Life advice as we look towards 2024
As we look towards 2024 I have been reflecting on the things I have learned or realized over the year. I read some great stuff recently so I decided today I would list some useful bits of advice, partly as a reminder to myself but also in the hope of helping others!
1. Invest in long term possessions
Anything you will use for 1000+ hours is worth spending good money on: mattress, pillow, running shoes, phone and many more things. If your considering buying something ask yourself if it will serve you for 1000 or more hours if so your investing in a better future so it’s definitely worth it
2. Practice positive gossip
Make a habit of praising people when they’re not around. This is a great way to foster and positive work and/or social environment.
3. Watch Something that makes you better
Want to be funnier? Watch stand up comedy
Surround your self with funny people.
If you spend 30 minutes each day watching/listening to comedy you’ll understand the art of making people laugh.
This isn’t just for comedy though the same is true if you want to improve your speech or a whole host of other things.
4. Watering holes to build habits
Want to start a habit?
Set it up at a place you will see it daily (Work desk, kitchen table, nightstand) — your watering holes.
E.g if you want to take multivitamins daily, don’t hide them in a cupboard where they can be forgotten if your rushing instead place them on the coffee maker you use every day.
5. Use Inversion Thinking
“All I want to know is where I’m going to die, so I’ll never go there” — Charlie Munger
Rather than focus on the action required for success. Consider what would lead to failure and avoid it.
Minimizing stupidity will take you a long way.
6. HALT method for Decisions
I have written about this one a couple of times before but it’s so important!
Before making any big decisions ask: “Am I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired”
If the answer is yes to any of them address the problem as best you can before making your decision.
7. The “Next Morning” Rule
When someone invites you to do something at a future time, ask yourself: “Would I do this if it was tomorrow morning?”
This is a great one because it can stop you commenting to things you don’t want to do out of social obligation but also can stop you backing out of something you will later wish you did.
8. Use “Pattern Interrupt” Questions
Autopilot question: “How are you?”
Lead to autopilot responses; “Good thanks, you?”
If you want a better connection with someone ask them something that compels them to really think and answer your question.
“What are you excited about right now?”
Or
“What the best thing that’s happened to you this week?”
Or course this isn’t always the best option but it’s nice to really know what’s going on with people. I remember being taught that when someone who’s in charge of you asks you how are you always say good even if your not it’s just a social formality to ask…
I’m sure not everyone thinks like this but I’m also sure some people don’t think people really want to know what’s going on with them and that’s why I suggest finding different ways to ask people about themselves.
9. Tips to make healthy eating easy
I love learning about nutrition and I put a lot of effort into my diet as my profession demands it. But here are some easy tips for people that want to make good choices without getting so invested in it.
- Invest in some tasty sauces. That way you can eat healthy stuff and still enjoy it
- Dark chocolate 80% of more should be your go to snack. A couple of squares will give you energy, fill you up and stop cravings
- Don’t drink soda and alcohol. Of course you can on special occasions but cutting these from your daily habits will make such huge benefits to your health and how you feel it’s insane.
- Each fruit and vegetables every day and make sure you drink more water than you think you need. Just do this please!
- Never shop when your hungry.
I really hope you like this list and it helps you
Thanks
Alfie