The Life Trilogy, developed by Bell Kim, offers a framework for understanding life’s stages and how to find fulfillment in each. This trilogy, divided into “What I want to,” “What I have to,” and “What I’m called to,” serves as a guide to personal growth and self-discovery. This article introduces the Life Trilogy and explores how it can help you align your aspirations with purpose and responsibility.
Kim’s Life Trilogy reflects the natural progression of personal development. Each stage represents a different phase in life, marked by unique goals and challenges:
These stages are not strictly sequential; individuals may move between them throughout their lives, revisiting each as they grow and evolve.
The Life Trilogy helps us identify our desires, fulfill responsibilities, and pursue purpose. Understanding each stage can clarify our direction and lead us to a balanced, fulfilling life.
The first stage, “What I want to,” is about self-discovery. This is the time to ask, “What brings me joy?” and “What are my dreams?” Kim encourages exploring your passions and interests freely in this phase. Here, you have the freedom to try new things, make mistakes, and learn more about who you are and what truly fulfills you.
This stage is essential because it lays the foundation for the later stages. By understanding your desires and motivations, you create a roadmap for growth that will sustain you as you navigate life’s responsibilities and seek purpose.
Take time to understand what you want in life. Self-exploration provides clarity and helps align your future goals with what genuinely fulfills you.
The second stage, “What I have to,” emphasizes responsibility. In this phase, we balance personal desires with obligations to family, career, and society. Kim highlights that, while it’s important to pursue what you love, it’s equally essential to fulfill the roles that life requires.
Kim believes that responsibilities should be approached with intention rather than resentment. By embracing responsibilities as opportunities to grow and contribute, we can find satisfaction in even the most challenging obligations. This stage is about integrating personal goals with a commitment to those around us.
Balance personal desires with responsibilities. This stage is about finding meaning and growth in fulfilling life’s obligations.
The final stage, “What I’m called to,” is about purpose. Kim describes this as a calling that goes beyond personal desires and responsibilities, a commitment to using one’s gifts to positively impact others. Here, you’re not just pursuing goals for yourself; you’re also contributing to the greater good.
In this stage, individuals connect with causes, roles, or communities that resonate deeply. For Kim, this sense of purpose came through her work in childcare and disability services, where she felt she could make a meaningful difference. She encourages others to seek out their own callings, using their talents to benefit others.
Purpose is found when you use your skills and experience to help others. Discover what calls to you, and embrace it as part of your life’s mission.
While the Life Trilogy is divided into distinct stages, Kim acknowledges that life is not always linear. People may revisit earlier stages, especially during times of transition or personal growth. For example, you may need to reassess your desires (What I want to) or reevaluate your responsibilities (What I have to) when taking on new roles or facing challenges.
Kim’s Life Trilogy is flexible, allowing each individual to navigate the stages in a way that aligns with their journey. Understanding each stage provides clarity, while revisiting them as needed can lead to deeper fulfillment.
The Life Trilogy is a flexible framework. Feel free to revisit each stage to find alignment as your life changes.
Bell Kim’s Life Trilogy offers a powerful guide to navigating life’s stages with clarity and purpose. By exploring desires, embracing responsibilities, and pursuing purpose, we create a path that is both fulfilling and impactful. Whether you’re discovering your passions, balancing life’s obligations, or answering a calling, the Life Trilogy provides a framework for a meaningful journey.
Reflect on which stage of the Life Trilogy you’re currently in. Are you exploring your desires, managing responsibilities, or seeking purpose? Use Kim’s framework to guide your personal growth and find balance in each stage.
