What is a Good Life? What is a Good Life? #158 - Finding Self-Love Beyond Achievement with Alan Wilson
Jan 20, 2026
Alan Wilson, a seasoned Director of People & Operations, dives into the transformative power of self-love in this engaging discussion. He shares his journey from seeking external validation in achievements to embracing genuine self-acceptance. Alan reflects on how grief and self-inquiry can foster personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of moment-to-moment awareness, the role of children in guiding us back to joy, and how focusing on being rather than doing can lead to a fulfilling life.
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Belonging Versus Achievement
- Alan Wilson says the question "Where do I belong and how do I best use my gifts?" has followed him since childhood and shaped his choices.
- He realized achievement became the vehicle for external validation rather than true belonging or self-love.
Brother's Death Sparked Deeper Inquiry
- Alan recounts his brother's drug overdose as the inflection that propelled him into serious self-inquiry and healing work.
- He explored therapy, breathwork, meditation and plant medicine to understand grief and patterns.
Notice Triggers, Name The Belief
- Practice moment-to-moment awareness to notice recurring triggers instead of reacting to surface events.
- Use that awareness to identify deeper beliefs like "I'm not enough" and hold them with compassion.
