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My longtime friends John and Jane Doe (no, these are not their real names) are the best and happiest entrepreneurs I know. They're retired now, but let's look at how they did it and take inspiration from their example.
From the research in Positive Psychology, they did a good job on all four of the major sources of happiness:
A caring relationship with yourself
They:
Ate healthy food, exercised, and practiced meditation regularly
Maintained a healthy balance between their work and personal lives
Caring relationships with others
They:
Met in graduate school, fell in love, and got married
Have three grown children who are successful and happy as well as a bevy of cute grandchildren
Have lots of friends (and throw great parties)
Were, and still are, active in their community
Work you love doing
They:
Were both professional service providers who were passionate about their work
Are satisfied they have made a positive difference in the lives of others as their legacy
Enough money to pay your bills with some left over for fun
They:
Bought a house in a rapidly gentrifying area which is now worth 4X what they paid for it
Worked for the same company for several years, and then launched their own company (which was a two-block walk from their home)
Managed their money wisely during their earning years
Are comfortable financially and have the time and resources to visit their children and grandchildren as well as take adventure trips
High-Performance Habits
Include being happy in your definition of being a successful entrepreneur--otherwise, what’s the point?
Learn how to “work smart” rather than “working hard” so you can maintain balance and enjoy your entrepreneurial journey.
Don’t live your life in such a way that you wind up with a lot of regrets on your deathbed--be clear on your priorities and live them now.
