Eight Pillars Self-Assessment and Reflection Guide
Beyond "Eat Better, Move More"
True wellness isn't about perfection or following someone else's plan. It's about understanding your whole life as an interconnected system—and knowing exactly where to start for maximum impact.
What if your wellness struggles aren't really about willpower?
Maybe the reason you feel stuck isn't because you lack discipline. Maybe it's because you're focusing on the wrong pillar while the real roadblocks remain hidden in plain sight. This evidence-based framework helps you see the bigger picture—and identify where small changes create the biggest breakthrough.
What you'll discover in this 5-minute guide:
- Why the Eight Pillars model is more effective than traditional wellness approaches
- A simple assessment to reveal which pillars are supporting you and which need immediate attention
- Reflection questions that uncover surprising connections in your wellness landscape
- Sixteen practical "microdose" actions you can implement immediately
- Clear guidance on when and how to dive deeper with a comprehensive assessment
About the Creator
Dr. Jeff Taekman spent 21 years on the Duke University faculty, where he developed innovative approaches to medical education and patient safety. Now Professor Emeritus at Duke and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, he's dedicated to bringing a more holistic perspective to medicine—one that recognizes wellness as an interconnected system rather than a collection of isolated symptoms.
The Eight Pillars of Wellness framework, originally developed by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick, has been adopted by Dr. Taekman as both a roadmap and a guide. Informed by decades of clinical experience and grounded in evidence-based research, this model helps bridge the gap between conventional medical care and whole-person wellbeing.
Why take this assessment now?
Every day you spend guessing what's holding you back is another day of spinning your wheels. In less time than it takes to scroll social media, you can finally see the clear path forward.
Sometimes the most profound shifts begin with simply seeing your life differently.