thr veSOLUT IONSpowered byBEGINNING YOURT.H.R.I.V.E. JOURNEYMULTI-SESSION GROWTH GUIDE
Helping YouT.H.R.I.V.E.Human “flourishing” or well-being has been the focus of many disciplines overthe centuries and very generally might be described as: “a state in which allaspects of a person’s life are good.”The term “all aspects of life” has various champions across many disciplines thattend to organize around important “life” domains.The Harvard Human Flourishing Program has developed a six-part frameworkupon which this series is based.See the Appendix for additional information on each domain and anopportunity to take the T.H.R.I.V.E. assessment.powered byPage 2- © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
Why DoesTHRIVING InLife Matter?Being the same person at home, at school, at work, andin your faith speeds your journey to T.H.R.I.V.E.! TheGlobal Human Flourishing research identifies the abovefour unique “pathways” where we have the opportunityto THRIVE.Research across these four (4) different pathways helps usimagine a flourishing life and our contributions toward aRelational Culture.Let’s imagine together some of the potential benefits youmight enjoy while using these four pathways along yourT.H.R.I.V.E. journey:T.H.R.I.V.E. at HOMEImagine marriages, families and single adult relationships:Where caring and supportive relational connectionsare valued beyond what is acquired, accomplishedor achieved.Where a priority is made on “giving first” to others’relational needs, such as respect, support,appreciation, and security.Where critical relational skills have been acquired andlived out such that inevitable conflicts are reducedand resolved.Where a Legacy of compassion, serving and generosityis multiplied through extended families andcommunities.T.H.R.I.V.E. at WORK“If you could make one change at your current employer tomake it a great place to work, what would it be?”Forty-one percent answered, “A change of culture.”(Gallup, Inc., 2023).imagine your contributions toward building a RelationalCulture at work where:Priority is given to overall well-being, which includesnot only a team member's job and physical health butalso good relationships, financial stability, a sense ofpurpose, support for being a “better” person, andliving a happy, satisfied life..Humans genuinely care about this broad spectrum ofT.H.R.I.V.E. topics related to well-being, and whenorganizations intentionally address this more holisticview, significant benefits can be anticipated, including:More happiness and growth in characterIncreased relational and emotional self-awarenessDecreases in conflicts and misunderstandingsGrowth in relational skills that can easily betransferable to customers, home, school,and communityImproved job satisfaction, worker engagement,performance, and teamworkDecreased absenteeism, work injuries, and turnoverImprovements in work-life balance and fulfillmentImprovements in customer attraction, retentionand loyalty“So goes the leader, so goes the culture. So goes the culture,so goes the company.” —Simon Sinek.T.H.R.I.V.E. @ SCHOOLImagine schools, colleges, universities, youth groups, andcommunities offering students of all ages:“Life-readiness” training in people-skills as well asacademic and career skills.Integration of learning with character development,emotional fitness, and relational skillsRemoving of barriers to student learning throughself-awareness, self-management, and responsibledecision-makingT.H.R.I.V.E. in FAITHIn a recent faith survey, more than half (56%) of U.S. Adultssay their spiritual life is entirely private and tend to believethat their faith is NOT IMPORTANT in DAILY LIFE!So, imagine churches emphasizing strategies and resourcesthat positively impact “daily life” by:Giving priority not to buildings, budgets, and meetingsbut to people living out a personal, compassionate, andgenerous faith across all of life’s dimensions.Broadening the emphasis on making disciples toinclude all aspects of human well-being as“life abundant.”Offering T.H.R.I.V.E. Growth Groups for community andworkplace training, focused on well-being topics toaddress emotional fitness, life purpose and motivation,financial freedom, communication, and conflictresolution skills.(from Barna’s Top Trends of 2025, When Faith becomesPrivate) https://www.barna.com/research/barna-trends2025-pt-1/ )Page 3 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
WhatWhat Is Involved In a Life That T.H.R.I.V.E.s?Congratulations on taking a first critical step along yourT.H.R.I.V.E. journey! Research confirms that simply“assessing” one’s well-being provides important selfawareness for growth, so let this flourishing journeybegin.What Is Flourishing, Really?Human flourishing or well-being can be described as“the place in which all aspects of a person’s life aregood.” The concept of flourishing doesn’t mean that wewill be happy at every moment of our lives or thateverything in our lives needs to be going well for us tobe doing well.Flourishing Means That We:EXPRESS important character qualities of “who weare” (T),EXPERIENCE positive health and emotions(H),ENJOY caring and connected relationships(R),IDENTIFY with a sense of happiness, hope, and asatisfied life (I),FIND motivation through a sense of purpose (V)built upon the security of resources/finances (E).In a Quest to Understand How Human BeingsAchieve Fulfillment, Researchers Have Sought toExplain:Why some individuals thrive in certain situations,whereasOthers merely survive or succumb.The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard hasdeveloped a measurement approach to humanflourishing based on six (6) central life domains, and the12-Question Harvard Survey has been adapted byRelational Values Alliance as the T.H.R.I.V.E. Survey.(VanderWeele, 2017).Thrive means “to grow or develop in a healthy orvigorous way; to flourish.” When related to humanbeings, that means being a vibrant version of ourselvesand living a satisfying, meaningful life.How to Make the T.H.R.I.V.E. JourneyFortunately, research confirms that our state offlourishing is not fixed. There are numerous evidencebased practices we can make to improve our well-beingand cultivate higher levels of flourishing in our personaland professional lives. These intentional practices andstrategies, introduced in this Growth Guide, BeginningYour T.H.R.I.V.E. Journey, can be organized around the 4-EJourney framework noted below and depicted on theadjoining page.Key Factors in Your T.H.R.I.V.E. Journey Include:Intentionality—specific moments of insight,gratitude, caring connection, vulnerability,compassion, and kindnessMake your journey with OTHERS—friends, family,other students, colleagues, teammates, or in a faithcommunity; embrace this principle—“It is very hardto GROW YOURSELF by YOURSELF!”The four-step process in your T.H.R.I.V.E. journey can beportrayed as any of us seeks to “become” a more thrivinghuman being.EXPLORE your own well-being self-reflections as youwork through each of the content items related to thesix dimensions, considering both a needed GROWTHarea and a STRENGTH of yours that could bechanneled to support others in their journey.EMBRACE a well-being insight for yourself that canbe the focus of intentional, lifestyle practice, I.e.,expressing more gratitude, a better understandingof your emotions, developing additional peopleskills, etc.EXPERIENCE key lifestyle practices on an intentionaldaily basis, as old habits are replaced by new ones.For example: giving at least one compliment a day,regular times of “dating” my spouse or significantother, texting a message of gratitude as a positivememory comes to mind, when having an appreciativethought, I “say it!”EXPRESS this practice or core value as your identity;this is who you are!—Being this same person in all oflife’s settings.HowSOLUT IONSpowered bythr ve
Humanflourishingorwell-beingcanbedescribedas“theplaceinwhichallaspectsofaperson’slifearegood.”Therearedifferentperspectivesonhowtodefine“allaspectsoflife,” butresearchersagreeontheimportanceofassessinglifeholistically. Thismeanswhenweassessourwell-being,wemust considerEACHoftheimportantdomainsoflifeandhowwellweareflourishinginthem.TheHumanFlourishingProgramatHarvardhasdevelopedatooltoassesshumanflourishingaroundfivecategoriesordomains:(1)happinessandlifesatisfaction,(2)physicalandmentalhealth,(3)meaningandpurpose,(4) characterandvirtue,and(5) closesocialrelationships.Thesixthdomainconcernsthestabilityofourfinancesandaccesstopracticalandfinancialresourcesthatallowustoflourishandsustainwell-being(VanderWeele,2017).Tothrivemeans“togrowordevelopinahealthyorvigorousway;toflourish;toliveasatisfying,meaningfullife.”WecanlabelthesixdomainsofhumanflourishingwiththeacronymT.H.R.I.V.E.IndividualswhoTHRIVEhaveagreatlife.LeaderswhoTHRIVEhelpcreateagreatculture!Individuals Who Thrive Can Enjoy:1.An overall higher quality of life and well-being.2.Lower risk of hypertension and high cholesterol.3.Lower risk of depression (32%) and better mental andphysical health.4. More social connectedness and stronger relationships.5.Financial well-being and less financial stress.Leaders Who Thrive Help Create a Caring,People-First Culture.“If you could make one change at your currentemployer to make it a great place to work, what wouldit be?”—The #1 answer from employees (41%), “Achange of culture!” (Gallup, Inc., 2023).During the global pandemic, the percentage ofemployees who noted that their companies madeemployee well-being a priority DROPPED from 49% to24% (Gallup 2020–2022 findings).Groups or organizationsthat want to prioritize wellbeingbuild a culture that prioritizestheir people!Characteristics of a People-First Culture:1.Leaders truly care about others’ well-being.2.People trust their senior leadership.3.People feel they are treated fairly regardless of age,gender, or ethnicity.4.People feel respected and appreciated.5.Leaders help others during stressful times.6.Caring about one another’s celebrations and strugglesis a top priority.Pause and Reflect:Share about a work, team, or small group experiencewhere you experienced one of these characteristics andwhy it was meaningful to you.“I remember being part of a culture like this when ___ and itmeant a lot to me because___________________________.”You as aLeaderWhoT.H.R.I.V.E.s!Page 6 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.T—TransformationincharacterandvirtueH—Health:physical,mental,andemotionalR—Relational closenessincaringconnectionsI—Identifyingashappy,hopeful,andsatisfiedwithlifeV—Vocationalfulfillment,adequacy,andpurposeE—Enjoyfinancialstabilityandfreedom
EXPLORE EMBRACE EXPERIENCE EXPRESSContentsT—You as a Leader Who T.H.R.I.V.E.s! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .4H—Me Managing Me! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6R—Table Talk (Respect). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7R—Date Night Menu (Respect) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .9I—You as a Giving-First Person. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12V—Building a People-First Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14E—Money Wisdom—Managing Money: Five Buckets for Financial Success . . . . . . . 15Appendix: You as a Person Who Thrives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19YOUR Journey in BecomingAnimportantobjectiveof ministeringtheWordisthatthehearer’sIDENTITYis characterizedas“thriving.” Thistransformationjourneyinwellnessandflourishingcanbecharacterizedbythefourstagesnotedbelow:Forexample,youmaybesimplyEXPLORINGtheimportanceofgiving-firsttoothers,orYoumayhaveEMBRACEDtheimportanceofthispracticeandareseekingpracticalwaystoliveitout.YoumaybeseekingtodevelopadailypracticeofEXPERIENCINGthedisciplinesofgiving-first,buthopefully,mostimportanttoyouis…YOUEXPRESSINGtheexampleofgiving-firstasyouridentity!Thisis“whoyouare.”Exploretruthsandpracticesinthesafetyofacceptingrelationships.Embracetruthsandpracticesaspersonallyimportant.Experiencetruthsandpracticesasalifestyleineverydaylife.Expresstruths andpracticesthroughyouridentity.Page 5 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
PeopleandOrganizationsWhoT.H.R.I.V.E.PrioritizeOverallWell-being.Peoplecareaboutmorethanjusttheirjoborphysicalhealth;theycareaboutgoodrelationships,financialstability,asenseofpurpose,beingagoodperson,andlivingahappy,satisfiedlife.Humansgenuinelycareaboutthisbroadspectrumoftopicsrelatedtowell-being.Becauseofthesetruths,organizationsthatintentionallyaddressamoreholisticviewofhumanwell-beingalsobenefit.Thosebenefitsinclude:MorehappinessandgrowthincharacterIncreasedrelational/emotionalself-awarenessDecreasesinconflictsandmisunderstandingsGrowthinrelationalskillsthat caneasilybetransferredtohome,school,andcommunityImprovedjobsatisfaction,workerperformance,andteamworkDecreasedabsenteeism,workinjuries,andturnoverImprovementsinwork-lifebalanceandfulfillmentPauseandReflectReviewthesevenitemslistedaboveandthen:Shareonethatyouseeasastrengthinyourimportantrelationships,team,ororganization.Shareonethatyouseeasagrowthareainyourimportantrelationships,team,ororganization.Leaders Who T.H.R.I.V.E. Give Attentionto Their Continued GrowthTheflourishingresearchatHarvardhasrecentlybeenexpandedandbroadenedintotheGlobalFlourishingStudyacross22countries.Scanor clicktheQRcodetoexplorethisoverviewvideofromDr.TylerJ.VanderWeele.VanderWeele,T.J.(2017).Onthepromotionofhumanflourishing.ProceedingsoftheNationalAcademyofSciences,U.S.A.,31:8148-8156.Scanor clicktheQRcodetotakethe12-questionT.H.R.I.V.E.Assessment.Next,inviteacolleague,friend,orfamilymembertotaketheassessment.Discussyourresultswithafocusonencouragingandsupportingoneanotherinyourjourneytowardwell-being.Pause and ReflectBased on your assessment, demonstrate a small step ofhumility and vulnerability by sharing:What is one of the current areas of strength in yourwell-being?How are you living out this strength as you relate toand lead others?What are some additional ways you coulddemonstrate this strength and become a source ofencouragement for others?What is one of the areas of well-being you would liketo improve or change?Flourishing LeadersLead Flourishing Orgs
Controlwhatyoucancontrol,anddon’twastebrainpowerandconversationsaroundwhatyoucan’t control!(Theclinicalterminologyis“LocusofControl.”)Youonlyhavesomuchthinkingcapacity,andwhenyoufocusitpositivelyonfutureplans,youreduceanxietyoveraspectsofthefutureyoucan’t control.Researcherstellusthatmorepositivethinkingandtalkdecreaseanxietyandincreaseourabilitytofocusonwhatreallymatters—“beingpresent”inourrelationshipsathomeandwithfriends,family, coworkers,andcustomers.Hope-filledthinkingincreasespersonalwell-being,orhappiness,asitisoftencalled.Plus,thistypeofthinkingimprovesourimmunesystem,increaseslifeexpectancy,andenrichesourrelationships!It’sabigdeal!Finally,wecanincreaseourpositive,hope-filledthinkingthroughsuchthingsas:Planningactivitiestolookforwardto,thenthinkingaboutandtalkingaboutthem.Schedulingatimetoputtogetherapuzzlewithyourkids,playdominoeswithyourspouse,andhavescheduledweekly“check-in”timeswithfamilyandfriendsoverZoom®,Skype®,orFaceTime®.Laughingandhavingfun.MeManagingMePracticalResourcesforHope-filledLivingBelowaresomeresourcesthat canbehelpfultoolsinthejourneytowardhope-filledliving.ScantheQRcodestoexploreeachresource.MasterClassLearnfrom85+oftheworld’sbestminds.Masterclass.comDryBarComedyLiveorrecordedcomedyspecialsforallaudiences.www.drybarcomedy.comHope-filledLivinginTurbulentTimesisasix-session,ONLINEcourse.Hopeisyearningforsomethingpossiblethatisnotyetcertain.WeknowtheCOVID-19crisis,socialandpoliticaltensions,plusmanyotherstressors,leaveusfacingturbulenttimes.Wheredowefindhope?Howdowepreserveandprotectouremotionalhealth?This courseisdesignedtoprovidepracticaltoolstocultivatehope,peace,andwell-being.Hopeisachoiceyoucanmake.This courseshowsyouhow!Page 8- © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
ForagreatTableTalkexperience…Turnoffallelectronicdevices.Letthepeopleyou’rewithknowthey areimportant!Turnoffallelectronicdevices.Letthepeopleyou’rewithknowtheyareimportant.Staypositive!Thisisnot thetimetofocuson what’sbeendonewrong or couldbedonebetter. Staypositive!Thisisnot thetimetofocuson what’sbeendonewrong.Don’tforceit.Ifyouget onanegativetrack,stopthatdiscussion.Moveon toanothertopic.Expectsurprises—youmightgettoknowoneanotherinnewandmeaningfulways!HaveFUN!Table Talk—RespectR-E-S-P-E-C-T!Everypersonineveryfamilyhasaneedforrespect.Respectmeansvaluingandregardinganotherhighly,treatinganotherasimportant,andhonoringanotherperson.Givingrespectmeanslisteningwithoutinterrupting,askingforyouropinion,offeringasincereapology,usinganappropriatetoneofvoice,andcheckingwithyoubeforemakingplansthataffectyou.Taketurnsfinishingthesesentences.Theyarewaysofshowingrespect.(ParentsLISTENfirst…thenkidsdothesame.)I’dliketohearyouropinionabout __________I’dlovetoknowifyouhaveanyideasforhow wemight_______________________________Whatdoyouthinkisthebest______________Example: I’dliketohearyouropinionaboutthebestvacationever!I’dlovetoknowifyouhaveanyideasformakingourhomemorefun.Remembertolistenattentivelyaseachpersontalks—thisshowsrespect!GIVINGRESPECTGivingagoodapologyisoneofthebestwaystoshow respect. Arespectfulapologytellstheotherpersonthatyouhonorandvaluetheirfeelings.Parents—You’llgiveanapologyfirst,sincetherearenoperfectpeople(andnoperfectparents!)FAMILY CONVERSATIONS
Thinkofwaysinwhichyoumighthavecausedhurtforyour child.Havetherebeenanytimeswhenyoumighthave:Brokenapromise,missedaneed?Reactedinanger,lostyourtemperspokenharshlyor withirritation?Disappointedyour childorletthemdowninsomewayNow,withoutjustifying,excusingorrationalizing,shareyourapology:Now,withoutjustifying,excusingorrationalizing,shareyourapology:Iwaswrongwhen _______________________Iknowyoumusthavefelt_______________________,willyouforgiveme?Afteryougiveyourapology,waitfortheotherperson’sanswer:Yes,Iforgiveyou.•I’mnotquiteready,butIamworkingtowardforgiveness.•Sincetherearenoperfectpeople,respectfulapologiesshouldberegularoccurrencesinyourhome!DoyouknowwhereyoustandontheneedforRESPECT?Takethisshortquiz.Ifthestatementisreallylikeyou, circle5.Ifitisnotlikeyou,circle1.Addyourscoretoseehowimportantrespectistoyou.Itisimportantformetobeabletellmythoughtsandfeelingstopeoplearoundme.1 2 3 4 5Ireallylikeitwhensomeonewantstospendtimewithme.1 2 3 4 5IfeellovedwhensomeonespendstimedoingsomethingwithmethatIenjoy,especiallyifit’snottheirfavoriteactivity.1 2 3 4 5Iusuallydon’tliketospendalotoftimebymyself.1 2 3 4 5It’sreallyimportanttomeforpeopletolistentomewhenItalk.1 2 3 4 5Total:___________ Click or ScanQR code towatch a videoabout RespectYOURSCORE5–11:Respectisnotveryimportantforyou.Weallneedrespecttosomedegree,sowatchcloselyforoneofyourotherrelationshipneeds.12–18:Yourfamily’srespectissomewhatimportant.Hearingwordsofrespectfairlyoftenwouldbegoodforyou.19–25:Yourfamily’srespectisveryimportanttoyou.Hearingwordsofrespecteverydaymightnotbetoomuch.Page 10 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
STARTINGRIGHTTheirStrengthsStartthisexperiencebyaffirmingyourpartner’sstrengths.Whenyouconsistentlynoticeandvalueyourpartner’sstrengths,you’renotonlyshowingrespect—you’restrengtheningthebondbetweenyou.Sharewitheachother:I’venoticedthatyou’regreatat________________________________________.Forexample:beingamom,finances,fixingthings,cooking,gardening,math,smalltalk,hospitality,havingfun,etc.WhenIthinkaboutyourstrengths,Iamamazedthatyou__________________________________.Forexample:aresocomfortablespeakinginfrontofgroups,havenotroublenegotiatingdeals,etc.IT’SABOUTVALUEExpressingRespectGivingrespectmeansvaluingyourpartnerincountlessways.You’vejustaffirmedoneanother’sstrengths,butit’salsoimportanttovalue:ideas,opinions,decisions,time,gifts,talents,wisdom,andexperience.Let’sTalkAboutItThinkbacktoyourearliestdaysasacoupleandthenfinishthissentenceaboutyourpartner:Fromourearliestdaystogether,Ihavevalued/respectedyoufor_______________.Forexample,Fromourearliestdaystogether,Ihavevalued/respectedyouforhowyouhandleourfinancesandmakewisedecisions.Date Night -Love GivesRespectClick or ScanQR code towatch a videoabout Respect
TOGETTHEMOSTOUTOFTHISEXPERIENCE…Staypositive!Thisisnotthetimetotelltheotherwhatheorshehasdonewrong.Befuturefocused.Focusonwhatyouwantyourrelationshiptobelikeinthefuture.Don’t concentrateonpastfailures.(It’sokaytorememberpastsuccesses.)Talkaboutyourrelationship.Donottalkaboutyourjob, children,in-laws,etc.,unlessit’spartoftheconversation.Giveagiftoflove.Somediscussionitemswillexciteyoumorethanothers.Onthelessexcitingones,giveagiftoflove.Participateenthusiastically!Don’tforceit.Ifyougetonanegativetrack,stopthatdiscussion.Moveontoanothertopic thatyoubothfeelgoodabout.Ifyougetstuck,askforhelp.Ifanissuecomesupthatyoucan’thandletogether,talktoamarriagecoachatalocal churchor counselingcenter.Usegoodcommunicationskills.Bepreparedforsomesurprisesandnewinsightsabouteachother.Theycanopennewopportunitiesforgrowthandintimacyinyourrelationship.HereAreSeveralSpecificTipsforaGreatDateExperience:Behonest,yetneverunkind.Remembertostartyoursentenceswith“I”andletthemreflectbackonyou.Resistattackingtheotherordefendingyourself.Bespecificandpositive.Let’sPracticeItTakeTurnsMeetingOneAnother’sNeedforRespectConsidertheadditionaldimensionsofrespectlistedbelow.Chooseatleasttwodifferentaspectsofvaluingyourpartnerandverbalizeyourthoughts:Ivalue/respectyourideasandopinionsabout___________________.Ivalue/respectyourinsightsandwisdomabout__________________.Ivalue/respectyourstrengthandexperiencein__________________.Ivalue/respectyourgiftsandtalentsin________________________.CelebratingTheirGreatDecisionsReflectonyourpartner’sgreatdecisions—beginningwithchoosingyou!This canstrengthenyourtrust,deepenyourlove,andempower continuingrespect.Otherthanchoosingyou,reflectonsomeofthegreatdecisionsyourpartnerhasmadeoverthecourseoftheirlife,thenverbalizeyourrespectandadmiration.Youmadeagreatdecisionwhenyou__________________________.Andyoumadeanothergreatdecisionwhenyou________________.Examples:Handledyourdad’shealthchallengesDecidedtochangejobsEncouragedustoconsiderrelocationWorkedonourretirementplansRespondedtounwarrantedcriticismDealtwithourson’s challengesatschoolEncouragedustosocializemoreTHEPERFECTENDINGRespectasaLifestyleGivingrespectispowerfullycommunicatedwhenwevalueourpartner’sinput,involvement, counsel,andwisdomindecision-making.Eventhedecisionswethink“onlyaffectourselves”tendtoaffectourpartnersaswell.Interdependence,ratherthanindependence,isasignofagreatrelationship.Here’sanimportantguideforinterdependent,respectfuldecision-making:BeforeImakeacommitmentordecisionthataffectsyou,yourlife,andourlifetogether,we’lltalkthroughitfirst.
Let’sTalkAboutItaBitMoreCelebratingReassuranceThinkforamomentaboutanareawhereyou’vemademoreindependentdecisionsratherthanincludingyourpartner.Takethismomenttogiveyourpartnerrespectfulandlovingreassurance:I’mcommittedtodoingabetterjobofinvolvingyouindecisionsabout__________________________________________________.Forexample:weekendprojects,mydaysoff,planswithfriends,expenditures,finances,hobbies,sportsoutings,etc.Besuretothankyourpartnerforthisreassuranceandgiftofrespect!Click or Scan QR codeto take the RelationalNeeds assessment!Page 13- © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
WHATISGIVINGFIRST?GivingFirstmeansgivinguniquelytoanotherpersonwithoutexpectationofreturn.Itmeansdemonstratinggenuineactsofkindness,thoughtfulness,orselflessnesswithoutexpectinganythingback.WHYISGIVINGFIRSTIMPORTANT?GivingFirstmakesapositiveimpactoneveryrelationship.Itbuildstrustandstrengthensconnections.GivingFirsttoothers canreduceyourstress,increaseyourhappiness,andboostyourlifesatisfactionandemotionalwell-being.Whengroupsofpeoplegivefreelywithoutexpectationofpersonalbenefit,itbuildsasenseofcommunityandsharedresponsibility.Watchthevideo.Noticehowthebusdrivergaveuniquelytoeachstudentwithoutexpectinganythinginreturn.Scanor clicktheQRcodetowatch.PauseandReflectHowweretherelationshipsprobablybetteronthatbusbecauseofGivingFirst?Thestudentswereprobably____________Thebusdriverandthestudentswerelikely____________Thebusdriverandhisbosswereprobably___________SOLUT IONSpowered bythr veHereIsHowYouCanBECOMEaGiving-FirstPersonFirstStep:ShowEmpathyGiving Firstrequiresthe ability to feel and understand anotherperson’semotions.Would your spouse feel relieved if you pitched in orhelped?Wouldyourfriendfeellessanxiousifyouhuggedthem?Would your co-worker feel appreciated if you noticedtheireffort?Giving First requires understanding how your giving creates apositiveemotionalimpact.Scanor clicktheQRcodetowatchavideoaboutGivingFirst.PauseandReflectWatch the video. Notice how the man changes from beingcluelessanduncaringtoattentiveandconcerned.Whatpositiveemotionsdideachpersonfeel?Thepeopleseemedtofeel ______________________.SecondStep:CultivateGratitudeImagine how you’ve felt when others have given to you.Remember those positive feelings, and then, out of yourgratitude,givefirsttoothers.PauseandReflectThink about a time when someone gave in a way that wasuniquelyforyouandexpectednothinginreturn.Irememberwhen(nametheperson) gavetomeby______________________.Ifeltgratefulbecause _________________________.You as aGiving-FirstPerson
ThirdStep:WatchandListentoGiveFirstWATCHforopportunitiestopracticeGivingFirstallaroundyou. Thekeytosuccessiswatchingandlisteningwiththeintenttogive.Beintentional.Slowdown.Noticewhat’shappeningaroundyou.Pause&ReflectI couldbemoreintentionalaboutwatchingandlisteningforopportunitiestogivefirstwhenIam:Listenandthinkabouttheconversationsyouhavehadrecently.Basedonwhatyou’veheard,howcouldyougive?Askyourself:1. HaveIlearnedaboutsomeone’sfavorite? (Forexample:food/drink/candy/coffee/snack/typeofpen/placetotravel)2. DidIhearaboutarecent celebrationinsomeone’slife?(Forexample:anewhouse,vacation,graduation)3. HaveIheardsomeonetalkaboutaneedforhelporsupport? (Forexample:helpwithchores/helpwithaprojectorassignment/learninghowtodoatask?)PauseandReflect:Basedonwhatyouhaveheard,makeaplanforhowyoucouldofferhelp,time,orresourcestopeoplearoundyou.Makeaplan,andthengivefirst!BasedonwhatI’veheardornoticedrecently,Iplantogiveto_________________by______________.Scan or click the QR code towatch a short video on the Effectof Giving First.GiveFirstatHomeMyspouse/partner/roommate/friendhasthesethingsonhis/herto-dolist.I couldhelpby…Mychildsaidthathe/sheneedshelpwith ,soIwillmaketimeto…GiveFirstatSchoolWhichteacherorprofessorseemsstressedrecently?Emailthemtosaythankyoufortheireffortanddedication.Howcouldyousurprisesomeonewithahug,acupof coffee,oranunexpectedgestureofkindnessatyourschool?GiveFirstatWorkWhoseemstoneedawarmsmileandapleasantgreeting?Givethemone!Whohasaspecific topicofinterestorafavoritehobby?Sendanarticleorlinktoapodcastthatmatchestheirinterest.Whohasworkedhard,andwhoseworkmayhavegoneunnoticed?Writea thank-younotetothem.Whoisstrugglingandneedsmentoring,or couldbenefitfrombeingshownhow?GiveFirstintheCommunityWhohasrecentlyreceivedsomegoodnews?Sendacongratulatorytext.Whohasprovidedoutstandingserviceorgonetheextramile?Giveanextratiporbragontheminfrontofothers.Whoneedsahelpinghandwithfood,resources,orchores?Maketheofferofsupportinpersonorbyemail!Page 15 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
Session1WhatIsaPeople-FirstLeader?Session2WhatAretheCurrentImperativesforaPeople-FirstCulture?Session3WhyPuttingPeopleFirstMatters!Building aPeople-FirstCultureSession4BecomingaPeople-FirstLeaderbyTrulyKnowingThoseYouServeandWorkWith!Session5BecomingaPeople-FirstLeaderbyCaringfortheCelebrationsandChallengesofThoseYouServeandWorkWith!Session6BecomingaPeople-FirstLeaderbyGivingtotheRelationalNeedsofOthers!Click or scan QR code foraccess to the Building a PeopleFirst Culture on-demand course!Page 16 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
ManagingMoney:FiveBucketsforFinancialSuccessAswereflectonourfinances,wemightassumethatourincome,orthelackthereof,istherealproblem.Wethinkweneedmoremoney,andthenourproblemswillgoaway.Thisassumptionleadsustoworkonmakingmoremoneyratherthanmanagingwhatwealreadyhave.Nothingiswrongwithcontemplatingwaystomakemoremoney,butabetterstartingpointmightbetofocusonimprovingtheeffectivenessofthefivethingswedowithourmoney.FiveThingsYouCanDoWithYourMoney1.Saveit;2.Spendit;3.Giveitaway;4.Paytaxes;and5.Reducedebt.Sortmoneyanywayyouwant,andchancesareitwillbeinoneofthesebuckets.Here’samoredetailedbreakdown:Save$Bucket:Settingasidemoneyforfutureneeds,goals,oremergenciesSpend$Bucket:Usingmoneyfordailylivingexpenses,purchases,andexperiencesGive$Bucket:Donatingtocharities,religiousinstitutions,supportingcauses,orhelpingothersPay$onDEBTBucketTax$Bucket:PayingvariousTAXESrelatedtofederal,state,property,andothertaxes.MoneyWisdomWisdomPracticeReflectonyourfinancesandthesefive“buckets.”IfyouhadtopickONEofthem:WhichONEdoyoufeelmostsecureabout?WhichONEmight causeyouthemoststress?WhichONEmightneedMOREpriorityatthisstageofyourlife?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CommonPrioritiesfortheFive$BucketsDebt • Taxes • Spend • Save • GiveWecommonlystartourlistofprioritiesbypayingourdebtandtaxesbecauseweknowwemustpaythem.Oursecondpriorityoftenmeansspendingforlivingexpenses,whichincludesallthebasicslikefood,rent, clothes,autoexpenses,travel,andentertainment.Whiletheseprioritiesareimportantandvalid,theyalsoleadtoseveral commondilemmas.Common$DilemmasRarelyisanythingleftovertosaveandgivecharitably.Rarelyanythingleftoverafterexpenses.(I.e.,“Moremonthisleftattheendofour cash.“)Wemaybespendingmorethanwemake,soourdebtkeepsincreasing.Whatifweturnedallofthisupsidedownanddecidedtogiveandsavefirstandforceourlifestyletofitintothebudgetthatremains?Page 17 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
WisdomPracticeWhatarethemostimportantactionstepswithregardtoyoursavingplans?“Itwillbeimportantformeto .“FocusonGenerosity,Debt,andLivingExpensesResearchconsistentlyindicatesthatthehappiest,mostcontentpeoplearealsothemostgenerous!Andifyouhaveinvestmentsthathaveappreciated,likestocks,youshouldconsider charitablegivingwiththoseassetsinsteadof cashbecausethetaxcodeallowsyoutosidestepthecapitalgains.Considertheuseofadonoradvisedfundtohelp withthis.ClickorscantheQRcodeformoreinformation.Regardingdebt,startbydoingafreshsummaryofwhatdebtsyouhaveandtheinterestratesoneach.Setanewgoal:Duringthenextyearortwo,youwillgetoutofdebtandstaytherefortherestofyourlife!Foryourlivingexpenses,keeptrackofyourspendingforthenext30days. Mostpeopleoftenhavethethought,“Wheredoesitallgo?”Butdon’ttakethestepstofindout.ClickorscantheQRcodetodownloadabudgetingspreadsheettosharpenyourgrasponspending!Now,askyourselfalife-changingquestion:WhocouldIinviteintomyfinancialworldtoencourageandholdmeaccountabletoreachthegoalsabove?_________________________________________WisdomPracticeHowmightyoudescribeany“misplaced”prioritiesinyourmonthlybudget?Whatexpensesbringstressorunduepressures?Whattendstocomplicatepayingoffdebts?Whatseemstoleadtooverspending?“Iprobablyneedtoreviewmyexpensesrelatedto_______________inmybudget.“Re-prioritizeSavingandGivingYoumayhavetostartsmallandgraduallyincreasethepercentageputintothe“GiveandSaveBuckets,”butitwillyieldmanypayoffs.ConsideryourSAVINGplans:Startbybuildinganemergencyfund.Saveatleastthreemonthsoflivingexpensesinamoneymarketaccountincaseyouloseyourjoborhaveunexpected,significantexpenses.Ifyouremployermatchesyoursavingsina401(k),takeadvantageofit.Ifyoudon’thavethematchingoption,establishanIRAandhave2–5%ofyourpaycheckautomaticallytransferredeachmonth.Eachyear,increasethepercentagethatyouaresavingby1–2%.Along-termanalysiswillalsohelpyoudeterminehowmuchtosaveovertime.Youmayneedafinancialadvisortoguideyou.Bystartingasearlyinlifeaspossible,youcantakeadvantageofthemagicof compounding-earninginterestoninterest.Page 18 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
AppendixCopyright © 2026 by THRIVE Solutions. All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic ormechanical, including photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval system, except for briefquotations in reviews, without the written permission of the publisher.THRIVE Solutions is powered by licensed relational research administered by Relational Values Alliance.Page 19 - © 2026 THRIVE Solutions. All rightsreserved.
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powered byAcknowledgmentandPermissionsSpecialAcknowledgmentandGratitudetotheHarvardHumanFlourishingProgram:TheProgram’sflourishingindexmeasureis copyrightedunderaCreativeCommonsLicense(CCBY-NC4.0).However,it canbeusedwithoutpermissionfornoncommercialpurposesifproper citationisgiven.Thereferenceforthepaperinwhichthemeasurewaspresentedis:VanderWeele,T.J.(2017).Onthepromotionofhumanflourishing.ProceedingsoftheNationalAcademyofSciences,U.S.A.,31:8148-8156.You as a Person Who T.H.R.I.V.E.s@Home, @School, @Work, in Faith, and in Community!Humanflourishingorwell-beingcanbedescribedas“theplaceinwhichallaspectsofaperson’slifearegood.” Therearedifferentperspectivesaboutwhatismeantby“allaspectsoflife.”Still,researchersagreeonthepriorityofassessinglifeholistically.Toassesswell-being,wemust considerEACHoftheimportantdomainsoflifeandhowwellweareflourishinginthem.TheHumanFlourishingProgramatHarvardhasdevelopedatooltoassesshumanflourishingbasedonfivecentraldomains:(1) characterandvirtue,(2)physicalandmentalhealth,(3) closesocialrelationships,(4)happinessandlifesatisfaction,(5)meaningandpurpose,andthesixth(6)domainrelatestothestabilityofourfinancesoraccesstopracticalandfinancialresourcesthatallowustoflourishandsustainwell-being(VanderWeele,2017).Tothrivemeans“togrowordevelopinahealthyorvigorousway;toflourish;toliveasatisfying,meaningfullife.”WecanlabelthesixdomainsofhumanflourishingwiththeT.H.R.I.V.E.acronym.People Who T.H.R.I.V.E.Give Attention to TheirContinued GrowthScan the QR code totake the 12-questionT.H.R.I.V.E. Assessment.Scan QR code to watchHarvard's video about theirHuman Flourishing Program.