The Ideal Life

7 Steps to Harness Your Stress, Discover Your Purpose, and Achieve Your Goals

Published by Forbes Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

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.

About The Author

After spending ten years achieving success in operations, sales, and strategic leadership within the transportation logistics industry, MARK CONGDON is now pursuing a calling to help others understand how to develop a growth mindset and realize their own personal joy. Mark has multiple degrees in business and psychology, including as a Dean’s List graduate of the Harvard Extension School in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. His company, The Ideal Life, coaches individuals and teams to identify a long-term vision and then convert that purpose into action. Mark is a CEO, Ironman Triathlete, and father of four, and his experiences can help guide you towards your own fulfilling success in work, health, and relationships.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Forbes Books (February 20, 2024)
  • Length: 208 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798887500881

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Raves and Reviews

The Ideal Life brings together scientific insights, inspiring real-life stories of change, and carefully crafted tools and frameworks to help you live your life with a sense of purpose and joy. Mark’s narration gives life and energy to scientific findings and human stories, and makes the reader feel the possibilities for regaining agency in their lives.”
Ayse Yemiscigil, PhD
Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior, Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University; Research Affiliate, Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University; Research Fellow, International Humanistic Management Association

“Very inspiring book with simple steps that have impacted my life, my business, and not just reaching my goals, but finding more joy in the journey. Highly recommend it!"
Kirsten Wyatt
Founder, Team Fit & Free; Wellness & Fitness Coach; Social Media Influencer

“The pursuit of happiness is an undeniable right to all humans. Wise men and women often say that happiness lies within, however, something has to be said for intentional goal setting. Goals and dreams are inspiring and energizing. Mark has developed a process that he came to call the I GOT This framework, helping himself and others achieve desirable results in all areas of life. The Ideal Life will help you understand how to apply the framework to make your life more meaningful and fulfilling.”
Jana Peterkova Richter
Former LPGA Tour Player, US Women’s Open; Golf Instructor

“I’m so excited about this book—The Ideal Life! I’m an avid reader. I have never thought a book would truly change someone’s life. This book will change lives! Who doesn’t want to have purpose in their life? We all want a meaningful life. Mark has perfected a way to trigger the chemicals in our brain using the I GOT This framework to help us find meaning, to deal with stress and depression. All of this is important to help us to find Joy. Mark is real and the I GOT This framework has been proven to work. I hope you will invest in yourself by reading The Ideal Life, using the tools and applying the principles that Mark provides."
Bryan Beam
Chief Operating Officer, Kellex Seating

“Mark provides an actionable and inspirational framework to live our most meaningful lives in all circumstances, backed by science. Looking forward to putting it in action!”
Muge Wood
Global Energy Industry Solutions Delivery Lead, Microsoft; Member, Women's Energy Network of Houston and Greater Houston Partnership; Co-founder, "Refirement" Podcast; Board of Directors, 'UTMA All Stars'

“I have observed that numerous individuals I know tend to postpone their retirement due to their uncertainty about how to discover their life’s purpose. The Ideal Life framework offers practical guidance to assist individuals in taking concrete steps towards living a profoundly meaningful life, one that transcends short-term focus and embraces lasting significance.”
Christine Zmuda
Chief Inspiration Officer, Magnet Labs; Co-Host, "Refirement Life" Podcast

"Most of us have a general sense of our life’s purpose but haven’t done the work to clarify it or connect our daily decisions to align with that purpose. Mark’s I GOT This Framework touches an emotional chord as it helps us fully unveil our purpose and then gives us the logical path to enable us to fully live into that purpose."
Jamie Tozzi
Coach and Former Microsoft Executive

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