“Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued.” ~ Socrates

Costly Questions

Are we living to work, or working to live well?

Are we truly embracing the “good life,” or merely accumulating the “goods” life?

A Shift in Perspectives

About seven years ago, I started questioning whether the constant busyness of life had drowned out what truly mattered. My days felt like a relentless cycle—waking up early, battling traffic, diving into work, juggling emails, leading meetings, writing status reports, and then enduring the evening commute home. Some days, exhaustion hit so hard that I had to pull into a plaza parking lot, sneaking in a 15-minute nap behind a fast-food “M” restaurant just to keep going. While I valued the engagements and connections I built at work, the unrelenting pressure to deliver left me drained.

Weekends became my escape. I sought relief in retail therapy, wandering through malls as if new purchases could justify the grind. I spent hours browsing, trying on outfits I had no real occasion to wear, and buying shoes and boots that ultimately gathered dust in my closet. Many pairs ended up in the local thrift stores. This cycle continued for at least two years—a fleeting pursuit of fulfillment that never quite lasted.

Then, the world came to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered malls, disrupted routines, and brought the fragility of life into sharp focus. I received an urgent wake-up call, challenging myself to live fully every day, knowing that life, at any moment, could change dramatically. You can read more about my transformational journey, but here, I’ll share my reflections on a deeper question: what does it mean to live the “good life”?

The Goods Good Life

Socrates once distinguished between merely existing and truly living a life of quality and virtue. For me, living the “good life” means stripping away the unnecessary to create space for purpose, connection, and peace—not to be mistaken for the “goods” life. Minimalism became my guide on this journey, offering clarity and helping me focus on what genuinely fulfills me—what aligns with my values and lifts me toward my higher purpose. But this journey isn’t just about me; I hope its ripple effect will inspire transformational change, fostering a world where human flourishing becomes a more attainable reality.

Socrates, “Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued”.

I believe every human being possesses unique talents, gifts, and characteristics that can profoundly benefit others and society. By fully embracing and utilizing these attributes, I can make meaningful contributions to both the tangible and intangible aspects of society. More specifically, here’s how minimalism has shaped my vision of the good life:

Trust in the Order of the Universe:

Minimalism encourages me to find peace in simplicity rather than seeking fulfillment in excess or accumulation. I have faith that the universe will continue evolving in an orderly manner, as it has for thousands of years. Like the four seasons, life follows a rhythm and order, even amid uncertainties. This belief grounds me in a timeless, expansive perspective that connects my daily actions to a greater whole.

Freedom to Pursue Meaningful Work:

Minimalism grants me the freedom to engage in pursuits that align with my personal mission by reducing distractions and encouraging intentional choices. Living well means having the ability to invest my resources, energy, and time in activities that resonate deeply with my values, allowing me to invest in work that feels purposeful and fulfilling.

Fulfillment in Accomplishments:

Minimalism teaches me to value quality over quantity, finding joy in fewer, more meaningful achievements. Whether it’s the simple satisfaction of knitting a scarf for my granddaughter or the accomplishment of completing a major project at work, each achievement feels richer when I’m not weighed down by the pressure to do more or have more.

Connection and Support for Loved Ones:

Minimalism emphasizes nurturing relationships and investing in people rather than things. Relationships are central to my vision of a good life. Minimalism has shown me that relationships thrive not through grand gestures but through consistent, meaningful support. I see this both in my family, where each small act strengthens our bond, and in my professional life, where guiding others to grow reminds me that success is best shared. Personally, I value the opportunity to support loved ones in realizing their potential and aspirations. Professionally, I treasure moments of coaching when I witness team members or leaders experience breakthroughs in performance and advancement.

Commitment to Personal Growth:

Minimalism is a journey of continual refinement, guiding me toward lifelong learning and the pursuit of becoming a better version of myself. It empowers me to live out my purpose by using my gifts and talents in service of the greater good. My happiness comes from knowing I have lived responsibly, preserving valuable resources, recognizing planetary limits, and contributing to a world where others can also thrive. This vision resonates with the virtues my ancestors valued and is deeply influenced by my faith, fostering growth rooted in what is virtuous and enduring.

How minimalism has shaped my version of the good life?

Lighter and Unburdened Life

Minimalism has no strict formula. Not every minimalist lives with just three black T-shirts, two pairs of blue jeans, and two white mugs in the kitchen cupboard. Minimalism isn’t about restriction or deprivation; it’s about reclaiming freedom—the freedom to focus on what genuinely brings joy and meaning. By letting go of what I don’t really need, I create space for what I truly value, allowing me to live a lighter, unburdened life. This freedom enables me to focus on a life filled with purpose, connection, and intentionality. It has simplified my path, helping me prioritize the essentials, enhance my wellbeing, make a meaningful impact on others, and contribute to society in positive ways. This journey has been both fulfilling and freeing!

So, I ask you:

What does living the “good life” mean to you?

What would you keep and what would you let go of to create a life of purpose, joy, and peace?

Minimalism and the Good Life: Redefining Success Beyond the Office