Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Podcast Index | Overcast | YouTube

Taking a step back from the typical wellness “what-to-dos”, let’s dive into an equally important question: How do we approach our health?

As much as I love sharing evidence-based practices to enhance longevity—like managing blood pressure, regular exercise, or the benefits of saunas—the way we each integrate these practices is unique. That’s because how we approach health is as varied as our personalities.

Why Our Health Approach Matters

Over the years, I’ve noticed in my family and friends, that the same health advice affects everyone differently. Take my siblings and me, for instance. We all share the same genetic foundation, upbringing, and even the same pivotal health experience—losing our father young—but each of us navigates our health in distinct ways. While I dive into triathlons and meditation, my siblings have charted different courses that align with their own preferences, even if we all want to live long and well.

The takeaway: Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding how you naturally engage with health can help you pinpoint what will work best for you.

What’s Your Health Type?

To simplify this idea, I worked with my daughter—a business strategist who’s great at turning ideas into action. Together, we identified five distinct health types, or “archetypes,” that categorize common approaches to wellness. And yes, there’s even a quiz on my website to help you discover your health type. It’s a quick way to find out which type best describes you, along with a report offering actionable insights.

The Five Health Types

Let’s go through each health type briefly. Recognizing your type can provide a roadmap for longevity and help you understand why some wellness strategies click for you while others don’t.

1. Holistic Health Hacker

This is my health type. Holistic Health Hackers go all-in, exploring all aspects of wellness—exercise, nutrition, sleep, and even cold plunges. If you’re this type, you may love tracking your health metrics with wearables and eagerly follow the latest research. However, the challenge lies in the sheer amount of time and energy this approach requires. As we age, it can feel like an uphill battle to keep up, and setbacks like injuries or chronic conditions can be disheartening.

2. Single-Minded Achiever

Think of Single-Minded Achievers as people who pour all their energy into one or two areas of health. They might be dedicated runners, cyclists, or focus intensely on a particular diet. Their drive and routine are impressive, but they risk neglecting other aspects of wellness. Aging often introduces new health challenges, so a narrow focus can leave them unprepared for unforeseen issues.

3. Purposeful Path Planner

This is the most common type, accounting for about 40% of quiz results so far. Purposeful Path Planners love learning about health and wellness but often feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice. They read blogs, listen to podcasts, and research tirelessly but can experience “analysis paralysis.” The key for this type is to prioritize effectively and make decisions without getting stuck. They may need help here.

4. Contentment Creator

Contentment Creators value life experiences—travel, family, and friendships—and prefer wellness strategies that fit seamlessly into their lives. They’re less inclined to take on rigorous health routines and instead focus on enjoying life. While this can make health seem secondary, small, targeted changes could make a substantial difference in their longevity without disrupting their lifestyle.

5. Hopeful Health Seeker

Hopeful Health Seekers are admirable for their resilience. Despite setbacks, they keep trying different strategies to improve their health, whether it’s weight loss or managing a chronic condition. They often face repeated challenges but don’t give up. This type needs an occasional win to boost their motivation and help them feel like their hard work is paying off.

Why Knowing Your Health Type is Essential

Understanding your health type can transform your approach to wellness. If I were to recommend a health plan for each of my siblings, it would be tailored to their personalities. For instance, my sister would do well with yoga and social activities, while my brother, with his goal-oriented mindset, might need a fitness challenge. Identifying your health type enables you to choose wellness practices that resonate with you personally—making it more likely that you’ll stick with them long-term.

Your Health Type Isn’t Static

It’s worth noting that your health type can shift over time, especially in response to life changes or health challenges. For instance, a health enthusiast like me could face an illness that transforms me from a “Holistic Health Hacker” to a “Hopeful Health Seeker” as I adapt to new limitations. Recognizing this fluidity helps us adjust our wellness strategies without frustration or self-criticism.

Take the Quiz to Discover Your Health Type

If you’re curious about which health type resonates most with you, I encourage you to take the quiz available on my website. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain insights into how to approach wellness in a way that aligns with your natural tendencies and lifestyle. You may even want to share it with family and friends; you might be surprised by how much you learn about each other.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your health type is about more than identifying your preferences. It’s about creating a realistic, fulfilling wellness journey that adapts as you do. By understanding our own health motivations and those of our loved ones, we can approach wellness in ways that are both effective and sustainable.

Take the quiz, learn about yourself, and let’s continue this journey of living long and well—together.

If you wish to work more directly with me, consider signing up on my Masterclass waitlist.