How to Invest Wisely in 2023

“If you were to make one investment in your well-being … the best one you could make long-term is to take care of your relationships.”  Robert Waldinger, MD

What makes for a meaningful, satisfying, fulfilling life – a “good life”?  Perhaps a more relevant question is, what would be the ingredients of such a life for you?  While the details of our answers would vary, there are likely some qualities that would be consistently important for all. 

It's not surprising that this is a question that has been asked through the ages, and a new book co-authored by Psychiatrist Robert Waldinger entitled “The Good Life:  Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” provides contemporary insights into one very essential ingredient.  The book highlights the ongoing findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a study that has been ongoing now for more than 80 years following two cohorts of men (and now their children) intended to identify the psychosocial predictors of healthy aging. 

Though the study has some design limitations, the findings are likely both inclusive and universal.  They conclude that strong relationships are not only central for our happiness but also for our health, and it is never too late in life to form such life-giving, health-promoting relationships.  Indeed, in the study these powerful connections were an independent variable influencing physical health, longevity, and happiness.

Seems simple, right?  Well, there’s bad news and good news.  In looking at the data from the past 4 years of the Medscape physician burnout report, a very disturbing trend emerges.  Consistently, when faced with burnout, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, almost as many of our colleagues report that they isolate themselves to cope as those who report they reach out to family and/or close friends for support – both in the mid 40% range.  Which means statistically that a substantial number of physicians are choosing isolation as a coping strategy when dealing with the hardships of life.  As Dr. Waldinger would point out, this is no recipe for living a good life, but rather a recipe for ill health and regrets.

Here’s the good news.  Remember, Dr. Waldinger and colleagues also found it’s never too late for us to change our ways.  So this week, consider spending some time reflecting on your present relationships both within and beyond work.  How would you approach them differently if you recognized they are a lifeline to your health, longevity and happiness?  With more evidence that it’s unhealthy to care alone, connecting becomes not just a preference, but an essential practice, perhaps best summarized as “do the things you love with the people you love.”  Sounds like a good investment for 2023, and beyond!

PS:  If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Waldinger and the study, here is a TED Talk he gave in 2015.