Dr. Ben Houltberg on What It Means to Thrive In Life and How To Do It

Converge: The Business of Creativity Podcast with Dane Sanders

All of us want to thrive in life. Without exception. But what it takes to truly do that is the question we seem to have the most difficult time answering. Dane s guest on this episode is the leader of an organization called, The Thrive Center for Human Development. Can you imagine what it must be like to spend your life studying what it takes for human beings to thrive? Dr. Ben Houltberg has made it his life s mission and in this conversation, you ll be the beneficiary of his years of research and as a result, discover some first steps toward meaning, purpose, and thriving in your own life. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Thriving is not a state, it s a path

Dr. Ben Houltberg says that none of us will ever reach a point in life where we can legitimately say, Now I m thriving. He says that because he believes thriving in life is a path – the journey itself, not a destination. As he and Dane talked about what it means to thrive and the specific ways we have to orient our thinking in order to increasingly live in that place, it became evident that it s an issue tied closely to worth and it s fueled by the right kind of relationships. If you want to thrive in life, you won t want to miss this conversation.

If you want to thrive in life you need adversity

The word thrive intimates things like peace, joy, and contentment. While those things are often true when a person feels they are thriving we shouldn t misunderstand by thinking there s no hardship or difficulty involved in thriving. Dr. Ben Houltberg says adversity is almost a requirement for thriving. It s what strengthens the thrive-muscle, so to speak, and sets us on the path toward the experience of living fully. Find out how Dr. Houltberg s work at the Thrive Center for Human Development has led him to that conclusion and how you can take steps toward a greater sense of thriving in your own life, on this episode.

Are you driven by your purpose or are you drawn by it?

In his seminal book, Start With Why, Simon Sinek says that leaders and companies able to thrive in the modern climate need to have a clear sense of purpose. It s what motivates those they lead in the right ways and builds a raving fan base for what they do. The idea is even truer when we take it to an individual level. Meaning and purpose are vital to our sense of health and thriving as persons. Dr. Ben Houltberg says that while purpose is important to thriving we also need to be careful that it s drawing us rather than driving us. That distinction alone can make a difference between thriving in what we do and doing it from a deeper, darker place of insecurity. You’ll want to understand that distinction better – and you can by taking the time to listen.

Why it s vital to take stock of what s truly meaningful to you

Toward the end of this conversation, Dane asked Dr. Ben Houltberg to give a word of advice to listeners who want to take steps toward a greater ability to thrive in life. He said it s vital to start by honestly taking stock of what s meaningful to you, what matters in your life. If you take the time to get past the pat answers and quick responses you ll begin to touch on the truly powerful things you want your life to be about, the things that motivate you and spark a sense of passion and purpose. And you ll be on the road toward thriving like never before. Don t miss this conversation.

Outline of this great episode

• [0:22] Getting off the treadmill: my intro of Dr. Ben Houltberg
• [2:04] Why is there a center for human thriving and why should people care?
• [3:51] Human thriving and the connection to relationships
• [11:02] Knowing what drives you informs how you orient your life to thrive
• [15:19] Flow states and flow moments are critical in sustaining us in life
• [18:20] How a sense of purpose serves as a compass, a true north
• [26:10] First steps toward rich relationships and deeper purpose
• [32:07] Healthy habits infused with transcendent meaning enable thriving
• [34:54] A final encouragement: You are worthy. You have something to offer.

Resources & Links mentioned in this episode

• BOOK: Restoration Therapy
• BOOK: 5 Days to a New Self

GUESTS RESOURCES

• The THRIVE Center for Human Development
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• The John Templeton Foundation

Connect with the Converge team:

Website: www.Fastermind.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followdane/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danesanders

Twitter: https://twitter.com/danesanders

Audio Production and Show notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK

The post S.3 Ep. 008 – What It Means to Thrive In Life and How To Do It, with Dr. Ben Houltberg appeared first on Fastermind.co.