Ever wondered what true wealth really means? Is it just about financial gains, or does it encompass time, relationships, purpose, and health? How does Netflix's co-founder Marc Randolph exemplify this holistic wealth concept in his daily life? And how can you define and embrace your 'Enough Life'? Dive into wisdom from the elderly, profound insights from Harvard studies, and captivating real-life stories that challenge conventional ideas of success and wealth.

The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life

Every year, Sahil Bloom, the author, pushes himself to grow with a unique exercise. In 2022, inspired by the birth of his son, he decided to seek wisdom from the elderly. Sahil spoke with diverse individuals in their 80s and 90s, gathering insights on life’s joys and regrets.

His 94-year-old grandmother in India shared, “Never fear sadness, as it tends to sit right next to love.” A 98-year-old Hollywood writer advised, “Never raise your voice, except at a ball game.”

An 80-year-old friend’s father emphasized, “Treat your body like a house you have to live in for another seventy years.” A 92-year-old, mourning his wife of 70 years, said, “Tell your partner you love them every night before falling asleep; someday you’ll find the other side of the bed empty and you’ll wish you could tell them.” Another wise relative concluded, “When in doubt, love. The world can always use more love.”

These elders shared timeless values: building lasting relationships, investing in health, and finding joy beyond money. Interestingly, none mentioned money as a source of happiness. Research supports this, showing that while money can reduce stress at lower income levels, beyond a certain point, it doesn’t significantly increase happiness.

Harvard professor Arthur Brooks notes that our psychological wiring makes us chase money, thinking it will make us happier, but it often doesn’t. A study found millionaires believed they needed two to three times more money to be perfectly happy, a sentiment echoed by financially successful friends Sahil surveyed.

Reflecting on these insights, Sahil realized that true wealth encompasses more than financial gains. It includes time, social connections, mental purpose, physical health, and financial stability. Focusing solely on money can lead to a Pyrrhic victory—winning battles but losing the war of life’s true fulfillment.

To avoid this, we need a balanced approach, valuing all aspects of wealth. For example, Marc Randolph, Netflix’s co-founder, prioritizes a weekly dinner with his wife, illustrating his commitment to family despite a busy career. This simple ritual has profound ripple effects, reinforcing his identity and values.

We can all define our "Life Razor," a guiding principle shaping our decisions and aligning with our core identity. Sahil's is “I will coach my son’s sports teams,” reflecting his commitment to family and community. This principle helps him navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, ensuring he stays true to his values.

Life is about direction, not speed. Setting clear goals and anti-goals can help us navigate our journey, ensuring we don’t sacrifice what truly matters. Regular reflection and recalibration keep us on track, allowing us to thrive through life’s seasons.

In 2014, Sahil wrote a letter to his future self, hoping for a life filled with love, growth, and meaningful work. Opening it years later, he realized the answers were always within him—he just needed the right questions to guide his path.

This journey is about asking the right questions, aligning our actions with our deepest values, and creating a life of comprehensive wealth. Embrace the wisdom within and start walking your path with purpose.

What Life Lessons Did a 98-Year-Old Hollywood Writer Share About Happiness?

Alexis Lockhart from Houston, Texas, cherished every moment with her three sons, aware that their time together was fleeting. She made sure to create memorable experiences, like a surprise ski trip to Colorado and a heartfelt family birthday celebration for her middle son, Jackson. 

Tragically, Jackson died in a motorcycle accident shortly after his twentieth birthday. Despite the immense pain, Alexis's philosophy on time—that loved ones are on loan to us for a short period—resonates deeply.

The American Time Use Survey offers insights into how we spend our time with family, friends, and alone. It reveals that time with parents and siblings peaks in childhood and diminishes rapidly after age twenty. Similarly, time with children is most abundant in their early years, while time with friends peaks at eighteen and declines thereafter. However, time with partners increases until death, while time alone steadily grows throughout life.

Key takeaways include cherishing family time, being present with children, prioritizing real friendships, choosing a meaningful partner, finding energetic coworkers, and loving oneself during alone time.

In a poignant example, Dave Prout, who hadn't seen his parents often, increased his visits after his mother's cancer diagnosis, inspired by a social media post urging people to call their parents more. This led to cherished memories before his mother passed away, highlighting the importance of spending time with loved ones.

The concept of "Time Wealth" emphasizes three pillars: 
1. Awareness of time's impermanence, 
2. Focused attention on what matters, and 
3. Control over how we spend our time. 
Tools like the Energy Calendar and the Eisenhower Matrix help identify and prioritize energy-creating activities while delegating or eliminating draining tasks.

Ultimately, the goal is to create more meaningful moments with those we love, guided by the understanding that time is our most precious asset. Embracing this awareness can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life, as Alexis Lockhart's wisdom reminds us: "It's later than you think."

Time Wealth: Alexis Lockhart's Heartfelt Lessons on Cherishing Time with Loved Ones

Erik Newton had a promising career in Silicon Valley and a joyful home life with his wife, Aubrie, and their daughter, Romy. However, their world was turned upside down when Aubrie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Erik recalled the heart-wrenching moments and the roller coaster of emotions as they faced Aubrie's illness together. Tragically, Aubrie passed away in November 2023, leaving Erik to grapple with immense grief and the responsibility of raising Romy alone.

In reflecting on Aubrie's final days, Erik found profound insights in their deepening love amid adversity. Aubrie's one regret was not investing more time in relationships with loved ones, highlighting the importance of quality connections. Erik shared that facing death daily allowed them to focus on what truly mattered, deepening their bond and making her loss even more painful, yet invaluable.

Erik's story underscores the concept of Social Wealth—building deep, meaningful relationships that provide support and joy. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest study on human happiness, reveals that strong relationships are the best predictors of life satisfaction and health. The study's findings highlight that relationship satisfaction at age fifty is the greatest predictor of physical health at age eighty, emphasizing the importance of nurturing connections.

Despite technological advances, loneliness is on the rise, exacerbated by social media and the relentless pursuit of material success. Many people regret moves and career changes that isolate them from friends and family, demonstrating that proximity to loved ones is more valuable than financial gains.

Erik's journey, along with stories like Greg Sloan's decision to leave his prestigious job for his son's sake and Rohan Venkatesh's fight against a brain tumor, remind us that life's fragility demands intentional choices about whom we spend our time with and how we invest in relationships. Building Social Wealth involves focusing on depth (close, loving relationships), breadth (community connections), and earned status (respect and admiration achieved through meaningful actions).

In essence, the key to a fulfilling life lies in cherishing and prioritizing relationships—finding your Front-Row People and nurturing those bonds. As anthropologist Margaret Mead suggested, the first sign of civilization is a healed broken femur, symbolizing care and support for one another. This principle is woven throughout human history, from ancient communal spaces to modern studies on happiness.

Ultimately, Erik's story and the lessons from the Harvard study call us to invest deeply in our relationships, creating a foundation of Social Wealth that sustains us through life's highs and lows.

Can Erik Newton's Heart-Wrenching Loss Teach Us the True Meaning of Social Wealth?

Hank Behar, a 90-year-old man, attended an introductory astronomy class at Harvard University, surrounded by enthusiastic 18-year-olds. Hank, a former Hollywood screenwriter and director, has lived a life filled with love, adventure, and continuous learning. For his 90th birthday, he chose to spend a day at Harvard, a testament to his lifelong curiosity. 

Curiosity, as Hank's story illustrates, is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, mental health, and physical well-being as we age. It keeps us happier and more fulfilled. Research supports this, showing that curiosity can lead to higher life satisfaction and lower anxiety. However, as we age, our curiosity often diminishes due to life's demands and a perception that there's less time to benefit from new knowledge.

Reviving our childlike curiosity can lead to a more enriched and purposeful life. This has been a common theme throughout history, from the teachings of Buddha to the concept of dharma in Hinduism, and the idea of arete in ancient Greece. Each philosophy emphasizes the importance of living a life of purpose and continuous growth.

Purpose is another pillar of a fulfilling life. Studies show that having a clear purpose can lead to a longer, happier, and more fulfilled life. For instance, centenarians in Okinawa, Japan, attribute their longevity to having a clear sense of ikigai, or a reason for living. Your purpose doesn't need to be grand or related to your career; it just needs to be uniquely yours.

The story of Phyllis Behar, Hank's wife, who found joy in painting classes at the age of 88, highlights how continuous growth and learning can bring fulfillment at any age. This growth mindset, as researched by Carol Dweck, is about believing in our ability to improve and adapt, which leads to resilience and a more optimistic outlook on life.

Creating space for reflection and mindfulness is also essential. Matthieu Ricard, known as the world's happiest man, attributes his happiness to meditation and mindfulness practices. While not everyone can meditate for hours, finding moments of solitude and stillness, like John D. Rockefeller's daily garden walks, can significantly impact our mental well-being.

Incorporating rituals such as journaling, power-down routines, and daily walks can create the necessary space for mental clarity and creativity. These simple practices can lead to a more balanced and intentional life.

Ultimately, living a life of Mental Wealth involves embracing curiosity, purpose, growth, and space. By doing so, we can live a more distinctive and fulfilling life, just like Hank and Phyllis Behar.

Mental Wealth: Harvard's 90-Year-Old Student Inspires with Lifelong Curiosity

Dan Go's story is one of profound transformation. Raised in Ontario by Filipino-Chinese immigrants, Dan endured relentless bullying in school, which led him to believe he was destined for failure. Convinced his tormentors were right, Dan dropped out of high school, spiraling into destructive habits. 

At his lowest, a chance gym pass from his brother ignited a spark of change. Dan's journey began on a treadmill, and though initially grueling, he persevered. Within a month, a notched-tightened belt symbolized his newfound control over life.

Dan's commitment to health evolved into a scientific pursuit, improving his mental clarity and self-worth. Today, in his forties, he's a thriving entrepreneur, inspiring others to reclaim their lives through “Physical Wealth.” Dan's transformation was mirrored in Kevin Dahlstrom’s story. Struck by a mystery illness in his twenties, Kevin rejected traditional medicine, instead focusing on exercise and nutrition. His health rebounded, and he ultimately chose Physical Wealth over a high-powered corporate career, living a life rich in experiences and family.

This philosophy is further echoed in Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement from football. Despite a successful NFL career, Luck prioritized long-term health over staggering financial gains, understanding that a life of Physical Wealth outweighed monetary wealth.

The narrative thread through these stories is the pursuit of Physical Wealth—a blend of movement, nutrition, and recovery. This concept is supported by contemporary research and historical insights, from hunter-gatherer societies to modern wellness trends. It emphasizes the need for daily movement, whole foods, and quality sleep as foundational to a fulfilled life.

Physical Wealth isn’t just about physical fitness; it's a mindset. It’s about visualizing your future self and making present-day changes to align with that vision, as Jane McGonigal's "futures thinking" suggests. Your future self depends on the choices you make today—will you be dancing at your eightieth birthday, or watching from the sidelines?

To embark on this journey, prioritize daily movement, nutritious foods, and restorative sleep. The stories of Dan, Kevin, and Andrew illustrate that choosing Physical Wealth is choosing a life of vitality, control, and endless possibility.

Can Kevin Dahlstrom Inspire You to Choose Physical Wealth Over Monetary Wealth?

Kurt Vonnegut once shared a memorable anecdote about his friend, Joseph Heller, the author of "Catch-22." At a billionaire's party, Vonnegut asked Heller how he felt knowing their host made more money in a day than Heller's book had in its entire history. Heller's response was profound: "I’ve got something he can never have—the knowledge that I’ve got enough."

This idea of "enough" holds deep wisdom. Without it, we are trapped in an endless pursuit for more, much like John D. Rockefeller, who famously remarked that enough money was "just a little bit more." This relentless chase mirrors the Sisyphean struggle, where no financial gain ever truly satisfies, leading us to constantly seek the next level of happiness and contentment.

Historically, even the wealthiest individuals, like Cornelius Vanderbilt and many modern billionaires, often lack basic markers of a fulfilling life, such as stable relationships. The pursuit of more can lead to ethical lapses, as seen in the falls of entrepreneurs like Sam Bankman-Fried and Elizabeth Holmes.

However, the world also needs the "crazy ones" who push boundaries and innovate, as highlighted by Apple’s "Think Different" campaign. The challenge lies in finding a balance and not letting societal pressures dictate our definition of success.

Embracing the idea of "enough" is crucial. The Swedish term "lagom," meaning "just the right amount," captures this balance. But achieving and maintaining this balance is challenging due to our natural tendency to want more.

Reflecting on what your "Enough Life" looks like can be transformative. Consider where you live, what you do, and what brings you joy. This doesn't mean living a spartan life; it could include luxuries that matter to you. The key is defining it for yourself, free from external pressures.

In the movie "Cool Runnings," John Candy's character wisely notes, "A gold medal is a wonderful thing, but if you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it." This insight underscores Heller's point: true satisfaction comes from within.

Building Financial Wealth involves creating stable income, managing expenses, and investing wisely. But it’s essential to balance this with other types of wealth: time, relationships, purpose, and health. The ultimate goal is to live a life where you have "enough" to enjoy your days meaningfully.

So, what does your "Enough Life" look like? Define it, embrace it, and let it guide you to a balanced, fulfilling existence.

Financial Wealth: Vonnegut and Heller's Timeless Wisdom on Defining Enough

In 2022, driven by the birth of his son, Sahil embarked on a journey to gather wisdom from the elderly. Conversations with individuals in their 80s and 90s revealed deep insights on life’s joys and regrets. His grandmother in India, a Hollywood writer, his wife, a friend’s father, and others shared wisdom on love, health, and relationships.

They emphasized the importance of building lasting bonds, valuing health, and finding joy beyond money. Research supports this, showing that beyond a certain point, money doesn’t significantly increase happiness. Harvard professor Arthur Brooks notes our psychological wiring makes us chase money, but true wealth is more than financial gains—it includes time, social connections, mental purpose, and physical health.

Marc Randolph, Netflix's co-founder, exemplifies this by prioritizing a weekly dinner with his wife. This simple ritual reinforces his values and identity. We can all adopt a "Life Razor," a guiding principle that aligns with our core identity and helps us navigate life’s challenges.

Reflecting on life’s impermanence, Alexis Lockhart from Houston cherished every moment with her three sons, creating memorable experiences. Tragically, her son Jackson died in a motorcycle accident. Her philosophy on time—that loved ones are on loan to us—resonates deeply.

The American Time Use Survey shows that time with family peaks in childhood and diminishes rapidly after age twenty, while time with partners increases until death. This highlights the importance of cherishing family time and prioritizing meaningful relationships.

Dave Prout’s increased visits to his parents after his mother’s cancer diagnosis led to cherished memories, underscoring the value of spending time with loved ones.

Erik Newton’s story of love and loss after his wife’s cancer diagnosis underscores the importance of deep, supportive relationships. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that strong relationships are the greatest predictor of life satisfaction and health.

Hank Behar, attending an astronomy class at Harvard at age 90, illustrates the importance of curiosity for maintaining cognitive function and well-being. Purpose is another key pillar of a fulfilled life. Studies show that having a clear purpose can lead to a longer, happier life.

Creating space for reflection and mindfulness is essential. Simple practices like journaling and daily walks can significantly impact mental well-being.

Dan Go’s transformation from a bullied high school dropout to a thriving entrepreneur highlights the importance of Physical Wealth. Prioritizing daily movement, nutritious foods, and restorative sleep can lead to a life of vitality and control.

Kurt Vonnegut’s anecdote about Joseph Heller’s profound response at a billionaire’s party—“I’ve got something he can never have—the knowledge that I’ve got enough”—captures the essence of finding contentment. The concept of "enough" is crucial to avoid the endless pursuit of more.

Reflecting on what your "Enough Life" looks like can be transformative. Embracing the idea of "enough" and balancing it with other types of wealth—time, relationships, purpose, and health—can lead to a balanced, fulfilling existence.

So, what does your "Enough Life" look like? Define it, embrace it, and let it guide you to a meaningful life.

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The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life

Sahil Bloom

7 Key ideas

23 MINS

Ever wondered what true wealth really means?

Is it just about financial gains, or does it encompass time, relationships, purpose, and health?

How does Netflix's co-founder Marc Randolph exemplify this holistic wealth concept in his daily life?

And how can you define and embrace your 'Enough Life'?

Dive into wisdom from the elderly, profound insights from Harvard studies, and captivating real-life stories that challenge conventional ideas of success and wealth.