What Does Your Best Life Look Like?
Key Takeaways:
- How you define success may depend on your age, gender, and level of wealth.
- As net worth increases, people often see a life of significance as one with a purpose bigger than themselves.
- Consider what matters most to pursue "the best life" for you.
"The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time." —Jack London.
Living Your Best Life
As a preeminent wealth advisor, I frequently witness clients driven by a desire not merely to exist but to live a life of significance and fulfillment truly. Our quest for financial success often stems from a more profound yearning to create a meaningful existence for ourselves and our loved ones. However, this pursuit can sometimes overshadow the essential step of defining what a successful and significant life means to us personally.
Understanding Success and Significance
Understanding what we value makes it easier to feel genuinely fulfilled by our decisions and actions. This lack of clarity can lead to uncertainty about the wealth needed to support our ideal life. To address this, CEG Insights surveyed over 1,200 individuals on their views of success and significance, offering valuable insights to guide our journey.
Generational Perspectives on Success
Success means different things to people, influenced by generational, gender, and wealth-related factors. For instance:
- Older Generations: Integrity and ethical behavior are paramount, with baby boomers and the WWII generation placing high importance on honesty.
- Gen Xers: Known for their adaptability, they value hard work, perseverance, and a healthy work/life balance.
- Millennials: Prioritize positively impacting the world and personal growth, reflecting their unique generational experiences.
Gender Differences in Defining Success
Gender also shapes our views on success. While close relationships are equally crucial for men and women, other priorities diverge:
- Men: Emphasize financial security, a successful marriage, and pursuing personal and leisure goals.
- Women: Focus more on a healthy lifestyle, inner peace, travel, and spiritual fulfillment.
Wealth Levels and Success
Our net worth influences how we define professional success. Higher net-worth individuals ($10 million to $25 million) are more likely to value respect and business development, while those with lower net worth prioritize income and job security, aiming to balance work and life effectively.
Defining a Life of Significance
A deeper level of success involves living a life of significance aligned with our core values and priorities. Critical criteria for living one's best life include:
- Financial Stability: Ensuring security and enjoying fulfilling relationships.
- Health and Well-being: Maintaining good physical and mental health is crucial.
- Purpose: As wealth increases, people often seek a purpose beyond themselves, focusing less on being role models or developing relationships and more on broader goals and values.
Next Steps to Consider
Reflecting on these findings can help you clarify your path to success and significance. Here are some steps to consider:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Start by asking yourself what success means to you.
- Delve Deeper: Think about specific achievements and milestones that embody success for you.
- Respect Your Unique Goals: Avoid self-judgment and embrace your aspirations.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Discuss these issues with your significant other to align your goals and understand each other's perspectives.
Conclusion
Success transcends financial achievements; it encompasses a life enriched by values, relationships, and personal fulfillment. By contemplating what a life of significance means, you can align your wealth with your deepest values, ensuring your financial resources support what truly matters most.
Ultimately, living your best life is about more than numbers on a balance sheet—it's about creating a legacy of meaning and purpose for yourself and those you cherish.
VFO Inner Circle Special Report
By John J. Bowen Jr.
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Please don't hesitate to contact us for further personalized guidance on defining and achieving your best life. Our mission is to help you align your wealth with your values and create a future that resonates with your highest aspirations.
