If you’re a dentist, physician, or business owner, chances are you’ve worked hard to build a life that looks pretty solid on paper. You’re running a successful practice. You’ve got a great home, a family you love, and maybe even some time carved out for golf or volunteering. You’ve checked all the boxes.
But every so often, a quiet question surfaces: Is this it?
You're not alone.
A recent study published in Affective Science asked nearly 4,000 people across nine countries a surprisingly tricky question: What kind of life do you want?
The answers broke down into three big categories—and they’re worth thinking about as you map out the next chapter for your business, your family, and your future.
1. A Happy Life
Let’s start with the obvious one. A “happy” life was described using words like:
Stable
Comfortable
Simple
Happy
Pleasant
If these resonate with you, it likely means your emotional and physical needs are being met. There’s a foundation in place—financially, relationally, and logistically—that gives you the security to plan ahead.
For many of our clients, this is where planning begins. But it’s not where it ends.
2. A Meaningful Life
The second type of good life? One filled with purpose. These people valued:
Meaning
Fulfillment
A sense of virtue
Devotion
Purpose
This is where things get personal. For some, meaning comes from the impact they have on patients or their team. For others, it’s mentoring younger professionals or supporting a cause they care about.
We’ve seen it time and again: when people start aligning their time and money with what matters most to them, their planning conversations shift. It’s no longer just about building net worth—it’s about building a life they’re proud of.
3. A Psychologically Rich Life
Here’s the wildcard most people don’t talk about. The final group of responses focused on words like:
Interesting
Eventful
Dramatic
Full of surprise
Psychologically rich
Why do so many smart, accomplished people take a sabbatical, start a new business, move across the country, or go back to school—even when they’re financially “set”?
Because our brains crave novelty, challenge, and growth. Comfort is great, but it can lead to boredom. Sometimes we need a curveball to shake things up and remind us we’re still evolving.
The Sweet Spot: All Three
Here’s the real insight: a good life usually isn’t just one of these—it’s a blend of all three. And that mix changes over time.
We’ve seen clients shift their focus as their kids get older, their business stabilizes, or they start eyeing retirement. The goal isn’t to find a perfect balance forever, but to keep checking in. Are you still growing? Are you still lit up by the life you're building?
That’s what true life-centered planning is all about.
Want to Talk About It?
If this resonates with you—if you’re looking for more than just financial success—we’d love to help you build a plan that supports the whole picture.
Schedule a conversation here:
👉 https://calendly.com/bswilling/intro-call
Let’s talk about how to align your money with the life you actually want to live.