The Satisfaction Hierarchy: Flourishing and Legacy — Mastery, Wisdom, and Mentorship

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

At the highest level of satisfaction, the focus shifts from building to becoming. This is Level 6: Flourishing and Legacy — where all the forms of wealth you’ve accumulated begin to work together in service of others. What This Level Means Flourishing isn’t about more — it’s about refinement. It’s the quiet confidence that comes when your work, relationships, and values align. […]

The Satisfaction Hierarchy: Purpose — Meaningful Work, Contribution, and Identity

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

Once you’ve secured your foundation, gained freedom, learned to enjoy life, and built meaningful relationships, a deeper question begins to emerge: “What am I here to contribute?” This is Level 5: Purpose. What This Level Means Purpose is the bridge between success and significance. It’s where we shift from building a life for ourselves to building a life that […]

The Satisfaction Hierarchy: Connection — Relationships, Social Capital, and Emotional Wealth

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

After you’ve built stability, earned freedom, and learned to enjoy life intentionally, the next level of satisfaction comes not from what you have — but who you have. This is Level 4: Connection. What This Level Means Connection is the foundation of human flourishing. It’s about building relationships that are reciprocal, nourishing, and authentic — family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and […]

The Satisfaction Hierarchy: Autonomy — Time and Financial Flexibility

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

Once you’ve built a foundation of stability, the next step toward a truly satisfying life is autonomy — the freedom to decide how you spend your time and shape your future. This is Level 2: Time and Financial Flexibility. What This Level Means Autonomy is the point where stability turns into freedom. It’s the ability to say yes to what […]

The Satisfaction Hierarchy: Foundation — Safety and Predictability

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

Every structure begins with a solid foundation. The same is true for a satisfying life. Before freedom, enjoyment, or purpose can flourish, we first need stability — the confidence that tomorrow won’t fall apart. This is Level 1: Safety and Predictability. What This Level Means At its core, this level is about creating security: reliable shelter, […]

The Satisfaction Hierarchy: What It Means to Build a Life That Truly Satisfies

Alan-Stalcup_satisfaction-hierarchy

Most people spend their lives chasing a version of success that never quite delivers what they hoped for. The promotion comes, the bank account grows, but something still feels missing. After years of reflection—and after reading powerful works like The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life by Sahil Bloom, The Wealth Ladder: […]