Book Review - Flourish by Martin Seligman
In this episode of the Happiness in Retirement podcast, I delve into the profound question of what constitutes a good life, particularly in the context of retirement. Let's explore whether happiness is the ultimate goal, or if there are deeper elements that contribute to a fulfilling life.
What about the relationship between money and happiness? Various studies suggest that once basic needs are met, additional income does not significantly increase happiness. Instead, true fulfillment may come from other sources, such as meaning and purpose.
To illustrate this, let's discuss the work of Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist and the author of the book "Flourish." Seligman proposes the PERMA model, which outlines five essential ingredients for a flourishing life: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Let's look at each of these components, emphasizing their importance in both retirement and life in general:
Positive Emotion: The significance of gratitude, joy, and comfort can't be overstated. Expressing gratitude daily can enhance happiness. I recommend the book "The Gratitude Diaries" by Janice Kaplan as a resource for cultivating this practice.
Engagement: The flow state is all about being fully immersed in activities we love. I encourage listeners to identify what brings them joy and to seek out those experiences, whether it's gardening, painting, or volunteering. Check out the book "The Rise of Superman" by Steven Kotler, or "GNAR Country", by the same author.
Relationships: Maintaining social connections, especially after retirement, is important, as loneliness can have detrimental effects on health. I suggest reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie to help build and maintain relationships.
Meaning: You have to find meaning in life, whether through work, volunteering, or personal passions. I reference Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning," that emphasizes that having a purpose is crucial for well-being.
Accomplishment: It's also important to set and achieve goals, no matter how small, to foster a sense of pride and fulfillment. I recommend Daniel Pink's book "Drive" to understand what truly motivates us beyond monetary rewards.
I encourage readers to reflect on how they can incorporate these elements into their lives, especially in retirement. I highly recommend an exercise from Seligman's work that involves discovering one's signature strengths through the VIA Character Strengths test, which can help individuals align their actions with their core values. You can find it online by googling "the VIA Signature Strengths Test", and it's free.
In closing, retirement is not the end but rather the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and contribution. I invite you to share your experiences and insights on finding meaning in your life after retirement, to help reinfore the idea that it’s never too late to flourish. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to our next episode!