How our definition can change In designing this study, Metlife relied heavily on the work of author, certified master career counselor and MMI advisor Richard Leider. The study drew heavily from Leider's most recent books, "Repacking Your Bags" and "The Power of Purpose." In early February, Leider offered a free webinar based on the results of MMI's report, "Discovering What Matters." PRIME was privileged to be able to listen in. In the webinar, Leider looked at the results in the light of the current economic crisis, discussing how changes in employment, finances and other life stressors can be the catalyst that prompts an individual to "repack his bags" or reevaluate what he or she defines as "the good life." "Forty-one percent of the people surveyed for "Discovering What Matters" were in flux or transition," Leider reported to the webinar attendees. He said the key to achieving "the good life" is not in avoiding flux, but in how an individual copes when facing flux is "how we perceive or what we do with the trigger." "In times of change we go higher and we go deeper .into what's core to our lives," he said. That theme, Leider said, was clearly echoed by the MMI study. "This study pointed out in no uncertain terms what's core [to happiness] and that's meaning [in one's life]," he said. In essence, Leider said. it's purpose that makes people happy. "The most contented people were . those that are living in the place where they belong, the place where they fit not just a nice surrounding with people they love, doing work that benefits others," Leider said. It's really about love, belonging, work "This study debunks the myth that the "good life" equals wealth," Leider said. "Money is important, medicine and health are important, but a purpose-driven life becomes more important [to happiness]." This especially seems true as we age, as illustrated by the "good life" definition of "Meaning-Minded" individuals. Leider said that the results outlined in "Discovering What Matters" also debunks the myth that happiness "equals the absence of misfortune.' "Misfortune is part of life," he said. "We're always going to have misfortune, but it's how we get past this [that matters]." This is where he said individuals need to "go back to their core" to find strength to survive and triumph over misfortune, be it a divorce, a job loss, or even a death. The core, Leider said, is that set of beliefs and values each individual choose to live by; the things that matter most to them. "Take those three biblical concepts love, belonging and work they are at the core of all major spiritual and religious practices in the world," he said. "These are universal truths." And, according to the results in "Discovering What Matters," they are the true keys to happiness. This study, Leider said, busts the myth that the "good life" means more. "More money, more friends, more health .the 'good life' really comes from a balance," Leider said. "It means making some key decisions about where to lighten your load." Or, as the MMI study put it, "achieving the "good life" often means "unpacking" your life's bag and finding focus on the "actions and practices that will help [you] do what matters most in [your] life, and repacking" with a clear picture and plan of "where [you] want to go." "The consistent message is that the importance [of purpose] is universal" Leider said. "But it hits people at different times and at different triggers." "My version of the good life is living in a healthy, mindful manner. It consists of keeping family and friends close, meaningful employment, really good food, interests to keep your mind busy, community involvement, being aware of the world around you, regular exercise, making the most of your talents and if possible, laughing daily!" Liz - 49