The Rule of More: Balancing the Wheel of Life in the New Year

 

The Rule of More: Balancing the Wheel of Life in the New Year

Over 40 years ago, I learned about the Rule of More from one of my mentors. It was introduced to me in a business context: the idea that your business associates, vendors, employees, and customers will always want more from you. Whether it’s better service, more value, or greater results, people expect more, and when you stop delivering it, they may look elsewhere. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just how business works. 

At its core, the Rule of More teaches us to stay ahead of the curve, to anticipate needs, and to continually offer more than is expected. This principle served me well in my career and helped shape my approach to success.

But as time passed, I began to see the Rule of More in a broader light. It’s not just about business—it’s about life. We all live in a world where people want more from us, and we ourselves often feel the constant pull to pursue more: more time, more money, more happiness, more fulfillment. The Rule of More applies universally.

The Rule of More in Life

Here’s the interesting thing about the Rule of More: it works both ways. From the giver’s perspective, it challenges us to provide more value, more effort, and more generosity. But from the receiver’s perspective, it reveals the deeper truth that we’re all longing for something greater—something that truly satisfies.

Years ago, this reflection led me to preach a sermon about the Rule of More, focusing on the spiritual outpouring of Pentecost. For this blog, I’ve adjusted the lens to view the Rule of More through the lens of the New Year. How can we navigate life’s demands and desires while staying grounded and fulfilled?

A Tool for Balance: The Wheel of Life

In pursuing more, one of the greatest challenges is maintaining balance. It’s easy to overextend ourselves in one area of life while neglecting others. That’s where a tool I’ve used for decades comes in: The Wheel of Life.

The Wheel of Life is a simple yet profound concept. Imagine a wheel with spokes, each representing a key area of your life:

• Body: Your physical health and well-being.

• Soul: Your mind, will, and emotions.

• Spiritual: Your connection to God and your faith.

• Social: Your relationships and community.

• Financial: Your approach to money and resources.

• Family: Your relationships with loved ones.

At the hub—the center of it all—is God. Everything flows from this core. When one area is neglected, the wheel becomes uneven, making it harder to move forward.

A Worthy New Year Resolution

As you enter 2025, a worthy resolution is to bring balance to your Wheel of Life. This doesn’t mean striving for perfection in every area but ensuring that each part of your life gets the attention it deserves.

Here’s how to approach it:

1. Body

• Commit to caring for your physical health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest. A strong body supports a strong mind and spirit.

2. Soul

• Take time to nurture your emotional and mental well-being. Reflect on your decisions, manage stress, and invest in personal growth.

3. Spiritual

• Strengthen your relationship with God. Make time for prayer, Scripture, and moments of reflection. The hub of the wheel holds everything together.

4. Social

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships. Focus on being present and intentional with friends, colleagues, and your community.

5. Financial

• Review your financial habits and goals. Are you being a good steward of your resources? Balance includes planning for the future while being generous in the present.

6. Family

• Invest time and energy into your family. These are the relationships that matter most and provide a foundation of love and stability.

The Rule of More in 2025

As we step into the New Year, the Rule of More offers a valuable reminder: life will always demand more of us, and we will always desire more. The key is to focus on the right kind of more—the more that aligns with our values, nurtures our relationships, and supports our growth.

Here are a few questions to consider as you set your resolutions:

• What kind of “more” am I pursuing in 2025?

• How can I give more to others in ways that matter?

• Is my Wheel of Life balanced, or are certain areas being neglected?

• Am I keeping God at the center of it all?

Moving Forward

The Rule of More challenges us to grow and give in meaningful ways. But it also reminds us to pause and reflect, ensuring that the “more” we seek brings balance and fulfillment rather than stress and burnout.

This New Year, let’s aim to align the more we give and the more we pursue with what truly matters. By balancing the areas of our lives and keeping God at the center, we can move forward with purpose and peace.

Here’s to a 2025 filled with balance, gratitude, and the right kind of more.