Crafting Your Own Menu

In a recent EatingWell article, the concept of a “dopamine menu” is introduced as a way to actively engage in activities that bring happiness and fulfillment into your life. It’s a refreshing idea, and I challenge you to consider creating your own.

In our world, it's easy to get caught up in financial growth—monitoring our bank accounts, watching the stock market, and measuring success by the numbers on a spreadsheet. But the truth is, no matter how well your portfolio performs, those fleeting highs won’t sustain you. The quality of life doesn’t come from obsessing over the financial markets. Real fulfillment springs from the things that provide deep, lasting joy and meaning: connections, passions, and experiences that make us feel alive.

Build Your Menu

A dopamine menu is about identifying what sparks joy on a personal level. For some, this might mean nurturing relationships with friends and family, engaging in a spiritual practice, or prioritizing physical health. For others, it could involve reading, learning, or taking up a new hobby that challenges the mind. Take a moment to think about the activities that give your life meaning—socially, spiritually, physically, and mentally.

The beauty of a dopamine menu is that it’s unique to you. Unlike financial goals, there’s no standard formula or benchmark to reach. The point isn’t to achieve more but to feel more—to live fully and intentionally. So, what will be on your menu? A morning walk, a conversation with an old friend, or maybe even the simple act of sitting quietly with a cup of coffee?

The next time you find yourself checking stock prices, consider checking in on your dopamine menu instead. The moments that truly enrich our lives often have nothing to do with dollars and cents. They’re found in the things that nurture our souls and fill our hearts. So go ahead, create your menu, and discover the true wealth in your life.

Focus On What Matters

Your financial plan should seek to meet your goals, help control your destiny and give you freedom to get on with your life. If you would like help building a plan like this, let’s connect on a complimentary strategy call and discuss how our integrated approach could benefit your life.