Success in life can’t be solely measured by the progress made in our careers. But it’s so much easier to focus on shorter-term career goals than building and maintaining relationships which are hard work, messy and span a lifetime.
We need to think about what’s truly important and not stray from our values as humans. Good close relationship are good for our health and well being, this wisdom is as old as the hills but humans want quick fixes. It’s also proven that social connections are not only good for us but that loneliness can kill.
Here are three TEDx Talks that discuss how to have a happy and meaningful life reminding us of the importance of balance:
1) Work life balance is an ongoing battle
Bestselling Author Nigel Marsh, speaking at TEDxSydney states that finding the balance between work and life is an ongoing battle. We need to steer away from an overly simplistic notion that the person with the most money when he dies wins, to a more thoughtful and balanced view of what a life well-lived looks like. The smallest investment in the right places can radically transform the quality of your relationships and the quality of your life.
2) Lessons from the longest study on happiness
Psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, speaking at TEDxBeaconStreet, asks if you invested in your future best self where would you put your time? Would you focus on a career that brings fame and money? Or personal life and relationship? You’re not alone if you think fame and money will bring happiness – but you’d be mistaken after results from a 75-year happiness survey with 724 men.
3) How will you measure your life
This insightful talk from Clay Christensen, Harvard Business School professor, speaks at TEDxBoston about the risk or prioritising achievement in a career -vs- investment in family and how we focus on tangible and immediate returns in the short horizon only.
Good quality close relationships keep us happier and healthier. So lean into relationships with family, friends, community. How would that look you ask? Swap screen time for people time, do something new with your partner or just reach out to your friends and family members.