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DOCTOR’S CORNER

WHAT IS YOUR

by Allen Weiss, MD, MBA, FACP, FACR
President and CEO, NCH Healthcare System
P eople who have a sense of purpose live seven years longer industriously find my own purpose. I’ll share my thoughts after we set

up some takeaways from the fast-moving, two-hour session.
and are happier and more productive than those without
a goal, according to Richard J. Leider, author of The
When people in their eighties were asked what they would do
Power of Purpose.
Additionally, purpose is one of the nine essential principles of differently if they were given the chance to live their lives over, the
three major responses were:
living a long, happy and healthy life according to the research done
by Dan Buettner, as he and his team discovered five communities Hit the “pause button” more often. Take time out to smell the
1.
around the world where more people lived to be 100. Although roses, savor the good times, and be with family and friends. The
not completely endorsed as the most important principle for long most meaningful activity of all was spending time with family and
life, I believe purpose is fundamental to any life at any age. friends. Family first is axiomatic.
Dan created the Blue Zones Project in America currently
involving over two million people in thirty-seven communities in Take more chances by having the courage to try different routes
2.
nine states. Southwest Florida has been on its journey for almost or courses of action personally and professionally. Pursuing
two years, continuing our success for two years in a row as the dreams and life priorities should be encouraged early on to maximize
healthiest and happiest region with the longest life expectancy in potential and minimize regret.
the nation.
Free and open to the public, purpose workshops have touched Find purpose earlier in life. A sense of identity beyond a
3.
over 1,600 and counting folks in Southwest Florida already. paycheck is key to finding purpose. Having one’s life matter—
Personally, I appreciated my workshop facilitated by Ms. Lisa one definition of “a good life”—is desired by most. Sitting around
Gruenloh, President of Purpose Journey who, along with others, idly is a waste. Yogi Berra allegedly said there are three types of
volunteers her time and talent to the Blue Zones Project and people—those who make things happen, those who watch things
other worthwhile endeavors. Purposefully (pun intended), I chose happen, and those who ask, What happened? Finding purpose early
a Saturday afternoon at Florida Blue’s retail store at Coconut moves us forward to take action.
Point Mall with the idea that I could be a regular participant and

46 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2017