Defining Success & Happiness
For affluent men today, success does not begin and end with a corner office. Men's personal accomplishments and passion-based pursuits are valued more significantly than financial and professional success. More than 60 percent of the men surveyed say that having a happy family and being able to retire early are the top two indicators that someone is successful followed by spending quality time with family and being respected in the community. Men consider these achievements to be much more significant than having a lot of power, owning a large home, having an impressive job title, or spending a lot of money. Furthermore, men think that diverse life experiences and gratifying relationships are more important on a success scale than attaining a dream career position.

Secrets of the Very Happy & Very Successful
Comparing the ten percent of men who consider themselves both very successful and very happy with the rest of the surveyed male population provides insight into which characteristics set this select group apart. The ability to have fun (53 percent versus 12 percent) and stay young at heart (56 percent versus 19 percent) as well as having clearly defined goals and navigating change well (37 percent versus 14 percent) distinguish very happy and very successful men from their peers.

"By analyzing the survey data we were able to determine what made men who were both happy and successful tick," says Stephen Perrine, editor-in-chief of Best Life magazine. "The upper echelon of men take full control of their lives, pursue what interests them most and believe in a well-balanced approach to life."

Bridging the Gap - Achieving Greater Success & Happiness
Sixty-nine percent of all men compare their success to the success of others. To achieve the top level of success, men are focusing on their personal lives, passions and fun. One out of two men believes he should put more effort towards having a fulfilling relationship with a partner or spouse. Nearly half of all men would also like to have more time to pursue their hobbies and passions to be more successful. Virtually all (95 percent) men feel that a work-life balance must be achieved to be successful. Three-fourths of affluent men feel that having more fun will likely increase their level of success. With a variety of personal pursuits and a need to find more balance between work and their down time, one out of four men has taken a sick day to enjoy their interests.

American Express has identified similar trends among Platinum Card members. "We've seen a significant increase in our Card members using benefits such as Platinum Travel Services, Platinum Card Dining Reservations and Platinum Card Concierge. These benefits are time saving and help Card members enjoy their personal time more," says Simon Kahn, vice president of Platinum and Centurion Cards at American Express. "Card members also want access to a variety of luxurious and unique experiences and are using these services to plan exotic vacations, dine at the best restaurants and secure tickets to the most exclusive events."

Affluent men pursue a variety of personal interests outside the office. Travel is their top interest, and single men declare travel as the top contributor to happiness. Nearly eight in ten surveyed males are passionate about food. Among the top activities associated with these male "foodies" are dining out at great restaurants at least once a week and traveling the globe to explore restaurants. Sports continues to be a passion for men but married men (37 percent) are more passionate about sports than their single counterparts (17 percent).

Survey Sample and Methodology
Harrison Group conducted the 20-minute online survey on behalf of American Express Platinum and Best Life magazine between August 29 – September 4, 2007 among 1,026 U.S. males aged 30-54, with household incomes of $150,000 or higher.  The sample was split between married and single men and the data was weighted to be representative of each group.  The margin of error for this study is +/- 3 points at the 95 percent confidence level.  The margin of error for various sub-samples is higher and varies.

About the Platinum Card from American Express
Launched in 1984, the Platinum Card from American Express was the first of its kind in the market and is designed specifically to meet the needs and desires of the affluent consumer. For more than 20 years, American Express has continued to evolve and enhance the Card by adding new benefits and services to meet the changing needs of customers. Today, the Platinum Card offers more than 40 distinctive benefits and services, including: airport club access; special amenities such as room upgrades and guaranteed late check-outs at more than 550 of the world's most luxurious hotels and resorts; VIP shopping benefits, including access to private sales and dedicated personal shoppers at top luxury retailers; and access to once-in-a-lifetime "By Invitation Only®" experiences from a Zero Gravity flight with astronaut Buzz Aldrin to on-stage seating at a Rolling Stones concert. Platinum Card members also enjoy a superior level of personal service through the Platinum Concierge and Platinum Travel Service. The Platinum Card also provides Card members with the financial securities and protections that are synonymous with the American Express brand and reputation. To learn more, visit www.americanexpress.com/platinum.

About Best Life
Best Life is the fastest-growing men's magazine in the country and is the very first men's magazine to provide topical and compelling editorial that addresses family, marriage and fatherhood.  With the tag line "What Matters to Men," Best Life targets the growing segment of 35+ accomplished and socially responsible men, offering them hands-on advice on finance, fatherhood, health, and relationships, as well as the latest cultural news, style trends, and product reviews.   Best Life reaches more than 2 million men each month.

About Harrison Group
Harrison Group ( www.harrisongroupinc.com ) is one of the country's leading marketing and strategic research consulting firms. Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, Harrison Group specializes in concept testing, forecasting, segmentation, branding and market modeling for some of America's leading companies.