9 areas of life to focus on

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here

A wise man once said:

(watch this Game of Thrones clip to find out who said it)

Life is complicated. There are so many areas pulling at our attention, so many aspects we feel we should be working on. And when everything feels important, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed… and never start at all.

That’s what this week’s issue is for.

Today, I’m breaking down 9 areas of life that I believe are worth focusing on. You don’t have to master them all at once, you just need to be intentional. Take inventory. Start somewhere.

9 areas of life to focus on

These aren't in any particular order. What matters most is what feels most meaningful to you right now.

1. Career

When people ask, “What do you do?” they usually mean your job. Like it or not, your career takes up a huge portion of your time — so it's worth shaping intentionally.

Ask yourself:

• Why am I in this role?

• Am I learning, growing, building toward something?

• Where do I actually want to go?

You don’t need a perfect answer. But you do need to be asking the questions.

2. Financial

Money can’t buy happiness — but it can buy freedom, options, and peace of mind.

Get proactive:

• Track where your money is going.

• Set saving/investing goals.

• Create a plan to pay off debt.

You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be consistent.

3. Social

Life is a lot better when it’s shared. Friends are the glue that hold us together — and too often, we let those relationships slide.

Start small:

• Send a text to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

• Plan a get-together.

• Be the person who reaches out.

4. Romantic

Whether you're single or in a relationship, this area matters.

If you’re single:

• Get clear on the kind of relationship you want.

• Do the hard work of becoming the person who can show up fully in that relationship.

• Say hi. Send the message. Go on the date.

If you’re in a relationship:

• Be intentional.

• Plan something thoughtful.

• Show appreciation — even for the little things.

Love isn’t just about finding the right person — it’s about showing up as the right person too.

5. Intellectual

Curiosity doesn’t end when school does. Learning new things keeps life interesting, and keeps you growing.

Ideas:

• Read 10 pages of a book each day.

• Take an online course on something you’ve always been curious about.

• Ask better questions in conversations.

6. Family

Whether you’re incredibly close with your family or still figuring that relationship out, there’s usually something here to nurture.

• Call your parents or siblings more often.

• Make time for a family dinner.

• Say thank you.

Don’t forget to show up for the ones who’ve always been there.

7. Health/Wellness

If your mind and body aren’t in a good place, everything else becomes harder. Wellness isn’t just about kale smoothies and gym sessions, it’s about how you feel inside.

Start here:

• Meditate or journal for 5 minutes each morning.

• Drink more water.

• Notice how you speak to yourself. Would you say that to a friend?

8. Fitness

This one’s straightforward, but essential.

You don’t need a 2-hour gym routine. You just need movement. Build it into your week.

Try:

• A 30-minute walk each morning

• A consistent gym or sports routine

• Stretching or yoga before bed

Your future self will thank you.

9. Spiritual/Purpose

This doesn’t have to mean religion (though it can). It’s about why you do what you do. About something bigger than just checking boxes.

• What gives your life meaning?

• What values matter most to you?

• When do you feel most connected — to yourself, to others, to the world?

Purpose doesn’t arrive in your inbox one day. You uncover it, by living with intention and paying attention.

If you’re thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot,” trust me, I feel the same way.

Most of the ideas I shared today are simple on their own, but try adding even a few of them to your already packed schedule, and life can get overwhelming fast.

So don’t try to tackle all 9 categories at once. Seriously — you’ll burn out.

Instead, pick one or two areas to focus on for the next month or two. Check in with yourself. See how it feels. Then either double down or shift your focus to a new area.

You don’t have to optimize your whole life overnight.

Just take one step worth taking. Then another. Then another.

🌱 This week’s step worth taking

Pick one or two of the nine areas I outlined above that you want to focus on over the next couple of months. (Or create your own — if I missed one, I’d love to hear it)

Then:

1. Choose one or two actions that will help you grow in each of those areas.

2. Write them down.

3. Start tracking whether or not you actually follow through.

📚 Worth the Read

Today, it’s an article not a book:

• 7 Types of Goals for All Areas of Life by Jade Warshaw — talks about how to set good goals along with areas to set them in.

🔄 Misstep of the week

This week, I tried to be everything, everywhere, all at once.

I took on too much at once — and burned myself out in the process.

Sometimes, even the things we love can become draining if we don’t make space for rest and fun. Every sprint of productivity needs to be balanced with recovery.

Lesson learned.

🙌 Step Spotlight

Have you been putting off something you’ve always wanted to do?

So had Connor — until this week.

He’s always dreamed of building an app, but never made the time. Now, the first version is officially underway.

Let’s go Connor! 💻

(And for those keeping track — yes, this is a different Connor than two weeks ago. Apparently Connors love Steps Worth Taking)

Want to be featured in next week’s Step Spotlight? Respond to this issue with a step you’ve taken that you’re proud of.

Until next week.

Step by step,

Nathan

P.S. Missing multiple choice scantron tests, let me know what you thought of today’s issue by filling out this one question form

Follow along with steps I’m taking on
Instagram, LinkedIn, X