4 Ways to Flourish in Good Times and Bad

Experts say our ability to thrive comes from how we navigate life's challenges.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:05am

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According to experts from the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, flourishing is about having a meaningful and rich life despite the inevitable challenges we face. Their new book 'Born to Flourish' outlines four key areas - awareness, connection, insight and purpose - that can help people thrive through good times and bad.

Why it matters

In a world filled with stress and uncertainty, understanding how to cultivate a sense of flourishing is increasingly important for mental health and overall well-being. The insights from this research could help people develop daily routines and rituals to build resilience and find more fulfillment, even amidst life's difficulties.

The details

The experts, Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl, say that flourishing is not about avoiding adversity, but about how we navigate it. Their research has found that developing awareness, connection, insight and purpose can help people thrive, even in the face of challenges. For example, building awareness through mindfulness practices can help regulate emotions, while fostering meaningful connections with others can provide support and a sense of belonging. Gaining insight into one's own thoughts and behaviors, as well as the human experience more broadly, can also cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning.

  • The article was published on March 27, 2026.

The players

Richard Davidson

The founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Cortland Dahl

A scientist at the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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What they’re saying

“To flourish, they told me, is to have a life that feels meaningful and rich, despite the challenges we'll inevitably face.”

— Jancee Dunn

The takeaway

In an increasingly stressful world, the insights from this research on cultivating awareness, connection, insight and purpose offer a roadmap for people to develop daily practices and mindsets that can help them not just survive, but truly flourish, even in the face of life's difficulties.