Bloom credits entrepreneur Andrew Wilkinson with the concept of anti-goals. This term is defined as “the things we don’t want to happen on our journey to achieve our goals” (44). Bloom recommends developing explicit anti-goals to avoid being burdened or distracted by unwanted events or tasks. He also positions anti-goals as a complete opposite to a person’s stated goals and advises people to identify what might hinder them from reaching their goals and record it as an anti-goal so that they are better prepared to avoid or confront it. The author believes that by explicitly stating anti-goals, people can pursue ambitious dreams without losing other valuable aspects of their lives. This topic contributes to his discussion on Living a Balanced Life, as anti-goals are a tool for ensuring real progress that fosters balance rather than derailing it.

Bloom refers to anthropologist Robin Dunbar’s “circles of friendship” in his discussion about the importance of relationships. These “circles” help people to visualize their relationships, from their closest connections or “circles” to their neighbors, community connections, and acquaintances.

Bloom uses the concept of circles of friendship to support his argument that social wealth involves the breadth of one’s relationships as well as the depth.