This model takes a look at the many aspects of life, positive and negative, that effect our well-being. Here is a brief explanation of each:

Water: the direct environment we live in which can be characterised by our job, our house, our possessions, our location.

Other Boats: the people around us, our social network. Others can influence us in positive and negative ways. During a storm, you may experience support from those around you or if you decide to change your boats direction, others may disapprove of your new path.

Weather: the uncontrollable situations in life. In life this could be the loss of a loved one, the start of a pandemic, getting stuck in traffic or falling in love. While these circumstances are out of our control, our ability to deal with each will effect our well-being.

These three aspects of life are “outside” of the self while the following aspects are “inside” the self.

Steering Wheel: our personal values, our directions. Our values should guide us and contribute to our well-being in a positive way. Values, unlike goals, are never achieved, they are practiced. For example, your values could be creativity, patience and adaptivity.

Destination: where our boat is heading, our goals and the destinations of our life. Goals can enhance focus, energise us, and translate our values into practice. Goals can be as big or small as we wish. Don’t forget that if your ultimate destination is a big one that you might have to stop at some islands along the way.

Leaks: factors that hinder your goal achievement and negatively impact your well-being. This can be persistent negative thoughts which result in fear, anxiety or stress. It is important to focus on what is causing the leak, rather than the specific emotion it is resulting in. We can try to change the surroundings or change the water but the leak will reappear unless it is repaired.

Sails: your personal strengths, factors that facilitate valued living and goal achievement. These will increase your well-being. Sails are the ways in which we behave, think and feel which are energizing and authentic. They enable optimal functioning and development, growth and performance.

Compass: our compass gives us feedback on our direction. Our positive emotions and feelings give us feedback on the route we are taking in life and serve as a guide. Feelings of joy, energy and gratitude are all signs that we are on the right path. Feelings of doubt, fear, anxiety or stress are signs that we need to give ourselves more attention. We should allow these feelings to be present and assist us on our journey.

There are many interactions between these elements which I will not explore in this article. It can be used to map out aspirations or as an intervention with clients.

Questions related to this model:

What does the water around me look like? Is it clear? Is it murky? What is the effect on the boat and the direction?

Who are the people sailing with me? Are they in the boat? Are they sailing next to me? Is their boat going to the same destination?

Am I clear about where I am heading and how I am getting there? Do I have the resources?

What do I do when a storm is coming? Am I prepared? Do I have the support I need?

Do I have my hands on the steering wheel?

Message me if you would like to book a call to work through the model.

Credit for this tool: Alberts, H.J.E.M. (2016). The Sailboat. Maastricht: Positive Psychology Program.