The Six Spoke Approach to Balance in Life (and How Pickleball Can Help)

The game plan for a more grounded, joyful life

We’ve all heard about work life balance, pictured as a see-saw with the triangle in the middle, usually one side represents work, and the other side represents everything else. But life is much more than that. 

Now imagine your life as a big, beautiful wheel with six spokes, each representing a vital part of your overall well-being. When all these spokes are strong and balanced, your wheel spins smoothly, taking you forward through life’s ups and downs. But if one or more spokes get loose or break, your wheel wobbles, slows down, or worse, stalls completely.

Now, enter pickleball. It might seem like just a fun game, but seriously, it can do wonders for each of those six life spokes, sometimes in ways you didn’t even expect.

Body:

This is your physical engine. Playing pickleball regularly helps you boost stamina, coordination, and strength. The quick dinks, swift movement, and reaching for volleys keep you active and fit. Plus, the physical activity speeds up recovery, keeps you limber, and even helps prevent injuries. Think of it as routine maintenance that keeps your wheel rolling smoothly.

Mind:

Pickleball is a mental workout. You need focus, quick thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—skills that sharpen with every game. Even casual play encourages strategic thinking, which translates into better problem-solving in everyday life. It’s like a brain gym, helping you stay sharp and alert.

Love & Social Connection:

The best paddle sessions happen with friends. Whether you’re playing doubles or just chattering on the sidelines, pickleball builds community and deepens relationships. Those shared laughs, friendly rivalries, and teamwork keep your social spoke vibrant and healthy. It reminds us how important human connection is for a well-rounded life.

Work:

Can pickleball help you at your job? Certainly a better mind, mood and body makes you a better employee. But it also boosts your confidence and resilience in tackling challenges outside the court. Pickleball teaches patience, persistence, and strategic thinking, all essential traits to advance your career..

Money:

Spending $280 on a new paddle is probably not the best for your finances. But the discipline we learn in pickleball may help you be a better manager of your finances. Yeah, it’s a bit of stretch, but we’ll go with it. 

Play:

The last wheel of the spoke. And one that many people ignore, particularly in their later years. Play is the act of doing something for enjoyment, not practical purposes. While we do think of pickleball as aiding our physical fitness, the real joy is simply letting go of our day to day life and playing in the moment. Having fun. This is what pickleball is all about.

So, remember: a balanced life isn’t about a perfect world or endless riches. It’s about keeping all six spokes tight, and pickleball? Well, it’s a pretty fantastic way to keep many of the spokes strong and stable, one fun rally at a time.