The 12 hidden metrics: reflecting the quality of your life.

What is the benchmark of a good life? It's easy to pay attention to the visible signals that things are going well for a person: they drive a nice car, live in a big house in a wealthy neighborhood, have a loving spouse and happy children, and take regular vacations. But the old truth is that these external cues may not be accurate indicators. A beautiful car does not mean a beautiful life.

I had a lot of personal experience working with very wealthy people before I started writing. I've worked with high-net-worth families. One thing that continually surprised me was that these people were unhappy and dissatisfied. I saw their fortunes, their recognitions, their homes, their vacations - and it was easy to think,''that they understood everything.

They actually had more complicated problems. Of course, they didn't have to worry about rent payments.

This reminds me of the parable of the Mexican fisherman and the investment banker. Scroll down to read it at the end of this article.

My family and I left California for Portugal. When my American husband saw businesses close for two-hour lunch breaks every day, have several holidays a year (regardless of''wealthy) and don't work weekends - he was shocked and, to some extent, outraged.

My husband is in real estate and is used to working seven days a week. If a client demands it, he will honor it. It doesn't matter even if it's his birthday or Christmas. He would leave before breakfast and come home later...