Over the past three years, Sue, my co-author and friend, and I have been on a deeply meaningful journey. I deliberately use the word meaningful because these years have been significant in many ways: the time and effort we’ve invested in our project, our shared belief in the power of having a personal manifesto, and the profound importance of the process itself. All these elements have made this journey truly special.
It was three years ago that Sue and I began the task of creating a clear, practical process to help ourselves — and eventually others — discover their personal manifesto. Along the way, we’ve experienced highs and lows, wins and setbacks, and challenges that tested our resolve. Yet, through it all, we’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey.
I often think of a quote by Tal Ben-Shahar, a thought leader in well-being and happiness, who says: “Attaining lasting happiness requires that we enjoy the journey on our way toward a destination we deem valuable.” This idea resonates deeply. For us, the destinations we’ve been working toward — building our business, writing our book, and now preparing to host our first retreat — are unquestionably valuable.
Tal’s formula for lasting happiness highlights two essential elements: a valuable destination and the ability to enjoy the journey. But what helps someone enjoy their journey instead of merely enduring, or even detesting, it?
Success might seem like a key factor; after all, a successful journey is easier to enjoy. However, I believe that every journey, no matter how fulfilling, has its ups and downs. Perhaps success alone isn’t what determines whether we enjoy the process — it’s something deeper.
Can I suggest four key elements that have contributed to us finding joy in our ongoing journey:
Of course, not every part of the journey is easy. Right now, for example, we’re navigating the challenge of gathering participants for our inaugural retreat. Yet the stability of those four elements — meaning, connection, progress, and strengths — provides us with a sense of lasting happiness, even during difficult times.
We hope that your personal manifesto can serve as a guiding light for the journeys you’re on now and the ones you’ve yet to embark on.
Thank you for being such a special and ongoing part of our journey!