David Beckham has it all.
A celebrated professional football career that spanned over two decades. A Spice Girl for a wife. A billion-dollar MLS club thatโs currently home to footballโs reigning GOAT. A net worth of approximately $500 million. All the trimmings of the good life. And yes: his very own Netflix documentary series,
Unlike other high-rolling celebrities whoโve burned out, losing both their money and minds in the process, Becks has somehow maintained a positive outlook throughout his years in the public eye.
Despite the horrendous, depression-inducing cycles of national/international bullying he endured as a rising star on the scene.
And according to the man himself, it all comes down to a few other key areas that he believes can help the ordinary punter feel a little happier.
Hereโs what David Beckham has to say about living a happy life.
Family Matters
โFrom my perspective, my motivation is my family. Itโs always been about family, how to help them live a better longer life, to let our children do the same.โ
Family first and foremost.
Itโs a well-documented fact that most people regret not spending enough time with their families towards the end of their lives. Friends, acquaintances, and (especially) business partners, all come and go. But family lasts. Family is legacy. And for David Beckham, this simple fact of life remains true.
After over two decades of marriage to the โworking classโ Victoria Beckham nรฉe Adams (AKA Posh Spice), the couple is still going strong; enduring virtually endless media attention and even caustic accusations of adultery.
โYou work together. Itโs a bit of give and take, always. And marriage is hard work. Weโre busy. I always tell Victoria Iโm more busy, but she says she is,โ David Beckham told The Telegraph.
โYou have to prioritise your time with each other. Thatโs what weโve always done, and it seems to be working.โ
Such extremely high-profile relationships are usually destined for disaster. So their โsurvivalโ is a miracle in itself. As husband and wife, theyโve not only prioritised one other, but also become parents to four children โ Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper โ who are beginning to lead successful lives in their own right.
Limit Phone Use
โAt dinner with my family, my phone will be turned off.โ
In 2023, 86.3% of Australians own a smartphone.
While these devices are undoubtedly useful in bridging long-distance communication gaps, as we all know, they have a tendency to cut us off from those closest to us.
David Beckham hasnโt dived especially deep into this topic, but itโs certainly one worth noting. When youโre with friends or family, put your phone away, and out of sight. Give them your full attention.
With the advent of the smartphone and social media, people seem to have more โfriendsโ yet feel lonelier than ever before. Unplugging for just an hour a day may help gain some perspective.
Exercise
โI think all exercise helps in having a healthy lifestyle. The most important thing to remember is that you donโt have to join a gym or commit to a football team; the simple things like going to the park, walking to school, or taking the dog out can really make a difference.โ
Aside from the endorphin boost and the pleasure of being out and about, humans were made to move.
You donโt need to be snatching 100 kilos at an F45 class or bending it like Beckham (relevant) to start seeing the benefits of exercise.
Get some fresh air circulating in your system, make an effort to look better, and subsequently feel better.
