Optimal Living 360: Smart Decision Making for a Balanced Life

Physician Jain presents healthy lifestyle tips through a business lens with this comprehensive offering. The author begins by identifying what he describes as core life assets, using the acronym ASPIRES: “assets,” “safety,” “physical,” “intellectual,” “relationships,” “economic,” and “spiritual.” He then makes a case that each is essential to long-term happiness. Jain advises readers to be the chief executive officers of their own lives, encouraging them to define and frame problems, develop and analyze options, make and execute decisions, and reflect on each choice and its outcome. He addresses each of the ASPIRES topics with sensible, real-world advice on specifics such as the importance of exercising and preventing identity theft. Throughout the book, Jain encourages readers to consider their return on investment—whether the investment in question involves financial resources or time and energy. “Determining your priorities and figuring out your best options are great uses of your time,” he advises. Each chapter concludes with a concise summary of the information contained within, which Jain dubs Core Asset Protection Strategies, rounding out this smart and useful guide to achieving a balanced life. (Jan.)