Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment

by Daniel Coyle

A science-based, practical blueprint for cultivating a life—at work and at home—full of belonging, joy, and vitality, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code

What is a meaningful life, and how do we make one? How do certain communities foster closeness, fulfillment, happiness, and energy? What makes us flourish? 

In Flourish, bestselling author and leading culture expert Daniel Coyle trains his eye on the groups and people who have demonstrated exceptional connectivity and dynamism. He draws on research and original reporting—introducing us to thirty-three men who were trapped in a Chilean coal mine, an anarchist deli in Ann Arbor, the Dutch soccer team that revolutionized the sport as we know it, a nursing home that helped its residents turn back the clock—to reveal the principles and secrets that distinguish these communities. He finds that flourishing groups do two they cultivate presence (open, responsive awareness) and practice group flow (generative exploration).

Through captivating real-world stories, reporting, and firsthand accounts, Coyle explores what sets some groups apart—and unlocks the door to allow you to flourish in your life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

208 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Daniel Coyle is the author of the upcoming book The Culture Code (January 2018). He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Talent Code, The Little Book of Talent, The Secret Race (with Tyler Hamilton), and other books. Winner (with Hamilton) of the 2012 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Prize, he is a contributing editor for Outside magazine, and also works a special advisor to the Cleveland Indians. Coyle lives in Cleveland, Ohio during the school year and in Homer, Alaska, during the summer with his wife Jen, and their four children.

Reviews

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flourish is easy to read and easy to digest, with a zippy length that makes it realistic for busy leaders to fit into a work week. Daniel Coyle has a strong, entertaining voice, and he pairs it with real-world examples that show how groups and communities can thrive even under tough circumstances. As a predominantly fiction reader, I was relieved to find that staying engaged in this nonfiction book was not a chore.

I most appreciated the practical sections, especially the various lists of guiding questions that could help create space, ownership, and autonomy within a group. By the end, I found myself wishing there were more passages like that, with questions and strategies I could put to use right away, rather than additional examples of the same concepts. While this book holds value for any individual to read as a tool for self-improvement, I feel it holds the greatest value for leaders.

3.75 stars rounded up. Thank you to Ballentine Books, NetGalley, and Daniel Coyle for providing an advance copy for honest review.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book through NetGalley. I thoroughly enjoyed Culture Code and believe this book is a natural continuation of the author's work.

I particularly appreciated the book’s structure and the seamless integration of scientific research with real-world examples. One aspect that stood out to me was the acknowledgment that while flourishing and flow are individual endeavors, they heavily depend on the environment surrounding us.

As a leader, chapter 2 resonated deeply with me regarding the importance of creating space and its role in fostering connections with my team. I also found value in the list of questions he provided, which I intend to incorporate into my organizational practices.

The section on group flow was intriguing, and the examples presented were unexpected. However, I gained a fresh perspective on communities and organizations that are often overlooked. This book prompted me to reflect on the post-COVID world and the loss of a sense of the broader community that facilitates flourishing.

The examples and tools provided in the book are excellent and will undoubtedly be integrated into my personal and professional life.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.