The #1 Harvard-Backed Predictor of a Happy Life (It’s Not What You Think)

Read time: 2.5 minutes

So there I was.

Sitting in a crowded seminar, half-listening to the speaker on stage, sipping on my coffee, and waiting for the part of the talk that would actually interest me.

And then — he said something that stopped me mid-sip.

85 years? I thought. No way. That’s longer than most people even live.

I leaned in.

And then he dropped the bombshell.

At this point, I was hooked. Because if it wasn’t any of those things… then what the hell was it?

And when he finally revealed the answer, I almost didn’t believe it.

Because everything we’ve been told about success and happiness?

It’s been wrong all along.

The 85-Year Study That Changes Everything

For over eight decades, Harvard researchers have been tracking people’s lives — Harvard students, kids from low-income neighbourhoods, CEOs, factory workers.

They followed them through their wins and losses, career highs and lows, relationships, struggles, health issues — you name it.

And after 85 years, the conclusion was undeniable:

The single biggest predictor of happiness, fulfilment, and even longevity?

The quality of your relationships.

Not how much money you make. Not how famous or successful you are. Not how many goals you check off your list.

The people who had strong, meaningful connections — who made time for their relationships — were healthier, lived longer, and reported higher levels of overall happiness.

Meanwhile, those who were lonely — even if they were financially successful — were more likely to suffer from illness, memory loss, and depression.

When I first heard this, it hit me hard.

Because, like many entrepreneurs, I know what it’s like to sacrifice relationships for work.

To convince yourself, I’ll make time later. 

To believe that success will somehow fill the gaps.

To think that once you hit that next milestone, then you’ll slow down.

But what if later never comes?

What if you wake up one day and realize you’ve built everything — except real connection?

What if, after all the money, achievements, and wins — you still feel empty?

Because here’s the truth:

Winning means nothing if you’re winning alone.

If you’re ambitious, I get it. You want to build something great. You want success.

But if the longest study in history proves that relationships are the foundation of happiness, doesn’t it make sense to start treating them that way?

The good news? You don’t need to make drastic changes.

You don’t need to “overhaul” your Life.

It starts small.

• Send a message to someone you care about today. A simple “Thinking of you” can mean more than you realize.

• Make plans — and actually keep them. Schedule time with loved ones like you schedule business meetings.

• Be fully present. When you’re with someone, put the phone away, make eye contact, and listen without distraction.

• Ask real questions. Go beyond “How’s work?” and ask what they’re excited about, what’s been challenging, what they’re dreaming of.

• Check in on the people you assume are fine. Sometimes, the ones who seem the strongest are the ones who need it the most.

Because at the end of the day, this is what truly matters.

And if an 85-year study proves it — maybe it’s time we start living like it.

That's it.

Much Love,

Julian

PS. Who’s one person you’ve been meaning to reach out to? Send them a quick message right now — then hit reply and tell me how it went. I’d love to hear.