How to Invest in Your Future Self

What's the secret to living a long, healthy and happy life? The research is in.

One thing I know for sure is this - whoever came up with the theory that the five friends you keep are an average of you was totally right. What a genius! But I would argue why only hold it at five? Why not ten, or twenty?!

The Inspired Tip: You definitely are an average of the five friends you keep - so choose wisely and grow your list.

It doesn't matter what the actual number is, the important part is GREAT friends in your life, be it at home or at work, are essential to living a life filled with happiness and good health. These are real friends you can trust and that respect you for being you. They are friends who you can call in times of need. And they are friends that give as much as they take. It's important to find that right balance.

Surrounding yourself with GREAT people WILL enrich your life. It is worth the effort, and it is something we need to be reminded of. Not the next report, or meeting or strategic milestone you might be working on. All that matters, kind of, but nothing matters more than the relationships you build, develop and nurture as you go through life.

Me in my younger days, second from right. A rockstar of a weekend with amazing friends in Dubrovnik, Croatia back in 2003. Not pictured: A coke bottle and donkey wine. Priceless memories. We all live far apart now but the friendships remain.

But don't take my word for it, watch psychiatrist Robert Waldinger's Ted Talk revealing what really makes us happy. Based on a 75 year Harvard study on adult development, what really kept people happy was centered around the relationships they had in their lives. Not 'becoming rich' or famous, or having the latest iPhone. It did not matter if they started off poor or wealthy, the level of happiness these men experienced depending on the relationships they created and maintained in their places of work, in their community, and at home.

Me and my big sister. She's always been there to help when I needed a hand. And now I help her reach things that are high on shelves, so it all worked out.

Building Relationships - At Work

I'll admit - it's certainly not easy building and maintaining friendships especially at work. There's so much going on, so many emails to read, so many meetings to attend. Who has time for a coffee, or a run at lunch to meet someone new? Let me tell you who - you do. And it just takes a little bit of effort each day to say "hi," let someone know you're thinking of them, need their advice, are there to help, or just have a hilarious reddit post that you have to share. Work is stressful. Friendships at work reduce the stress. It's as simple as that.

Wait! thats not a very happy picture! Let's try that again!

That's better. Much better.

As for me, its time for NYC and for the travel adventures to begin.

Stay tuned for plenty more "The Inspired" blog posts coming soon.

What will I be doing in NYC? Hint: This!

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