The Circle Blueprint

Introduction

Are you as happy as you would like to be? Don't think too hard about this question; it's a simple yes or no. If the answer is honestly yes, put the book down and look for something else to read. If the answer is no—not that you're unhappy, just not as happy as you would like to be—then this book is for you. Our guess is that if you picked the book up in the first place you are searching for something more. You might not know exactly what it is, but you hope the “more” is out there and if it is, you want it.

You have been successful…at least to some extent. You have probably worked hard at life. You may have a good education. Perhaps you have risen to some level of leadership at work, or raised a family, or put away some money for retirement.

But do you ever ask yourself, “Is this all there is?”

We have asked thousands of people one very simple question: “Are you thriving in your life?” We use the word “thriving” to describe a life where nothing is missing, where you have it all. Thriving doesn't mean you are particularly wealthy or popular but that your life is rich, happy, and meaningful. Those who are thriving have found the more that others seek. We asked them to choose one of the following descriptions of their lives:

1. I am hanging on by my fingernails. Despite all I have accomplished my life isn't good at all.
2. I am eroding. I'm not desperate but my life is a grind and does not seem to be headed in a positive direction.
3. I am treading water—just sort of enduring ...