What If 'A' Good Life Is Better Than THE Good Life?
Is Your Version of Success Actually Your Own?
When I was a little kid, my version of success looked like a mansion with chandeliers everywhere, a butler (yes, I thought that was essential for a “successful” life), and parties that never ended. I imagined knowing all the “right” people, driving a sleek car, and having piles of cash stored away.
Oh, and let’s not forget the snooker table in the living room because what kind of success story doesn’t include one, right?
Okay, okay. Yes, Bollywood movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham absolutely planted those images in my mind, but hey, they made it look oh so glamorous!
And just to admit my more recent habits—I probably picked up the word "butler" after watching Downton Abbey—fine, I’ll own that too. Jeeeeez!
Fast forward to today, and I can’t even begin to imagine my life looking anything like that.
My 10-year-old self might even look at me and cry in a corner.
She'd probably facepalm, and ask, “Wait, this is success?”
And yet, here I am, living a life that feels far more fulfilling than that childlike fantasy.
My life feels richer now, in ways that 10-year-old me could never understand.
I might not have the snooker table or the fancy car, but there’s a deep sense of fulfillment I wouldn’t trade for anything in that "ideal" picture.
Society celebrates those who have THE good life
And let’s be real—you probably had a similar version of success in your mind, too, right? Maybe you don’t openly talk about it anymore, but somewhere in your mind, that vision exists.
It might have been about the big house, the endless parties, the things society told you were markers of success.
Be honest.
Maybe you thought a certain level of wealth or a certain kind of lifestyle would be your mark of achievement. The big house, the prestigious job, the well-known friends.
Society pushes this vision of THE good life all the time. We see it in movies, on Instagram, in magazine covers, and even in the people around us.
Success is equated with fame, luxury, and power. It's measured by the cars you drive, the size of your house, and the exotic vacations you can afford. And if you don’t meet that standard, well… you must be doing something wrong, right?
Society celebrates the version of success that everyone agrees on.
THE good life is not ideal for everyone
It’s a fantasy that we’ve been sold and conditioned to believe. And when we try to live by that blueprint, we only end up disappointed and frustrated.
We chase after a vision that wasn’t meant for us to begin with.
They wrap it up in luxury, status, fame, and power. It’s a shiny package with all the trimmings, a glossy image of success that we’re supposed to aim for.
THE good life is just that: the idea of someone else's success. It's a shiny, glamorous version of what we think we should want.
So what does it really mean to live A good life?
I heard this on a podcast, something clicked and I knew right then that I had to share it with you.
A good life = your own definition of what makes life worth celebrating.
The version of success I once dreamed about has completely shifted. Instead of the snooker table I fantasized about, I now focus on maintaining the health and energy to play different sports every week.
And guess what? I have the time and flexibility to do it. I’ve traded the extravagant parties and fancy dinners for simple joys: laughter-filled evenings with friends, meaningful conversations, and experiences that truly enrich my life.
It means:
Freedom – To choose how I spend my time and energy.
Flexibility – To explore life without being shackled by rigid routines.
Good health – Because let’s be real, no amount of money will make up for feeling good in your body.
Being surrounded by people I love – Genuine connections, not fleeting acquaintances.
Having time to pursue my passions – Writing, learning, teaching—these bring me alive.
The urge to keep growing – That inner fire to keep evolving, to become better than yesterday.
Not trading things I love just to make a living – Finding ways to align work with purpose.
A sense of purpose – Doing things that matter, not just things that fill time.
Sleeping like a baby – Because rest is a foundation, not a luxury.
Smiling more often – Because life’s too short to be anything but joyful.
Laughing out loud – With friends, with family, with anyone who gets my humor.
Dancing like no one’s watching – The freedom to be my truest self, every day.
Living life every day – It’s about the small, everyday moments, not the big milestones.
That, my friend, is what I call a Good life. It might look different for you, and that’s okay.
“Ambitions reveal direction.” – Mace Windu
Go on…Disappoint them
Your version of a good life might and will disappoint others — heck, it might even disappoint some of your closest friends or family.
They might not understand why you’ve traded your “ideal” for a different set of values.
But…It shouldn’t disappoint you.
Your version of A good life might not fit the cookie-cutter image of success that others expect of you. And that’s okay.
Your version of A good life might look a little different from the ones around you. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. It might not come with fancy labels, but it’s yours!
A Good Life: Let’s break it down
G – Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Celebrate the little things, not just the big milestones.
O – Ownership: Take full ownership of your life. Your decisions, your direction.
O – Openness: Life’s best lessons come from unexpected places.
D – Dedication: Stay dedicated to your version of success.
L – Love: Surround yourself with love—be it in relationships, work, or self-love.
I – Intent: Be intentional with your time and energy. Focus on what really matters.
F – Freedom: Seek freedom to live life on your own terms, free from others’ expectations.
E – Empathy: Understand that your journey is unique, and others’ paths may look different.
Reflect & Rewrite
Now, I’d love to know from you:
Take a moment to reflect and write this down in your journal (or comment below or email me privately):
If no one was watching or judging, what would my ideal life actually look like?
What’s one thing I’m holding onto just because it’s considered “successful”?
If I had complete freedom, how would I design my daily life?
Write back with your thoughts because I truly want to hear what you think!✨
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