The Trifecta of Human Flourishing: Believing, Belonging, and Becoming
In an exclusive interview with behavioral finance expert Dr. Daniel Crosby, a profound yet simple framework for achieving a richer life in 2025 emerged, one that goes beyond the traditional financial advice found in his latest book, "The Soul of Wealth." This framework, built on the pillars of believing, belonging, and becoming, offers a powerful mental model for navigating the complexities of life and aligning our resources with what truly matters. It resonates with fundamental human needs, prompting us to examine our core values and make conscious choices to cultivate a life of meaning, connection, and growth.
Believing: Anchoring Ourselves in Something Larger
The first pillar, believing, emphasizes the importance of having a framework of meaning that transcends our individual experiences. Dr. Arthur Brooks, a social scientist at Harvard, highlights the human need for a sense of the transcendent, something bigger than ourselves. Whether this takes the form of a specific religious faith or a broader worldview that helps us grapple with life’s uncertainties, a sense of belief provides perspective and resilience in the face of challenges. This resonates with Dr. Crosby’s exploration of the PERMA model of well-being, where “M” stands for “Meaning,” underscoring the pursuit of purpose and connection to something greater than oneself. Furthermore, our financial choices, how we spend and allocate our resources, reveal much about what we truly believe in, offering an opportunity to align our actions with our professed values.
Belonging: The Irreducible Need for Connection
The second pillar, belonging, speaks to our inherent need for connection and community. As Brené Brown emphatically states, the need to love, be loved, and belong is fundamental to human existence. This intrinsic drive to connect with others should inform our decisions about how we utilize our resources, particularly our finances. Research indicates that experiences bring greater joy than material possessions, and the happiness derived from shared experiences is even greater. This suggests a shift in focus from acquiring material goods to investing in experiences that foster connection and strengthen relationships. This could translate into exchanging traditional gifts for shared experiences with loved ones, creating lasting memories and deeper bonds.
Becoming: Embracing Growth and Self-Actualization
The final pillar, becoming, focuses on our personal trajectory and the ongoing process of growth and self-actualization. It’s about consciously choosing who we want to be in the world and for the people we care about. This principle aligns with Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-actualization, the drive to realize our full potential. "What a man can be, he must be," Maslow asserted, emphasizing the inherent need for growth and development. Becoming is not a solitary pursuit; it’s intertwined with our beliefs and our sense of belonging, creating a synergistic effect where our personal growth enhances our connections and reinforces our sense of purpose.
Integrating the Three Pillars: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
These three pillars—believing, belonging, and becoming—are not merely abstract concepts; they represent fundamental human needs. We need to feel connected to something larger than ourselves, to feel a sense of belonging within a community, and to continually evolve and grow as individuals. Ignoring these needs leads to a sense of disconnect, isolation, and stagnation. Dr. Crosby’s framework encourages us to actively cultivate these needs by asking ourselves key questions: What do we believe? To whom do we belong? And who are we becoming? By aligning our resources, both financial and otherwise, with the answers to these questions, we can pave the way for a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Practical Application: Aligning Resources with Values
The power of this framework lies in its practical application. By reflecting on these three pillars, we can gain clarity about our values and priorities. This clarity then empowers us to make conscious choices about how we allocate our time, energy, and money. For instance, if we value community and connection, we might choose to invest in shared experiences with loved ones rather than accumulating material possessions. If we value personal growth, we might invest in educational opportunities or activities that challenge us to expand our horizons. The key is to consciously align our resources with our values, ensuring that our actions reinforce our beliefs and contribute to our overall well-being.
A Roadmap for 2025 and Beyond
As we look ahead to 2025, the believing-belonging-becoming framework offers a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of life and achieving a sense of fulfillment. By investing in our beliefs, nurturing our relationships, and embracing personal growth, we can create a life that is rich in meaning, connection, and purpose. This goes beyond setting traditional New Year’s resolutions; it’s about aligning our actions with our deepest values and creating a life that reflects who we truly are and who we aspire to become. This framework provides a powerful tool for crafting a life of authentic well-being, one that prioritizes meaning, connection, and growth above all else.
