I found every single factor in living a good life
Living a good life is a science. It’s called positive psychology.
Positive psychology studies what makes life most worth living, how we achieve happiness and how we find meaning.
This is the most condensed, actionable representation of all factors in living a good life.
Let’s call this list ‘LIFE THRIVE’
Livelihood (work and career satisfaction)
Inner harmony (mental health and emotional well-being)
Fulfillment (purpose and meaning)
Environment (environment and surroundings)
Tranquility (spirituality and inner peace)
Health (physical health)
Relationships (relationships and social connections)
Income (financial stability)
Vitality (personal growth and development)
Enjoyment (recreation and leisure)
Now let’s sort by importance and go down the list. So what is the most foundational factor? ↓
Health (physical health)
Health is a science, it is the most studied item on this list.
Being healthy means eat well, sleep well, stay active and don’t fuck it up.
Exercise 150 minutes per week
Eat a balanced diet
Drink 2–3 liters of water daily
Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night
Have annual medical check-ups
Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 25
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Maintain personal hygiene
Use ergonomic furniture and practice good posture
Protect your skin from the sun
Take short movement breaks every hour
Hand in hand with physical health is…
Inner harmony (mental health and emotional well-being)
Practice mindfulness meditation regularly
Seek professional support when needed (e.g., therapy, counseling)
Use relaxation techniques for stress management
Foster psychological flexibility
Practice self-compassion and positive self-talk
Apply learned optimism in daily life
Engage in authentic self-expression
Reflect on experiences and practice gratitude
Take time for mental health and self-care
Develop adaptive coping strategies
Relationships (relationships and social connections)
The longest study of human happiness found that stable and meaningful relationships is the most important factor in living a good life
Nurture close family bonds
Cultivate stable and meaningful friendships
Invest time in romantic partnership
Engage in community or social groups
Maintain a supportive network
Cultivate emotional intelligence (EQ)
Balance solitude and social time
Foster intergenerational connections
Participate in mentorship (as mentor or mentee)
Contribute through volunteer or service activities
Fulfillment (purpose and meaning)
Happiness is in the present, rooted in the moment. Meaning is focused on the link between past, present and future.
Identify and live by core values
Set and pursue meaningful goals
Contribute to something larger than oneself
Find purpose in daily activities and work
Embrace personal growth and learning
Engage in acts of kindness and service
Seek opportunities for positive impact
Livelihood (work and career satisfaction)
Find a career in the intersection of your purpose, passion and personality
Practice job crafting for role enhancement
Cultivate autonomy in work responsibilities
Engage in ‘deep work’ for productivity and fulfillment
Seek opportunities for ‘flow’ experiences
Develop T-shaped expertise (depth and breadth)
Build a strategic professional network
Commit to continuous learning and adaptation
Foster psychological safety in your workplace
Contribute positively to organizational culture
Income (financial stability)
Happiness from income plateaus at about $100,000 annually
Create and follow a value-based budget
Build and maintain an emergency fund
Practice financial mindfulness and intentional spending
Invest for long-term growth and compound interest
Develop multiple income streams
Continuously educate yourself about personal finance
Manage debt strategically
Plan for retirement and future financial needs
Optimize your human capital
Balance risk management with growth opportunities
Environment (environment and surroundings)
Create a comfortable and organized living space
Minimize clutter and practice regular decluttering
Incorporate elements of nature into your environment
Optimize lighting for mood and productivity
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants
Design spaces that promote social interaction
Create dedicated areas for work, relaxation, and hobbies
Engage in community efforts to improve local environments
Balance digital and physical environments for overall well-being
Vitality (personal growth and development)
Embrace a growth mindset in all areas of life
Pursue lifelong learning through diverse channels
Challenge yourself with new experiences regularly
Develop a personal philosophy or life mission
Cultivate self-awareness through reflection and feedback
Practice deliberate skill acquisition and mastery
Balance self-improvement with self-acceptance
Foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking
Align personal development with core values and purpose
Tranquility (spirituality and inner peace)
Develop a personal spiritual or philosophical practice
Connect with nature regularly
Practice acceptance of things beyond your control
Cultivate a sense of awe and wonder
Develop rituals that bring meaning and peace
Explore your beliefs about life’s bigger questions
Foster a sense of connection to something greater than yourself
Enjoyment (recreation and leisure)
Prioritize active leisure pursuits over passive entertainment
Engage in regular physical play or sports
Cultivate creative hobbies and artistic expression
Plan and anticipate enjoyable events or trips
Engage in social recreational activities
Incorporate elements of play into work and daily routines
Savor simple pleasures and everyday moments of joy
This list is a starting point, but living a good life is deeply personal.
What’s your top factor for a fulfilling life that I might have missed? Did you have any ideas or dislikes while reading?
Share in the comments, let’s make this the most complete list of factors for living a good life.
