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The Ideal Life: 7 Steps to Harness Your Stress, Discover Your Purpose, and Achieve Your Goals
Convert Your Stress Into a Catalyst for Personal Growth
There is a lie you’ve told yourself since you were old enough to tell yourself lies. The lie is “I’ll be happy if I can just get what I want.”
The truth is far more complex and beautiful and powerful than that. The reality is that when we get what we want, our inner reward system turns off—unless it’s tied to another future goal afterwards.
On top of this, modern society bombards us with false narratives that confuse us about what we actually want and what we actually need. This leaves countless people lost and without direction. This feeling manifests itself in feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression. So what can we do about it?
Since the beginning of time, philosophers have tried to figure out what makes us happy. For the first time, modern technology has allowed biologists to map the inner chemicals that actually cause those feelings, and positive psychologists have used that information to construct the pillars of a meaningful life. Our inner reward systems were designed for a purpose, and understanding that design can allow you to take control of your anxiety and convert it into meaningful action. Through his personal successes in business and health, paired with the knowledge of a master’s degree in I-O Psychology from Harvard University’s Extension School, Mark Congdon has developed a seven-step system for joyful living called the I GOT This framework. In this book Mark will teach you how you can use those steps to develop your own growth mindset and pursue the purpose of your own Ideal Life.
Are you ready to harness your stress, discover your purpose, and achieve your goals? This book is your guide.
There is a lie you’ve told yourself since you were old enough to tell yourself lies. The lie is “I’ll be happy if I can just get what I want.”
The truth is far more complex and beautiful and powerful than that. The reality is that when we get what we want, our inner reward system turns off—unless it’s tied to another future goal afterwards.
On top of this, modern society bombards us with false narratives that confuse us about what we actually want and what we actually need. This leaves countless people lost and without direction. This feeling manifests itself in feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression. So what can we do about it?
Since the beginning of time, philosophers have tried to figure out what makes us happy. For the first time, modern technology has allowed biologists to map the inner chemicals that actually cause those feelings, and positive psychologists have used that information to construct the pillars of a meaningful life. Our inner reward systems were designed for a purpose, and understanding that design can allow you to take control of your anxiety and convert it into meaningful action. Through his personal successes in business and health, paired with the knowledge of a master’s degree in I-O Psychology from Harvard University’s Extension School, Mark Congdon has developed a seven-step system for joyful living called the I GOT This framework. In this book Mark will teach you how you can use those steps to develop your own growth mindset and pursue the purpose of your own Ideal Life.
Are you ready to harness your stress, discover your purpose, and achieve your goals? This book is your guide.
- GenresSelf Help
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
32 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 15, 2024
mind blowing and eyes opening
This is one of kind. Reading this book was like taking a breath of fresh air. Everything in this book is just so healing to read. Especially living in today's society many of us have forgotten to actually live in the moment and enjoy the small things. Me too. I was so focused on doing what I’m supposed to be doing and achieving what I am supposed to be achieving that I totally forgot about what is really important. Achieving more and more and having more and more stuff won’t make me any happier. But reading this book and internalizing it’s content and messages did make me a lot happier for sure. I learned so much I can’t express how thankful I am for this book. It’s really mind blowing and eyes opening. I just learned to be in peace.
This is one of kind. Reading this book was like taking a breath of fresh air. Everything in this book is just so healing to read. Especially living in today's society many of us have forgotten to actually live in the moment and enjoy the small things. Me too. I was so focused on doing what I’m supposed to be doing and achieving what I am supposed to be achieving that I totally forgot about what is really important. Achieving more and more and having more and more stuff won’t make me any happier. But reading this book and internalizing it’s content and messages did make me a lot happier for sure. I learned so much I can’t express how thankful I am for this book. It’s really mind blowing and eyes opening. I just learned to be in peace.
July 5, 2024
I found this book in the airport! It's yellow (my favorite color) and so it stuck out! Then I read a summary about it and thought it'd be interesting. I just finished it and plan on listening to it again. There are some ideas I want to write down, reflection questions I want to answer and ideas I want to grow. I've even gone to his website and am considering a workshop. Read all the way to the end. ALL THE WAY TO THE END - it's worth it!
April 29, 2024
This is a really good book that will give you good ways to help yourself improve.
April 2, 2024
It is a remarkable guide to discover your untouched inner potential. The main highlight of this book is the "I Got This" framework curated by the author himself to chase the bigger picture of your life.
The "I Got This" framework stands for Ideal, Goals, Objectives, and Tasks. It is divided into seven steps, with each step subdivided into various call-to-action activities. With his personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and scientific insights, the book helps you not only in reaching your goals but also in finding joy.
The author embarks on the journey by breaking the myth that happiness only comes from achieving our goals and getting what we want. He also describes how exhausting the 'what's next' pursuit is.
This book helps you cope with stress. The 7-step framework helps channelize your inner emotions and harness the power of your goals. The author delves into each step and explains everything thoroughly. The language is lucid, and the storytelling power of the author makes the text readable and engaging.
Out of all the tips and techniques, I liked the 4 C's of human life and the seven roles that fulfill our needs, an intentional method towards goal-setting, and what we need the most in our life.
Overall, it is a wonderful book on goal setting, stress management, and one's well-being. This book is highly recommended for readers who find it hard to set goals and are exhausted with life's dynamics.
The "I Got This" framework stands for Ideal, Goals, Objectives, and Tasks. It is divided into seven steps, with each step subdivided into various call-to-action activities. With his personal anecdotes, real-life stories, and scientific insights, the book helps you not only in reaching your goals but also in finding joy.
The author embarks on the journey by breaking the myth that happiness only comes from achieving our goals and getting what we want. He also describes how exhausting the 'what's next' pursuit is.
This book helps you cope with stress. The 7-step framework helps channelize your inner emotions and harness the power of your goals. The author delves into each step and explains everything thoroughly. The language is lucid, and the storytelling power of the author makes the text readable and engaging.
Out of all the tips and techniques, I liked the 4 C's of human life and the seven roles that fulfill our needs, an intentional method towards goal-setting, and what we need the most in our life.
Overall, it is a wonderful book on goal setting, stress management, and one's well-being. This book is highly recommended for readers who find it hard to set goals and are exhausted with life's dynamics.
March 17, 2024
A book to se happiness from different perspective.
"The Ideal Life" studies a complex and seemingly simple premise that reveals layers of complexity upon closer examination.
I believe that at some point we have all been told that we came into the world to be happy and to achieve happiness at all times and to pursue our dreams and while there is some truth to the fact that the pursuit of desires leads to happiness, this book challenges the belief that fulfillment is intrinsically tied to getting what we want, This in turn suggests that the pursuit of ever-changing desires can perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness as it leads us to feel trapped, although it is true that it is necessary to pursue dreams, it is also necessary to learn to live in satisfaction with what you have today and have already achieved.
In confronting this mindset, the book offers valuable insights into finding fulfillment beyond mere achievement, that is, finding happiness in what you encounter on the way to goal attainment. It shifts the focus from goal-centered focus to cultivating inner satisfaction, regardless of external achievements.
I think the book offers a unique opportunity to question happiness from a different point of view, I really liked it!
"The Ideal Life" studies a complex and seemingly simple premise that reveals layers of complexity upon closer examination.
I believe that at some point we have all been told that we came into the world to be happy and to achieve happiness at all times and to pursue our dreams and while there is some truth to the fact that the pursuit of desires leads to happiness, this book challenges the belief that fulfillment is intrinsically tied to getting what we want, This in turn suggests that the pursuit of ever-changing desires can perpetuate a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness as it leads us to feel trapped, although it is true that it is necessary to pursue dreams, it is also necessary to learn to live in satisfaction with what you have today and have already achieved.
In confronting this mindset, the book offers valuable insights into finding fulfillment beyond mere achievement, that is, finding happiness in what you encounter on the way to goal attainment. It shifts the focus from goal-centered focus to cultivating inner satisfaction, regardless of external achievements.
I think the book offers a unique opportunity to question happiness from a different point of view, I really liked it!
March 10, 2024
The Ideal Life tackles a premise that appears relatively simple on the surface, but that is actually a lot more complex than you might initially believe. The concept is that if you get what you want, you will be happy. In some respects, the notion is true. However, this book lays out the idea that if you get what you want, you will quickly feel unfulfilled again because you will simply move on to wanting something more or different.
That’s a hard mindset to get away from, but this book will show you how. The lessons it teaches are not so much about getting what you want, but more about how you can take satisfaction from your life when you dismiss a purely goal-based philosophy.
The book talks about society constantly feeds us a narrative that we’re not good enough because we haven’t achieved a certain status, we don’t own particular products, etc. This can be toxic, but once you read this book, you will learn how to let these outside pressures wash over you without impacting you as deeply as they likely are at the moment.
That’s a hard mindset to get away from, but this book will show you how. The lessons it teaches are not so much about getting what you want, but more about how you can take satisfaction from your life when you dismiss a purely goal-based philosophy.
The book talks about society constantly feeds us a narrative that we’re not good enough because we haven’t achieved a certain status, we don’t own particular products, etc. This can be toxic, but once you read this book, you will learn how to let these outside pressures wash over you without impacting you as deeply as they likely are at the moment.
March 17, 2024
I consider this book a must-read
In "The Ideal Life", Mark R. Congdon presents a groundbreaking approach to happiness and fulfillment, debunking the myth of materialistic joy and offering a transformative seven-step framework, the I GOT This system. Drawing on his expertise in I-O Psychology from Harvard University's Extension School and personal successes, Congdon guides us on a journey to harness stress as a catalyst for growth, discover our purpose, and achieve our goals. Through a blend of personal tales and scientific research, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap for thankful living. Even if you're feeling lost or looking to elevate your life, this book offers actionable insights and inspiration to launch on introspection and fulfillment. I consider this book a must-read for anyone ready to unlock their true potential and create a life of purpose and meaning.
In "The Ideal Life", Mark R. Congdon presents a groundbreaking approach to happiness and fulfillment, debunking the myth of materialistic joy and offering a transformative seven-step framework, the I GOT This system. Drawing on his expertise in I-O Psychology from Harvard University's Extension School and personal successes, Congdon guides us on a journey to harness stress as a catalyst for growth, discover our purpose, and achieve our goals. Through a blend of personal tales and scientific research, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap for thankful living. Even if you're feeling lost or looking to elevate your life, this book offers actionable insights and inspiration to launch on introspection and fulfillment. I consider this book a must-read for anyone ready to unlock their true potential and create a life of purpose and meaning.
March 19, 2024
The Ideal Life is an outstanding revolutionary approach to the management of stress and personal fulfillment. The author Mark R. Congdon did a magnificent job in explaining and exposing the difficulties of happiness, using a combination of philosophical wisdom and modern scientific insights. His work here questions the concept of happiness itself and it goes deeper in the truth of nature about human desires. An aspect that called my attention was the fact that he uses his own experiences and knowledge in positive psychology. He does this in a seven-step strategy that aims to empower people to live more significant lives. I was not only shocked by this incredible work, but also by the way Congdon clearly expresses his ideas. His writing style is direct and complex, yet highly understandable. I give this book 5 stars for sure.
March 17, 2024
Amazing!
Mark Congdon, the author, has developed a seven-step system for joyful living which he lays out and explains in this book so that readers can take ownership and apply it in their lives.
I was completely captivated from the first pages. All the study and research behind this book is remarkable. Based on scientific and philosophical knowledge, the author explains how our internal reward systems work and how understanding and working on them is the key to a happier life.
It is very valuable! It not only is very informative but it is clear and simple to put in practice. It was very helpful for me! In this world where constant consumerism is synonymous with happiness, The Ideal Life is a must read!
Mark Congdon, the author, has developed a seven-step system for joyful living which he lays out and explains in this book so that readers can take ownership and apply it in their lives.
I was completely captivated from the first pages. All the study and research behind this book is remarkable. Based on scientific and philosophical knowledge, the author explains how our internal reward systems work and how understanding and working on them is the key to a happier life.
It is very valuable! It not only is very informative but it is clear and simple to put in practice. It was very helpful for me! In this world where constant consumerism is synonymous with happiness, The Ideal Life is a must read!
March 17, 2024
An inspirational book
If you feel at a loss or overwhelmed, then you should read “The ideal life”. Mark R. Congton has penned an inspirational book for readers who yearn for a change.
Having everything is not always important to have the dreamed life. That feeling is generally fostered by the media since it bombards people with wrong ideas regarding life and as a result anxiety and stress come up preventing them from living well.
Throughout these pages, readers will learn ways of coping with anxiety and stress. They also will learn about the true meaning in life. I liked the author's writing style because it’s neat and it explains every point mentioned here. It’s an interesting, teaching guide with a bunch of wisdom; I thoroughly recommend it.
If you feel at a loss or overwhelmed, then you should read “The ideal life”. Mark R. Congton has penned an inspirational book for readers who yearn for a change.
Having everything is not always important to have the dreamed life. That feeling is generally fostered by the media since it bombards people with wrong ideas regarding life and as a result anxiety and stress come up preventing them from living well.
Throughout these pages, readers will learn ways of coping with anxiety and stress. They also will learn about the true meaning in life. I liked the author's writing style because it’s neat and it explains every point mentioned here. It’s an interesting, teaching guide with a bunch of wisdom; I thoroughly recommend it.
June 5, 2024
Not what I expected
It’s not exactly what I expected. Based on the description and some reviews, I was under an impression that this will be something else, but instead it teaches how to constantly run in the dopamine circle. I was expecting something more about dialing down om dopamine and enjoying some serotonin. But the author also just mixed up all brain chemicals into one plate.
There were quite some religious remarks, and in the end the whole chapter dedicated to it.
Examples given of people who succeeded using this framework made me think - well, what about the ones who didn’t succeed? Without researching the "losers", we cannot really know if those who succeeded actually succeeded due to using something similar to this framework.
It’s not exactly what I expected. Based on the description and some reviews, I was under an impression that this will be something else, but instead it teaches how to constantly run in the dopamine circle. I was expecting something more about dialing down om dopamine and enjoying some serotonin. But the author also just mixed up all brain chemicals into one plate.
There were quite some religious remarks, and in the end the whole chapter dedicated to it.
Examples given of people who succeeded using this framework made me think - well, what about the ones who didn’t succeed? Without researching the "losers", we cannot really know if those who succeeded actually succeeded due to using something similar to this framework.
March 12, 2024
The Ideal Life is a book that explains in detail one of the harder-to-grasp concepts in life: Happiness.
Mark Congdon shares the knowledge acquired over the years, providing tools and practical exercises to decide and understand what a person wants in life, with a 7-step process that will help people to get there.
I've been a fan of psychology for several years, but the approach regarding happiness is groundbreaking. Being happy is not easy but not impossible when you organize your mind and focus on the right path. This is the kind of book that won´t give answers, but it will help in the process of finding them. Overall, an informative and practical read.
Mark Congdon shares the knowledge acquired over the years, providing tools and practical exercises to decide and understand what a person wants in life, with a 7-step process that will help people to get there.
I've been a fan of psychology for several years, but the approach regarding happiness is groundbreaking. Being happy is not easy but not impossible when you organize your mind and focus on the right path. This is the kind of book that won´t give answers, but it will help in the process of finding them. Overall, an informative and practical read.
March 13, 2024
Have you ever wondered why you think reaching a certain goal will make you happy but when it came, this is not actually what happened? Or are you trying to discover your real purpose and wanting to live a life filled with meaning? In The Ideal Life, author Mark R Congdon explains how we can harness our stress and turn it into a positive force. Cogndon uses his experience in psychology to design a simple, seven-step system that is easy to follow in order to retrain your inner reward system, achieve your goals and live a more meaningful life. I am giving this book a well-deserved five out of five stars.
March 16, 2024
This is a good book about setting goals for yourself and being able to achieve them at a good pace. We always have big goals that are sometimes unattainable, and here, Congdon break everything down so that you can have fun and achieve those smaller goals. It's a great quick read which guarantees the ability to always go back to the guide whenever you need a reminder! There are some religious tones towards the end which wasn't mentioned in the synopsis, so it was a bit of a surprise for me, but it's not bad. If you need something to help break everything down and attain those goals, pick this up!
March 16, 2024
"The Ideal Life" is an insightful work written by Mark Congdon, a positive psychology expert with extensive experience, the book offers a fresh and practical approach to tackling stress and finding deeper meaning in life.
This reading has been of great help for me from the beginning, as it dismantles the common idea that happiness is linked to the fulfillment of personal desires. On the other hand, I have noticed a critical approach to deep-rooted beliefs and this has been the beginning of my improvement and my current well-being.
It has helped me a lot to combat depression and stress and I recommend it without hesitation.
This reading has been of great help for me from the beginning, as it dismantles the common idea that happiness is linked to the fulfillment of personal desires. On the other hand, I have noticed a critical approach to deep-rooted beliefs and this has been the beginning of my improvement and my current well-being.
It has helped me a lot to combat depression and stress and I recommend it without hesitation.
March 20, 2024
This read is like a shot of clarity in a world clouded by false promises and self-deception. The author cuts through the noise of modern life, challenging the notion that fulfillment comes solely from achieving our desires. With refreshing honesty, he explores the intricate connection between stress, purpose, and happiness, debunking myths along the way.
The author's conversational tone and insightful anecdotes make this book not just a guide, but a companion on the journey to living a more meaningful life. If you're ready to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and unlock your true potential, dive into this transformative read.
The author's conversational tone and insightful anecdotes make this book not just a guide, but a companion on the journey to living a more meaningful life. If you're ready to break free from the shackles of societal expectations and unlock your true potential, dive into this transformative read.
March 20, 2024
It is great that people use bright colors for their title pages. Because of the color I was drawn to, I wanted to read this book. The color makes me believe this book will be cheerful and helpful to most people. As I read this book I know it would help many people. Many people struggle with stress. At times this will rule over their life. Reading through this book, you will get tips and advice on how to harness that stress to become the best version of yourself. I really liked the chapter on mapping out your future. Having a goal will help people to achieve their dreams. This can be a valuable book for people in the workplace and for those who want to find ways to calm their stress.
July 16, 2024
Read like a seller coaching gimmick book! Interesting concept but he makes it super confusing by listing out a bunch of abstract goals and gives stories to try to back up them up which makes it even more confusing. He literally states in the book that he will NOT show you a “step by step how to” but instead will tell you through inspirational stories. Sounds like a seller gimmick as he continuously throughout the book references his online “coaching” website which sells coaching services. With that being said I still gave it 2 stars as it does have 1-2 decent nuggets but you really gotta dig through the abstract to get them. It’s exhausting.
March 14, 2024
7 steps to change your life
The author of this book uses his considerable knowledge and research skills to bring us a 7 step program to overcome the many messages of this world, which are contradictory and confusing and often detrimental. Each chapter discusses a new step and closes with tips, reviews and new ideas. I liked the portion where the social dilemma is discussed as well as the concept of the hedonic treadmill. It really helped put the message in today's terms and showed how important this book is.
The author of this book uses his considerable knowledge and research skills to bring us a 7 step program to overcome the many messages of this world, which are contradictory and confusing and often detrimental. Each chapter discusses a new step and closes with tips, reviews and new ideas. I liked the portion where the social dilemma is discussed as well as the concept of the hedonic treadmill. It really helped put the message in today's terms and showed how important this book is.
March 19, 2024
Great book
''The Ideal Life'' is a book for those who think they need a change in their life. This book offers a guide with lessons that will help you on the path to changing what you really need to change. Author Mark R. Congdon teaches us in seven steps how we can achieve those changes and find our purpose in life. This book also gave us an overview of what the ideal life is and then gave us the steps to aspire to it. I found interesting things in this reading that made me reflect on what we consider important. I recommed reading it.
''The Ideal Life'' is a book for those who think they need a change in their life. This book offers a guide with lessons that will help you on the path to changing what you really need to change. Author Mark R. Congdon teaches us in seven steps how we can achieve those changes and find our purpose in life. This book also gave us an overview of what the ideal life is and then gave us the steps to aspire to it. I found interesting things in this reading that made me reflect on what we consider important. I recommed reading it.
March 29, 2024
A great guide
This is guide that challenges common misconceptions about happiness and fulfillment. Congdon's insights, rooted in both personal experience and academic knowledge, offer a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of a meaningful life. Through the I GOT This framework, readers are empowered to convert stress into a catalyst for personal growth and purposeful action. With practical steps and profound wisdom, this book serves as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed. Prepare to embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling existence.
This is guide that challenges common misconceptions about happiness and fulfillment. Congdon's insights, rooted in both personal experience and academic knowledge, offer a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of a meaningful life. Through the I GOT This framework, readers are empowered to convert stress into a catalyst for personal growth and purposeful action. With practical steps and profound wisdom, this book serves as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed. Prepare to embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling existence.
October 17, 2025
I appreciated the structure of this book. It’s built around seven steps to harness stress, discover your purpose, and achieve your goals. Congdon’s approach is logical but still motivating—he balances mindset shifts with real strategies. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s practical and gets straight to the point. If you like structured, step-by-step guides with a clear roadmap, you’ll enjoy this.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS; Anyone feeling stuck who wants a structured method to clarify their goals and reduce stress.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS; Anyone feeling stuck who wants a structured method to clarify their goals and reduce stress.
April 1, 2024
In a distraction heavy world, how does one find joy? The author argues that goal setting is a must so that we don’t get the dopamine (among other neurotransmitters) high and crash once we accomplish what we set out for. Great call to actions throughout the book to help with life and business, and an eternal call to action in the last few pages. A great debut book.
October 3, 2024
Goal ACHIEVEMENT doesn't necessarily lead to success or happiness ⁉️⁉️⁉️
In Mark's book, The Ideal Life, he relays that goal PURSUIT towards an individual's ideal creates lasting happiness and significantly contributes to success. Individuals are taken through Mark's journey of challenges, self-discovery, and ultimately the development of what he calls the "I GOT This Framework" to pursue an ultimate ideal with systematic goal setting strategies.
The I GOT This framework helps identify and create an individual's ideal (the "I" in I GOT This) life centered around 7 life roles, including: work, wealth, community, family, health, wisdom, and faith. The rest contributes to an individual's goals, objectives, and task, respectively, around their ideal.
Mark's storytelling, interesting scientific correlations (neuroscience & psychology), as well as personal & professional experiences are captivating, engaging, and infectious! It's a short read (<200 pages), has beautiful illustrations, and will certainly relate to certain areas of your life you'd like to improve.
Feeling LOST? Going through a life transition? Having difficulty finding your purpose? This book and its message will help guide you! A must read! ✨
In Mark's book, The Ideal Life, he relays that goal PURSUIT towards an individual's ideal creates lasting happiness and significantly contributes to success. Individuals are taken through Mark's journey of challenges, self-discovery, and ultimately the development of what he calls the "I GOT This Framework" to pursue an ultimate ideal with systematic goal setting strategies.
The I GOT This framework helps identify and create an individual's ideal (the "I" in I GOT This) life centered around 7 life roles, including: work, wealth, community, family, health, wisdom, and faith. The rest contributes to an individual's goals, objectives, and task, respectively, around their ideal.
Mark's storytelling, interesting scientific correlations (neuroscience & psychology), as well as personal & professional experiences are captivating, engaging, and infectious! It's a short read (<200 pages), has beautiful illustrations, and will certainly relate to certain areas of your life you'd like to improve.
Feeling LOST? Going through a life transition? Having difficulty finding your purpose? This book and its message will help guide you! A must read! ✨
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews