Thrive

1. Redefine success beyond money and power

We are entering a new era. How we measure success is changing.

The Third Metric. Traditional definitions of success, focusing solely on money and power, are no longer sustainable. This two-legged approach often leads to burnout, health problems, and a lack of fulfillment. The Third Metric introduces four additional pillars:

• Well-being
• Wisdom
• Wonder
• Giving

By incorporating these elements, we can achieve a more holistic and satisfying life. This new definition of success recognizes the importance of personal growth, inner peace, and contributing to society, alongside professional achievements.

2. Prioritize well-being through sleep, meditation, and unplugging

Sleep, or how little of it we need, has become a symbol of our prowess.

Sleep revolution. Contrary to the prevailing culture that glorifies sleep deprivation, getting enough sleep is crucial for overall well-being and success. Benefits of adequate sleep include:

• Improved cognitive function and decision-making
• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills
• Better emotional regulation and stress management
• Reduced risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes

Meditation and unplugging. Incorporating meditation and digital detox into daily routines can significantly improve well-being:

• Meditation reduces stress, increases focus, and promotes emotional balance
• Regular breaks from technology help maintain healthy relationships and improve mental clarity
• Establishing boundaries with work-related communications outside of office hours is essential for maintaining work-life balance

3. Cultivate wisdom by listening to your inner voice

Wisdom is about recognizing what we're really seeking: connection and love.

Inner wisdom. Developing the ability to tap into our inner wisdom is crucial for making better decisions and living a more fulfilling life. This involves:

• Practicing mindfulness to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings
• Learning to trust our intuition and gut feelings
• Recognizing and silencing our inner critic or "obnoxious roommate"

Course correction. Wisdom allows us to identify when we've veered off course and helps us make necessary adjustments:

• Regularly assessing our goals and values
• Being open to change and personal growth
• Learning from mistakes and setbacks

4. Embrace wonder and mindfulness in everyday life

Wonder is not just a product of what we see—of how beautiful or mysterious or singular or incomprehensible something may be. It's just as much a product of our state of mind, our being, the perspective from which we are looking at the world.

Cultivating wonder. Rediscovering a sense of awe and curiosity about the world can greatly enhance our quality of life:

• Take time to appreciate nature and art
• Practice mindfulness to fully engage with the present moment
• Seek out new experiences and perspectives

Mindful living. Incorporating mindfulness into daily activities can help us find joy and meaning in even the most mundane tasks:

• Focus on one task at a time, giving it full attention
• Practice gratitude for small pleasures and everyday miracles
• Use mindfulness techniques to manage stress and anxiety

5. Practice giving and compassion to enhance personal fulfillment

Giving, loving, caring, empathy and compassion, going beyond ourselves and stepping out of our comfort zones to help serve others—this is the only viable answer to the multitude of problems the world is facing.

The power of giving. Engaging in acts of kindness and service not only benefits others but also enhances our own well-being:

• Volunteering and charitable activities increase happiness and life satisfaction
• Practicing empathy and compassion improves relationships and emotional intelligence
• Giving back to the community creates a sense of purpose and connection

Integrating service. Making giving a regular part of our lives can be achieved through:

• Setting aside time for volunteer work or community service
• Incorporating small acts of kindness into daily routines
• Using professional skills to support non-profit organizations or social causes

6. Overcome burnout by changing workplace culture

Our culture is obsessed with time. It is our personal deficit crisis. We always think we're saving time, and yet we feel like we never have enough of it.

Recognizing burnout. Chronic stress and overwork lead to burnout, affecting both individual well-being and organizational productivity:

• Physical symptoms: exhaustion, insomnia, weakened immune system
• Emotional symptoms: cynicism, detachment, loss of motivation
• Professional symptoms: decreased productivity, increased errors, absenteeism

Workplace solutions. Companies can combat burnout and promote employee well-being through:

• Encouraging regular breaks and vacations
• Offering flexible work arrangements and promoting work-life balance
• Implementing mindfulness and stress-reduction programs
• Fostering a culture that values employee health and well-being over constant productivity

7. Integrate the Third Metric for a more balanced life

We need to do everything we can to protect and nurture our human capital.

Holistic approach. Incorporating the Third Metric into our lives requires a comprehensive strategy:

• Assess current life balance and identify areas for improvement
• Set goals that align with all aspects of the Third Metric
• Create daily habits and routines that support well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving

Continuous growth. Embracing the Third Metric is an ongoing process of self-discovery and improvement:

• Regularly reflect on personal values and priorities
• Be open to learning from setbacks and challenges
• Seek support from like-minded individuals and communities
• Celebrate small victories and progress along the way

Last updated: January 22, 2025