Complete article: 3 minute read, 12 minute video

What does the “good life” look like for men?

For most of us it goes something like this:

• Work hard.
• Make as much money as possible.
• Be competitive and stoic.
• Have, nurture and provide for a family.
• Focus on the future goal of a financially abundant retirement where I could finally do what I want.

Sound familiar? By my late forties, I had financial and career success, houses, cars, a family, and a pension on the way.

I was a man that cultural masculinity defined – provider, protecter, procreator, and prosperous. Why didn’t I feel satisfied with what I had achieved?

Why was I hiding away behind alcohol, pornography, television and work?

I decided there must be more to life. What I discovered another set of beliefs that turned my life inside-out. It was contrary to everything I knew.

This revelation changed my life. My “a-ha” moment arrived.

Satisfaction didn’t come from my career, how much money I made, or how tough or stoic I was. It came from being in integrity, authenticity – my “being” – and “doing” the things and spending time in relationships that brought me joy – those which inspired me to be a better “me”.

The degree of satisfying connection to people and things made the difference. My quality of life was dependent on the quality of my choices.

Sure money was important, but it stopped being my sole path to happiness. Money was a tool to be used in my decision making process, not the end-goal.

As I made choices to minimize my possessions, simplify my life, focus on healthier relationships, eating habits and activities, I realized a deep satisfaction and fulfillment that I had been longing for.

By broadening my perspective and being open to alternate ways of thinking I came to understand what truly made me healthy and happy. By making better choices I discovered my “good life”.

And I’m not alone… A seventy-five year study by Harvard University followed over 700 men from varied walks of life to find out the truth about what really makes men healthy, happy and fulfilled.

The study provides evidence that there is another way for men to live. We do have a choice.

Watch the video below.

I am interested in hearing your story either in the comments below or via a personal message or email.

All the best,

Rick

If you want to invest in “the good life,” where should you put your time and energy?

By Robert Waldinger

Published on Nov 30, 2015

TEDxBeaconStreet Talk