KPIs are those fancy metrics we use to measure success in business. Like: “How many widgets did we sell last quarter?” or “What’s our synergy velocity?” (whatever that means).
My friend Olivier—one of those brilliant business numbers people—used to open client sessions asking, “What are the KPIs you want for your business?” Cue the charts, graphs, and buzzwords.
And then… he flipped the script and asked, “What are the KPIs for a life well-lived?”
POW! Minds blown. Charts? Gone. Metrics? Who cares? The conversation shifted to what really matters: connection, belonging, and finding common ground.
How would you answer that question?
What are the KPIs for a life well-lived?
Before you panic and start mentally listing the many things you think you want to do, let me reframe the question. What makes your life remarkable? Is it:
- The number of zeros on your paycheck?
- The kids or pets you’ve successfully kept alive?
- The pantry full of homemade pickles you canned during your quarantine phase?
- Or… could it be something deeper?
Forget the charts, let’s talk about belonging
Here’s the thing: a life well-lived isn’t about how many cars you own or whether your house has granite countertops. It’s about feeling like you belong: like you’ve found your people and they’ve found you.
It’s about creating those “pull up a chair, you’re one of us” moments. Belonging is the ultimate KPI, my friends, and it’s something we all crave even if some of us pretend not to.
How to build belonging (spoiler: it’s easier than you think)
Good news—you don’t need a PowerPoint presentation to make this happen. Simply try these ridiculously simple and fun steps:
- Say hello: Yep, that’s it. Just say hi. To strangers, neighbors, coworkers, the barista who knows your order but not your name.
- Wave at people: Bonus points if they’re surprised. Extra bonus points if they wave back.
- Make the first move: Think of yourself as the Beyoncé of connection. Don’t wait for someone else to start the conversation—go for it!
- Leave a voicemail: Hear me out (literally)—this one’s underrated. Even if the person doesn’t pick up, your voice a little gift in their inbox.
Why this matters (because you do)
While AI and tech seem cool, they’ll never beat classic human-to-human connection. It’s not about gadgets or algorithms—it’s about those magical moments when you look someone in the eye and say, “Hey, you matter.”
When you focus on real connections, a beautiful thing happens:
Conversations reveal connections.
Connections create belonging.
Belonging builds common ground.
And that’s the secret to everything good in life.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it…
Here’s your challenge:
Say hello to at least two people today. Make it fun. Be weird. Wave at your neighbor like you’re running for mayor of your street. Call your friend just to leave a voicemail that says, “You’re fabulous! Okay, bye ~”
The point isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Start small, and you know what? You’ll absodanglutely brighten someone’s day, starting with yours in the doing.
Keep rowing
We’re all in this wacky, wonderful boat together. So grab your oar, wave to your fellow rowers, and keep moving forward. Together, we’ve got this.
Oh, and if you’ve got a good story about saying hello or building connection, I want to hear it! Seriously, share it with me. Let’s inspire each other to row a little stronger, laugh a little louder, and live a little better.
Keep connecting, friends. The world needs your smile. 😊