The Three Dimensions of a Good Life: Reflections and Takeaways

I stumbled upon this chart the other day, and it immediately resonated with me—like one of those moments where you just pause and feel seen. It breaks down life into three key pathways: A Happy Life, A Meaningful Life, and A Psychologically Rich Life. Each speaks to different parts of what makes life feel full, satisfying, and, most importantly, worth living.

Let’s break it down, because I think we all chase pieces of these dimensions, sometimes without realizing it.

1. A Happy Life

This dimension feels like home base. It’s comfort, joy, and security. It’s the simplicity of a warm morning coffee, laughs with friends, or having enough time and money to feel steady in life.

• Facilitators: Time, relationships, money, and having a positive mindset. These aren’t ground-breaking concepts, but they’re foundational. If we don’t feel secure or connected, happiness feels elusive.

• Outcome: Personal satisfaction. Happiness makes life feel lighter, doesn’t it?

But here’s the thing: A happy life alone can sometimes feel surface-level. Ever felt comfortable but unfulfilled? That’s where the next dimension comes in.

2. A Meaningful Life

If a happy life is about comfort, a meaningful life is about purpose—feeling that what you do matters in a larger sense. It’s the “why” behind your choices and actions.

• Key Features: Significance, purpose, and coherence.

• Facilitators: Moral principles, consistency, relationships, and religiosity (or spirituality).

This is about waking up with intention—knowing you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. Maybe it’s showing up for your family, building a career you’re proud of, or creating a legacy that lives on after you.

• Outcome: Societal contribution. Your life means something—to others and to yourself.

But even with purpose, life can sometimes lack variety and spontaneity. That’s where the third dimension pulls us in.

3. A Psychologically Rich Life

This one is often overlooked but might just be the most underrated of the three. A psychologically rich life is about variety, curiosity, and perspective change. It’s stepping outside of comfort to grow.

• Facilitators: Curiosity, time, energy, and spontaneity.

• Outcome: Wisdom.

This is the road less traveled. It’s saying yes to new experiences, learning new things, and challenging your perspective. It’s not always easy—it’s often uncomfortable—but this is where growth happens. This is where life surprises you.

The Balancing Act

Here’s what I love about this chart: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to a good life. Maybe you’re leaning into joy and comfort right now because that’s what you need. Maybe you’re on a mission to chase purpose and make an impact. Or maybe, like me, you’ve been stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace the rich, unpredictable experiences that change you.

The truth is, we need all three dimensions to feel whole. We need the stability of happiness, the fulfillment of meaning, and the growth of a rich, curious life. It’s about finding your balance—your version of a good life.

Takeaways for the New Year

As I look ahead, I want to ask myself:

• Am I making time for joy and relationships?

• Do my actions align with my purpose?

• When was the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone?

Life is too short to miss out on any of these dimensions. So here’s to chasing happiness, finding meaning, and living curiously.

How does this chart resonate with you? Which dimension are you leaning into most right now, and which one needs more attention?

Let’s make this next year full—rich in every sense of the word.

Stay Sunny

Sherri Lee Sunshine