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Want to Live Longer? Start with This Simple Practice

Want to Live Longer? Start with This Simple Practice

Welcome to NEXTletter, your personal 121 (One To One) with your future - 1 question, 2 perspectives, 1 experiment.

Frederik Pferdt
January 31, 2025

Prefer to listen 📻 > click here.
Catch up on previous editions 📧 : The Future Isn’t What, It’s How, The Let Go Ritual or Turning Crisis Into Creation.

Hello🌄

Have you ever wondered how the connections in your life impact your happiness and longevity?

Science is clear: meaningful relationships are one of the most powerful keys to a fulfilling life. In this issue, we dive into the profound ways our bonds influence our well-being, sharing insights on how to nurture existing connections and create new ones. Plus, you’ll find a simple yet transformative exercise to cultivate gratitude and deepen your relationships.

Let’s build a future where every connection brings more joy, purpose, and growth. 💛

ONE QUESTION TO REFLECT ON

Who makes me seen? How can I deepen my connection?

Who in my life makes me most seen, heard, and valued?

TWO PERSPECTIVES TO CONSIDER

1️⃣ The Science of Connection

Research from Harvard’s Study of Adult Development, spanning over 80 years, reveals that the quality of your relationships is the single biggest predictor of your happiness and even your lifespan.

It’s not wealth, fame, or work—just the strength of your human connections.

2️⃣ Connections and Creativity

The people you surround yourself with can ignite new ideas and possibilities.

When you spend time with others who inspire and challenge you, it cultivates a future-ready mindstate of curiosity and openness.

This is where innovation and happiness intersect.

ONE EXPERIMENT

The Gratitude Call: Strengthen a Connection

1️⃣ Reflect: Think of someone who’s made a meaningful impact on your life.
2️⃣ Reach Out: Call, video chat, or meet them in person to share your gratitude.
3️⃣ Be Specific: Highlight a moment or action that deeply influenced you.
4️⃣ Be Present: Listen to their response and notice how the connection deepens.
5️⃣ Reflect: Afterward, pause to observe how expressing gratitude made you feel.

Bonus: If a call isn’t possible, write a heartfelt letter instead!

NEW EPISODE - The Future is HOW

In the latest episode of my new podcast, I dive into relationships, happiness, and longevity with Dr. Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, and co-author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.

Listen to The Future Is How
with Robert J. Waldinger & Frederik

As an introvert myself, I asked him a question that’s been on my mind: How can I make new connections, especially as we grow older? His answer was simple yet profound:

“People want to feel noticed and seen. Sometimes, just a small compliment to a stranger can open a door to connection.”

Inspired by this, I've been trying something for a while: focusing on acknowledging positive behaviors in others instead of pointing out negatives. For example, saying,

“Thanks for picking up that trash,” or
“I really like how you treated that person.”

It’s a small shift, but I’ve noticed how it brightens interactions and opens up opportunities for deeper conversations.

In this episode, we also discuss:

The surprising finding from Dr. Waldinger’s research about connection’s impact on longevity
What social fitness is, and advice on how to practice it
Why you should try talking to a stranger and tips for getting started
Dr. Waldinger’s daily practices for health and happiness
Tips for building better relationships and making new friends
How to maintain connection and positivity in a polarized world

📺 Special for Our Community: The video of my conversation with Robert Waldinger.

Why This Matters

Connections are the threads that weave meaning into our lives. They don’t just make us happier—they make us healthier, more creative, and more resilient. By nurturing these relationships, you’re investing in a future that feels fulfilling.

P.S.: Share this NEXTletter with someone you want to re-connect again!

– With Future Love, Frederik