things without you. the combination of professional and personal delegation can free several hours a week. use that time for higher-value activities or genuine rest – both are valuable. remember, every hour you free is an hour you could invest in something only you can do (whether that’s strategizing a new service or taking your kid to the park).
• practice saying “no” (and “yes” to yourself): by now this theme has appeared multiple times, but it’s vital for time wealth. every request from others – whether business or personal – should be evaluated against your priorities. it’s okay to decline meetings that aren’t essential or projects that don’t align with your goals. it’s okay to set boundaries like not answering work emails after 7 p.m. when you say “no” to things that others want of your time, you’re really saying “yes” to your own priorities. a practical tip: before committing to anything new, pause and check your calendar and goals. if it’s not an enthusiastic yes, consider saying no or later. this will protect you from overcommitting, which is a surefire way to feel time-poor.
• take sabbaticals or mini-retirements: consider planning longer breaks to truly rejuvenate or pursue something intensely. maybe every few years, you take a one-month sabbatical from daily client work (your team can hold down the fort, or you schedule it in a slow season) to focus on writing a book, learning a new skill or just traveling with family. these extended breaks can give you a new perspective and prevent burnout. it might sound impossible, but many have done it by gradually preparing their business to run without them for a bit. if a month is too much, even a two-week complete unplug (no email) can feel life-changing. the confidence that your business can survive while you’re away is the pinnacle of time freedom for an owner.
• design your environment for time richness: your physical and digital environment can either support or sabotage your use of time. for instance, if your phone buzzes constantly with notifications, it’s stealing moments of attention throughout the day. consider adjusting your environment: perhaps create a dedicated workspace that you leave when you’re “off duty” so you don’t slip into work 24/7. maybe keep your phone out of the bedroom so mornings start calm. use technology to aid, not enslave – set do-not-disturb modes, use site blockers during focus times, etc. the goal is to make it easier to stick to your intended time use.

living your values: to illustrate time wealth, i’ll share how i applied it. i set a goal a few years back that i wanted to mimic a “four-hour workweek” (inspired by tim ferriss) in the sense of maximum efficiency and flexibility. i implemented a lot of what’s in my book: hired great people, automated tasks, fired/sold clients who weren’t a fit, etc. eventually, i got to a point where i truly had control over my schedule. i still worked hard, but i could choose when. during that period, i started an mba-style mastermind, because mentoring others was a passion. i also made sure to be home by late afternoon to spend time with my kids every day. i even dedicated time to complete a doctorate in leadership, which was a personal dream. these were only possible because i structured my business to give me time freedom. and guess what? the business didn’t suffer – quite the opposite, it thrived, because i was doing high-level activities and was happy and energized.

exercise – ideal day visualization: take a moment to envision your ideal workday, and your ideal non-workday. write it down from start to finish. for example, “wake up without alarm at 6:30, go for a jog, have breakfast with family, work four hours on impactful projects, have a long lunch with a friend, afternoon volunteering, dinner at home, etc.” be as specific as possible for both a workday and a day off. this paints a picture of what time wealth looks like for you. now, compare it to your current typical day. identify one or two small changes to move your current day closer to the ideal. perhaps it’s “no meetings before 10 a.m. so i can have a calm morning,” or “take wednesdays off from client calls to do deep work or personal stuff.” implement it as an experiment and see how it feels.

also, consider the purpose part: write down a brief personal mission statement. why do you do what you do? and are you allocating time to that purpose? if not, adjust.

remember, time is the one resource you can’t get back. being wealthy in time is ultimately being wealthy in life. it’s the freedom that all the money in the world can’t buy if you’re chained to obligations. by balancing and strengthening all pillars – social, health, financial – you set the stage to reclaim your time. use it wisely, for it is your most precious currency.

bringing it all together: balance and interconnection

we’ve explored each pillar separately, but the magic happens when they work together. a truly balanced millionaire doesn’t excel in just one area; they maintain a harmony.

for instance, if you devote all energy to business (financial) at the expense of health and social, you might burn out or find yourself lonely – then the business suffers eventually too. if you focus solely on health and neglect financial, you may be serene but struggle with the stress of bills or not achieving professional goals – impacting mental health. balance doesn’t mean all areas are equal at all times, but it means none are completely abandoned.

the shift framework is a feedback loop: improving one pillar often lifts another. imagine you start exercising (health) – you have more energy and mood is better, you come home happier which improves your family relationships (social), and at work you’re sharper so you make better decisions (financial), which then free some time (time) to further invest in relationships or exercise more. conversely, a breakdown in one can drag others down (like a health crisis can strain finances and time, or a broken relationship can affect mental health and focus).

periodic self-assessment: a practice i encourage is to regularly (say, every quarter) assess yourself on these four pillars with a simple 1-10 score and journal a bit on each. ask: what am i proud of in this area? where do i feel pain or dissatisfaction? and what’s one thing i can do in the next quarter to improve the lowest one? this keeps you proactive. life will never be perfectly balanced, but if you monitor it, you can catch imbalances early and course-correct.

set boundaries and integration: sometimes, integrating pillars is a way to balance. example: combine social and health by playing a sport with a friend (hit two pillars at once). or combine time and social by involving family in your philanthropy activities. integration creates win-wins and efficient use of time, but also ensures you set boundaries. there will be times you need to focus singularly – like a personal retreat for planning life goals (time/purpose focus, you might not be working or social then). boundaries between work and home, or personal time and family time, can help you be fully present in each.

finally, acknowledge that balance is dynamic. different seasons of life may tilt more toward one area – e.g., launching a new business might temporarily demand more work hours, whereas later you might take a sabbatical focusing on health or family. the key is to make those conscious choices and then swing the pendulum back, not letting it get stuck on one side forever.

worksheet: create your balanced wealth plan

let’s put pen to paper and create an action plan for your holistic wealth:

1. personal shift scorecard: on a scale of 0-10 (0 “terrible” to 10 “excellent”), rate yourself for social, health, financial, time.

• social: ____/10
• health: ____/10
• financial (personal finance and learning): ____/10
• time (freedom and purpose): ____/10

2. identify your lowest pillar: which category has the lowest score? this is your biggest opportunity for growth right now. (if tied, just pick one you feel needs attention.)

lowest pillar: ____________________

3. set one goal for that pillar: what specific outcome would you like in that area? make it concrete and achievable. e.g., “health – lose 10 lbs and run a 5k by june,” or “social – have a date night with my spouse every week,” or “time – take sundays completely off work and dedicate to family/hobbies,” etc.

goal for lowest pillar: ________________________________________________________

4. actions for each pillar: now list one action for each pillar that you will do in the next month. these should be realistic and aligned with strategies we discussed. for example:

• social: __________________________________________________ (e.g., “schedule coffee with one old friend and put family game night on the calendar every friday.”)
• health: __________________________________________________ (e.g., “go to gym monday/wed/friday at 7 a.m., and adopt a 10 p.m. lights-out routine.”)
• financial: ________________________________________________ (e.g., “increase monthly automatic savings by $500 and enroll in that online course on leadership.”)
• time: ____________________________________________________ (e.g., “block one hour each morning for strategic thinking instead of diving into email, and plan a three-day weekend getaway next month.”)

5. accountability and reflection: decide how you will hold yourself accountable. can you share these goals with an accountability partner or mentor? schedule check-in points (maybe write a calendar reminder in one month to review progress on these actions and adjust). also, reflect on why each action is important to you – attaching meaning increases commitment.
6. long-term vision statement: write a short paragraph as if it’s a year from now and you have achieved balance: “it’s [date, one year later] and i feel balanced and fulfilled. in the past year, i have … (describe improvements: e.g., “built a strong routine of exercise, grown closer to family, hit my personal savings target, taken up painting again”). i maintain boundaries that protect my time for what matters, and i’m enjoying the journey, not just the destination.”

write it as a positive, present-tense visualization. this is your north star to remind you why balancing these pillars matters.

use this worksheet regularly – what you write now isn’t set in stone. revisit and revise your goals as you grow. the act of writing and planning with the shift framework in mind will keep you aligned.

conclusion: becoming a truly balanced millionaire

being a “balanced millionaire” isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a lifestyle and a mindset. it means you are as intentional about designing your life as you are about building your business. you measure success not only by the money in the bank, but by the richness of your relationships, the vitality of your health, the knowledge and growth you attain, and the freedom of time to live life on your terms.

as you implement the ideas from this article, remember to celebrate the wins in all areas. did you improve your bench press? fantastic – that’s as much a win as signing a new big client. had a heart-to-heart talk with your teenager? that’s priceless – perhaps even more valuable than hitting a revenue goal.

keep the four pillars in balance, and when one wobbles, give it some love. the journey will have its ups and downs, but with the shift framework, you have a compass to recalibrate whenever needed.

ultimately, the goal is holistic wealth: a thriving business, a healthy body and mind, deep and loving relationships, and the time to enjoy it all. this is the kind of wealth that truly makes you feel like a million bucks in every sense.

you have the tools, and you have the commitment. now go live it out. adjust, iterate and keep moving toward that balanced life you envision. you deserve it, and you’ve earned it.

posted on september 4, 2025