Doing–Being and Relationship–Solitude: A Proposed Model for a Balanced Life

Scholars over the last several decades have theorized and presented research regarding the key components of a balanced adult life. However, attempts to integrate these components are rare. This paper offers a two-dimensional model for understanding and constructing a balanced adult life: doing–being and relationship–solitude. Thriving by active doing (mastery/accomplishment) and by relationships (collaboration/engagement in positive relationships) comprise two major elements within the common models of well-being (e.g., self-determination theory and the flourish/PERMA theoretical model). However, to live a balanced life, these two socially desirable modes of existence—doing and relationships—must be complemented by being and solitude, respectively, each commanding a markedly lower profile in the literature. The two dimensions are described, followed by a presentation of the four modes generated from these two dimensions: solitary doing, communal doing, solitary being, and communal being. The benefits of each mode are presented and implications of the proposed model are discussed.