Turning Goals into actions towards wellness – Te Whakatakato tō Mahere

by Ruku I'Anson | Dec 23, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

We talked last week about creating structured goals that set you on your path to wellness. Goals enable you to refocus when you need that extra lift, and they give you the target to aim for.

With Te Whakatakato tō Mahere, we turn these goals into actions and activities that

move these thoughts into a plan. From this plan, you can monitor, track progress and revisit or flex when life brings unexpected challenges that change priorities.

Whakapapa – relationships and connection

Goal: – “Strengthen whānau bonds through regular meaningful contact, shared meals, and honouring family stories and traditions.”

Actions / the Plan: –

Small actions: I will make one connection each day with a family member or friend I haven’t talked to in a while.

Big actions: I will share at least one meal every day with my family, with phones away to create space for real connection.

Tinana – health, nutrition, weight, exercise and food timing

Goal: – “Establish consistent daily movement (30+ minutes) that energises you.” 

Actions / the Plan: –

Small actions: I will track how often I take the stairs versus the lift or get up from my desk to take movement, getting clear about how sedentary my day is.

Big actions: I will block out my lunch break so I can focus on my wellness (eating mindfully) and take a 10-minute walk, building up to 30 minutes a day.

Tuakiri – identity, self-concept, where you fit in or strive to become, Mana

Goal: – “Define purpose beyond roles and titles” 

Actions / the Plan: –

Small actions: I will observe daily what things anger or move me deeply, both good and bad, to gain an understanding of what matters most to me.

Big actions: I will brainstorm what I want to be remembered for or the change I want to create in the world, using sentences that start with “My purpose is to…”.

Wairua – inner spirituality

Goal: – “Develop consistent spiritual practice that feeds your soul” 

Actions / the Plan: –

Small actions: I will observe karakia before meals.

Big actions: I will identify when I feel most connected to something greater than myself, what practices leave me feeling restored or aligned, and continue to grow my inner spirituality. I will write daily my observations and achievements in my journal/Te Whakatūria to Mana so I can acknowledge and celebrate successes.

Hinengaro – work, family activities, emotions, intentions, money and material assets

Goal: – “Cultivate positive self-talk and challenge inner critics that diminish your worth or capabilities” 

Actions / the Plan: –

Small actions: I will recite my takutaku every morning to lift and renew my spirit and inner strength.

Big actions: I will observe when I am negatively triggered by events or happenings, “what about this situation triggers me?”, “Is this event within my control?”. “Do I need to sit in this discomfort to understand further, or can I let it go without it leaving a hook?”

This approach is highly personalised, focusing on your unique needs and aspirations. It encourages you to take an active role in your growth journey.

Trips and traps that can stall your actions

As you work through your actions and start tracking your progress, there will be things that trip you up or cause you to question why you are putting all this effort in. Here are some tips:

What to do when you are stuck “Me Heke ki Mua”

It is normal for other life priorities to interrupt what is planned. How you manage those interruptions is what makes the difference. I developed this model with that in mind, and that is the difference compared to other strategies you might have attempted in the past.

Three steps:

When Flow Returns

Flow is restored.

Getting Support Developing Your Actions

Many people underestimate the power of guided support in making lasting changes. Changing life habits compete with daily life, and a personal development counsellor can help identify priorities, set boundaries, and help develop time management skills. Enabling you to articulate what matters the most and giving you the tools to achieve those.

Remember, the effectiveness of personal development counselling depends on your willingness to engage and apply what you learn.

Embrace Your Potential Today

Taking steps to move towards wellness and getting the right support on that journey is a powerful pathway to transform your life. It provides clarity, support, and practical strategies to help you overcome challenges and achieve your dreams. Whether you want to enhance your career, relationships, or personal well-being, this form of counselling can guide you every step of the way.

Take the first step today by exploring your options and committing to your growth. Your future self will thank you for the investment you make now.

Empower yourself with the tools and insights to live your best life through life improvement counselling.

Personal Growth and Goal Setting – Te Whāriki o te Ora

by Ruku I'Anson | Dec 16, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Personal development is a journey that many embark on to enhance their quality of life, improve relationships, and achieve greater satisfaction. The journey to achieving this vision starts with setting clear, achievable goals. I have termed these as ‘Goal and Wellbeing Dimensions’.

Let’s examine some examples using the five Pou of Te Poutama o te Ora.

Whakapapa – goals related to relationships and connection

“Strengthen whānau bonds through regular meaningful contact, shared meals, and honouring family stories and traditions.”

In itself, this might seem like an easy goal. But is it?

How many families find it difficult to have one meal a day together?

Challenges: busy work and school schedules mean a lot of time is spent in transit. The ease of fast or convenience foods discourages us from taking the effort to make quick meals at home. In addition, we eat in our cars between locations or on the run, or at different times of the day from each other.

Impetus for change: Do you have the connection with your whānau that you want? Do you spend enough time with each other to know what is going on in each other’s worlds? When you are all at home…do you spend time in the same room or does everyone go off to their spaces, possibly behind closed bedroom or lounge doors, spending the day or evening in their own company or with their technological friends?

None of this is a problem if you feel that this whānau connection works for you and there is no reason to want anything different. Or does it?

Tinana – goals related to health, nutrition, weight, exercise and food planning/timing

“Establish consistent daily movement (30+ minutes) that energises you.”

This again might seem like an easy goal to achieve.

However, it takes concerted effort to make it happen.

Gains in this activity have a positive influence on other aspects, weight, health, and well-being.

Challenges: These are similar to whakapapa connections; busy schedules, and a lot of time is spent in transit. Sedentary work roles in front of computers or online. Work hours that discourage making personal time to focus on your health.

Impetus for change: Have you found yourself out of breath when going up stairs…or do you avoid those and always take the lift? Do you find your clothes are more ‘snug’ than they used to be? Are you always going to do that one day…”take a walk during lunch”, “get up early to exercise”, “walk to the shops…versus taking the car”. Whatever you choose, it must be something simple and achievable.

Tuakiri – goals related to identity, self-concept, where you fit or strive to become, and Mana

“Define purpose beyond roles and titles”

This can be a difficult goal to begin with, most of us are not comfortable putting a mirror to ourselves and asking, “Am I who I really want to be?”, “Do I know my real self?”

Challenges: How many roles have been assigned to you? A sibling? Mother, father, partner, employee of ‘X’ business, a professional…how many roles? How willing were you to take on those roles, or did they ‘happen’ to you? Having a role assigned can be a comfort, in that they ‘explain’ who we are…or do they?

Impetus for change: If you were to wake up tomorrow and be whatever you wanted to be…would you have the same roles you have now? If yes, then do you feel fulfilled by those roles? If yes, then do you look forward to every day knowing you are living the best version of yourself? Some people can say yes to all of these; there are also those who cannot. Which category do you place yourself in?

Wairua – goals related to your inner spiritual connection

“Develop consistent spiritual practice that feeds your soul”

People can confuse this goal with religion, and although religion, for some, plays an important role, spirituality is more about inner peace and our connection with the world we live in.

Challenges: A repeating theme that also influences achieving this goal is that of a busy life, work schedules, and sedentary work practices. If it is difficult to find 30 minutes in a day to take a walk or get out of the office, then finding that same amount of time to feed your inner self will be just as challenging.

Impetus for change: In a similar way to the other Pou are you living your best life? Do you find yourself taking time to be ‘still’ or do you rush from one activity to the next to try to ‘pack in’ as much as possible? What will happen if those things don’t get done? If you took 10 minutes and enjoyed the morning sun, or listened to the rain as it fell on the roof, what would you miss from your busy schedule?

Our last example.

Hinengaro – goals related to work, priorities including family activities, emotions and intentions, money, material assets

“Cultivate positive self-talk and challenge inner critics that diminish your worth or capabilities”

The way we think about ourselves has a profound impact on the choices we make. There is an easy test. When you are doing the things you love, your thoughts are positive, you feel successful, and you achieve what you set out to do. When you are doing things you have to do, they can be difficult, are less rewarding, and often you can’t wait until the experience is over. The approach for both is based on how you feel about those tasks or activities (your choice), which in turn impacts the experience (outcome of that choice).

Challenges: Similar to the roles we have in life, our self-talk has an outcome on what we experience. As a parent, it can be that you may find yourself comparing yourself to others, which in turn impacts what you tell yourself. Then there are influences of what we see on social media, online or television, that give a view of the ‘ultimate’ person.  Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. So true a statement.

Impetus for change: What role models have you had during your life? Have they brought the best out in you? Encourage you to become the person you always wanted to be, or have they diminished you in some way? Does your self-talk uplift you or bring you down?

Practical Applications of Te Whāriki o te Ora

By working through those examples, more questions were likely raised than answered, and that is the purpose of Goal Setting. Getting you to think clearly about what you want to achieve, but also to ensure that effort is going into activities that bring you to a place of wellness.

It does take time to create meaningful goals.

It took time to get you to where you find yourself today…and to change that…will also take time. You might find you are changing habits of a lifetime. What starts you on that change is the strategies you put in place to achieve those goals Te Whakatakato tō Mahere (laying down the action plan).

We will talk about that next week, as well as ‘Wants and Needs’, the 3-check test and how they also influence the choices we make.

Embracing Continuous Growth for a Better Future

Personal development is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. Embracing the changes you want to make in your life begins with setting Goals (Te Whāriki o te Ora). As well as accepting that the journey can continuously evolve, require adaptation, and help you learn to thrive in an ever-changing world. The key is to remain open to learning, be patient with setbacks, and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Whether you are just starting or looking to deepen your growth, integrating these techniques into your routine can lead to profound and lasting transformation. Remember, the journey of self-improvement is uniquely yours, and with the right tools and support, the possibilities are endless.

Harnessing the Power of 9 (Iwa) for Daily Harmony and Balance

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 25, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Te Poutama o te Ora: Climbing Toward Wholeness

There’s a moment many of us experience when we realize that self-help advice, productivity hacks, and wellness trends aren’t quite cutting it anymore. We’ve tried the morning routines, the goal-setting frameworks, the apps that promise to organize our lives. We’ve read the books about habits, listened to the podcasts about purpose, followed the influencers who seem to have it all figured out.

And yet, something still feels fragmented. We’re managing pieces of ourselves rather than experiencing genuine wholeness. We might be crushing it at work while our relationships suffer. We’re physically fit but spiritually depleted. We’ve optimized our schedules but lost touch with our sense of meaning. We’re achieving goals but feeling increasingly disconnected from who we actually are.

The exhaustion isn’t from lack of effort. If anything, we’re trying too hard, juggling too many systems, measuring too many metrics, and wondering why all this self-improvement isn’t translating into feeling more whole, more grounded, more alive.

What if the issue isn’t that we need more tools, but that we need a different kind of map altogether?

A Different Kind of Framework

Te Poutama o te Ora offers that map. Rooted in Māori wisdom and structured around the sacred number nine (Iwa), this framework isn’t about adding another layer to your already-overwhelming to-do list. It’s about understanding the natural architecture of human flourishing and learning to work with it rather than against it.

The name itself holds meaning worth pausing over. “Te Poutama” refers to the stepped pattern found in traditional Māori tukutuku panels—those intricately woven wall panels that adorn meeting houses. The geometric design shows a series of ascending steps, each one building upon the last. It’s a visual representation of progression, growth, and ascent that has guided Māori understanding of personal and collective development for generations.

“Te Ora” speaks to life, health, and wellbeing in its fullest sense—not merely the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality, connection, and purpose. Together, Te Poutama o te Ora translates roughly as “the stairway to wellbeing” or “the ascending pattern of life force.”

But here’s what makes this framework fundamentally different: this isn’t a stairway you climb once, and you’re done. It’s not a twelve-week program or a transformation challenge with a finish line. It’s a living framework that acknowledges the cyclical nature of growth, the importance of rhythm, and the reality that genuine wellness touches every dimension of who we are.

This is not a program to graduate from. You spiral through Te Poutama o te Ora, returning to familiar territory with new awareness, finding depth in elements you thought you’d already mastered, discovering how everything connects in ways you couldn’t see before.

Beyond Fragmentation

Western approaches to personal development often fragment us into categories: physical health over here, mental health over there, career goals in another box entirely, spiritual life (if it’s acknowledged at all) somewhere else completely. We’re told to work on one area at a time, to focus, to isolate variables as if we’re conducting experiments on ourselves.

Te Poutama o te Ora works differently. It recognizes that we are whole beings living in relationship—to ourselves, to our ancestors (whakapapa), to our communities (whānau, hapū, iwi), to the natural world, and to something larger than ourselves. When one element is out of balance, it affects all the others. When we strengthen one dimension, we create ripples of wellbeing throughout the entire system.

The framework consists of nine interconnected elements, each one essential, each one informing the others. These aren’t random categories someone invented at a wellness retreat or corporate training session. They emerge from generations of Māori understanding about what makes life worth living and what enables human beings—and communities—to thrive.

The number nine (Power of Iwa) itself holds significance. In many wisdom traditions, Iwa represents completion, fulfillment, and the bringing together of all elements into a harmonious whole. It’s three times three—triads within triads, cycles within cycles. This mathematical and spiritual harmony isn’t coincidental; it reflects natural patterns that show up everywhere from human gestation periods to phases of the moon to the rhythms of transformation itself.

Working With Natural Rhythms

One of the most powerful aspects of Te Poutama o te Ora is how it aligns with natural cycles. While modern life tries to convince us that we should be the same every day—same energy, same productivity, same capacity—ancient wisdom tells us otherwise. We are tidal beings living on a spinning planet orbiting a star while being pulled by the moon. Expecting ourselves to be constant is like expecting the ocean not to have tides.

This is where the integration with maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) becomes so relevant. Rather than fighting against our natural rhythms or feeling guilty when our energy and focus shift, we can learn to recognize these patterns and work with them. Some days are for bold action and outward movement. Other days are for reflection, consolidation, and turning inward. Both are essential. Both are productive in the truest sense.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be unpacking each of these nine elements, exploring how they work together, and sharing practical ways to integrate this framework into your daily life. We’ll look at how Te Poutama o te Ora creates a structure for genuine transformation—not the kind that happens through force and willpower alone, but the kind that emerges when we align ourselves with deeper patterns of how growth actually works.

We’ll explore questions like: How do you honor your whakapapa (ancestry) in a disconnected modern world? What does it mean to tend to your wairua (spirit) when you’re not religious? How can understanding your hinengaro (mind and emotions) help you navigate challenging times with more skill? What role does tuakiri (identity) play in living authentically?

An Invitation

But for now, I want to leave you with a question:

That’s the invitation of Te Poutama o te Ora. Not another system to master, but a pathway home to yourself. Not another set of external metrics to meet, but an internal compass that helps you recognize when you’re moving toward greater wholeness and when you’re drifting away from it.

This ancient wisdom made accessible for modern lives. It’s a framework sophisticated enough to honor the complexity of who you are, yet practical enough to guide your daily choices. It’s both deeply rooted in a natural worldview and universally applicable to anyone seeking a more integrated way of being.

Ready to begin the climb?

In the next post, we’ll explore the foundational elements of Te Poutama o te Ora and why the number nine holds such significance in this framework of transformation.

Harnessing the Power of 9 for Daily Harmony and Balance

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 11, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

We have talked about how important using the spiritual significance of number 9 is as a beginning, middle and end or completion cycle. The Taku Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Model transforms these understandings into a practical-to-use method for yearly goal planning, monthly project and goal achievement and daily task management.

Using the number 9 to manage daily activities offers a structured approach that encourages reflection, completion, and renewal. This post explores how you can apply the power of 9 in your everyday life to foster balance and harmony.

Life Alignment Diamond

The number 9 has long been associated with completeness and wisdom in various cultures. It represents the end of a cycle and the preparation for a new beginning. This symbolism can be a useful guide for managing daily tasks and personal growth.

The key pillars of the Diamond are:

When these pillars work in harmony they provide Life Alignment by reinforcing:

Using 9 to Structure Your Day – Using 3-3-3

See here to look at how to divide up your day in to 3 sets of focus time and efforts:

Making it a reality – the Māramataka

The Taku Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Model encompasses goals targeting attainment of the benefits of the Life Alignment Diamond, and how these can be integrated into a Māramataka Planning approach using the moon’s cycles of:

The monthly rythms make the application of 3-3-3 clearer – as ‘setting intentions’; ‘activity completion’; and ‘wind-down, reflection and release.

Three Cycles of Transformation

The Māramataka naturally divides into three main energy periods. Enabling a layering of 9-day cycles across these, creating a pattern where every ninth day marks a poin of spiritual completion and reflection:

A challenge: Track your energy levels across the lunar month.

The key is to work with the rythms of natures energy levels, rather than imposing rigid structures onto living, breathing natural cycles.

Final Thoughts on Using 9 for Life Alignment

The number 9 offers a simple framework to bring order and harmony into your daily life.

Dividing your day into manageable sets, with clear objectives that reflect beginning, middle and closure rituals affording reflection, adjustment and release. This approach encourages mindfulness and intentional living.

Try incorporating the power of 9 into your routine and observe how it influences your sense of balance. Small changes can lead to meaningful improvements in how you manage your time and energy.

Proven Strategies to Achieve Better Life Alignment

by Ruku I'Anson | Nov 3, 2025 | Guidance Counselling

Many people struggle to manage their time and energy effectively, leading to stress and burnout. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can help you improve your life alignment and enjoy a more fulfilling daily routine. This article explores practical tips and actionable advice to guide you toward a more harmonious lifestyle.

Understanding the Importance of Balance Improvement Tips

Achieving a better life balance is not just about dividing your time equally between work and leisure. It involves prioritising what matters most, setting boundaries, and making intentional choices that support your physical, emotional, and mental health. Here are some key reasons why balance improvement tips are crucial:

By understanding these benefits, you can motivate yourself to implement effective strategies that foster balance.

Practical Balance Improvement Tips for Everyday Life

Implementing priority alignment tips requires deliberate effort and consistency. Here are some practical steps you can take to create a more aligned lifestyle:

1. Prioritise Your Tasks

Use a simple system to identify urgent and important tasks. The 3-3-3 or 9-set Tikanga Ora Tuaiwa Marama is a helpful tool that divides tasks into three focus areas:

then

Focus on completing tasks in the first two categories and delegate or eliminate the rest.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish limits between work and personal time. For example:

3. Schedule Regular Breaks

Taking short breaks during work hours helps maintain focus and reduces fatigue. Try the Pomodoro Technique – work for 25/50 minutes, then take a 5/10-minute break.

4. Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining energy and mental clarity. This can include:

5. Learn to Say No

Avoid overcommitting by politely declining requests that do not align with your priorities or values.

How to Create an Aligned Daily Routine

A well-structured daily routine can be a game-changer in achieving life alignment. Here’s how to design one that works for you:

Consistency is key. Adjust your routine as needed to fit changing circumstances but keep the core elements intact.

Leveraging Technology to Support Balance Improvement Tips

Technology can be both a help and a hindrance when it comes to life balance. Using it wisely can enhance your efforts:

By harnessing technology thoughtfully, you can save time and reduce stress.

Embracing Flexibility and Mindfulness

Life is unpredictable, and rigid schedules can sometimes add pressure. Embracing flexibility allows you to adapt without guilt. Combine this with mindfulness practices to stay present and reduce anxiety:

For more insights on achieving life alignment, explore resources that offer guidance tailored to your needs.

Taking the First Step Toward an Aligned Life

Improving your life alignment is a journey, not a destination. Start small by implementing one or two strategies and gradually build on them. Remember, the goal is to create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your well-being and happiness.

By prioritising your time, setting boundaries, and caring for yourself, you can experience the benefits of an aligned life. Keep experimenting with re-prioritisation and revisting your life goals until you find a plan combinatio that works best for you. Or, you can contact IAnTeMo Counselling to help you work one-on-one for a personalised programme.

Improvement tips are not just theoretical ideas – they are practical tools that can transform your daily experience. Take control today and