Creating Well-Being While Well-Doing: How to Take Care of Yourself While Changing the World

The Mindful Change Maker Spheres of Impact

Whitlock introduced the Mindful Change Maker Spheres of Impact, which challenge the traditional approach to mission-driven work. While many professionals focus on clients, causes, or the broader world, Whitlock emphasized the importance of centering oneself first. Using the metaphor of securing an oxygen mask before assisting others, he highlighted that true, lasting impact starts from within. By prioritizing personal well-being, individuals create a ripple effect that enhances both their professional and personal lives.

The Six Change Commitments for Well-Being While Well-Doing

To help individuals assess and sustain their well-being, Whitlock outlined six key commitments:

1. Clarity of purpose
2. Honoring priorities
3. Acknowledging and addressing self-doubt
4. Setting and renegotiating boundaries
5. Creating space for self-care
6. Integrating well-being into daily life

Participants were encouraged to assess themselves on a scale of 1 to 10 for each commitment, identifying areas that needed attention. Whitlock compared this to checking a car's dashboard—monitoring these commitments helps individuals maintain energy and effectiveness over time.

From Interest to Commitment: Taking Action

The session concluded with a powerful call to action: shifting from being merely interested in well-being to fully committing to it. Whitlock urged attendees to create an "index card well-being plan," a simple and achievable roadmap for the next 90 days. This plan should include:

• A clear vision for personal well-being
• Readily available resources
• A small, actionable step to take in the next seven days
• An accountability partner to provide support
  

Final Thoughts

Whitlock left attendees with an inspiring Haitian proverb: "Behind the mountains, there are mountains." Challenges will always arise, but by consistently practicing self-care, individuals strengthen their ability to navigate obstacles and sustain their mission-driven work. His session provided a practical, compassionate approach to integrating well-being into leadership—ensuring that those who serve others do not neglect themselves in the process.

Meico Marquette Whitlock is the founder and CEO of Mindful Techie, author of the Intention Planner, and a certified mindfulness teacher. Through speaking, training, and coaching, he facilitates transformative experiences that foster wellbeing in a hyperconnected and distracted world. He has worked with organizations such as Cigna, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Fund and has been a featured speaker on ABC News, Fox 5, Radio One.

This article is part of our Best of Summit series where we spotlight the most compelling sessions from our summit.