Many people assume success or productivity are the main drivers of a good life. However, focusing solely on happiness or meaning can sometimes lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or being trapped in endless pursuit. Happiness often involves feeling comfortable and content, while meaning connects to the sense that life matters, has a purpose, and that one’s roles fit together coherently.
The challenge is that chasing personal success or a fixed sense of meaning can create a cycle where achievements don’t bring lasting satisfaction, or where people compare their lives unfavorably to highly impactful figures. Instead, an emerging perspective suggests embracing psychological richness: a life enriched by a variety of interesting, perspective-changing experiences.
Psychological richness is less about accumulating material wealth and more about collecting meaningful stories and experiences that add depth to life. This can be done by exploring new places, delving into new activities, reading diverse books, or simply immersing oneself in novel hobbies. Even difficult experiences like job loss or personal setbacks contribute positively if they offer insight or growth.
Writing about or sharing these experiences helps embed them in one’s personal narrative, deepening their impact. Psychological richness encourages viewing life as an evolving story filled with varied lessons and insights, which can complement or even surpass traditional paths of seeking happiness or meaning.
By welcoming new experiences and reflecting on their significance, people can find a more satisfying, resilient, and well-rounded approach to living a good life.
