What is the “Good Life”?

We all want to live “the good life”.

But what is a “good life”? How do I know I’m living it? How can I be happier? How should I spend my time? How should I spend my money? What is enough? What leads to happiness and a long healthy life? How do I make the world a better place? How do I give back to society? Will that make me happier?

So many questions, are there answers?

Yes.

But, not simple ones.

Although there is no single clear definition of the good life and what it takes, there has been a great deal documented about how to live a healthier, happier, more fulfilling and longer life, based on research, studies, science and data.

Definition of a Good Life

Let’s start with a good life definition.

Living a good life is often associated with various attributes that contribute to a sense of purpose, well-being, fulfillment, and satisfaction. While the exact attributes of a good life vary from person to person, there are common recognized attributes that are often associated with living a good life:

• Happiness: A sense of happiness or contentment is a central attribute of a good life. It involves experiencing positive emotions, life satisfaction, periods of joy and overall well-being.
• Health and Well-Being: Physical and mental health are obviously vital components of a good life. Being in good health allows for greater enjoyment of life’s experiences.
• Meaning and Purpose: Having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can contribute to a fulfilling existence. This might involve pursuing one’s passions, contributing to a cause, or finding a deeper sense of significance.
• Positive Relationships: Quality relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are often considered essential for a good life. Social connections, love, and support play a significant role in overall well-being.
• Personal Growth: Continuous self-improvement and personal development contribute to a sense of progress and fulfillment. Setting and achieving goals, learning, and evolving as an individual are important aspects of a good life.
• Financial Security: While money alone does not guarantee a good life, financial stability and security can reduce stress and provide the means to pursue one’s goals and enjoy life’s experiences.
• Virtue and Morality: Living in accordance with one’s values and principles, and acting ethically and virtuously, is often associated with a good life. This can involve qualities such as honesty, integrity, and kindness.
• Work-Life Balance: Achieving a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being. Overworking or neglecting personal life can negatively impact one’s perception of a good life.
• Freedom and Autonomy: Having the freedom to make choices and live according to one’s preferences and values is seen as a key attribute of a good life. Autonomy allows for self-expression and self-determination.
• Resilience and Coping Skills: The ability to cope with life’s challenges and setbacks, as well as resilience in the face of adversity, contributes to a good life. It involves adapting to difficult situations and bouncing back from hardships.
• Gratitude: Practicing gratitude and appreciating the positive aspects of life, no matter how small, can enhance one’s perception of a good life.
• Spirituality and Transcendence: For some, a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, whether through religious or spiritual beliefs, meditation, or mindfulness, is an important aspect of a good life.
• Creativity and Enjoyment: Engaging in creative pursuits, hobbies, and activities that bring joy and pleasure can contribute to a sense of fulfillment.

Every Person Is Unique

It’s important to note that these attributes are not mutually exclusive, and the relative importance of each attribute can vary from person to person. What constitutes a good life is a highly individual and subjective matter, and individuals may prioritize these attributes differently based on their values, beliefs, and life circumstances. But these areas are fundamentally shared amongst all people.

Here at GoodLiife, we designed a framework and system to monitor and track all these areas. We’ve created an app to measure how happy you are at the moment and how balanced your life is using a personal balanced life scorecard. The software is all based on decades of research, studies, science, and data. It will make you self-reflect and think about past and upcoming decisions. Think of it as both a discovery journey and a potential playbook on how to get good at life.

What’s Your Life Score? 

GoodLiife is launching the GoodLiife Score app in a few weeks. As mentioned, it’s a personal balanced life scorecard. We hope you check it out. You can Join the Waitlist on our website to get notified when it’s ready.