Start a mindfulness or meditation practice, ideally daily or twice a day, to experience significant positive changes in daily life and feel like you’ve lived longer and richer by being present for more moments.
Focus on one activity at a time, such as driving, walking, or eating, without distractions like phones or emails. This approach, instead of multitasking, leads to greater effectiveness, enjoyment, and enrichment, avoiding the “bombardment of information” that doesn’t lead to happiness.
Avoid checking your phone, email, or social media first thing in the morning, especially on weekends, as this can set a negative tone for the day. Instead, start your day with meditation or a mindful activity like showering to establish a better beginning.
Consciously step back from excessive use of social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Reducing these “streams” of information can lead to significantly increased happiness (e.g., “40 percent happier”) and prevent getting “wrapped up” in constant information bombardment and negative comments.
Be aware of the manipulative design of social media and email interfaces that encourage endless scrolling. Actively resist this habit to prevent losing significant amounts of time and becoming a “zombie.”
If you’ve experienced trauma or loss, make a conscious choice to talk about what’s going on with a few trusted people. This strategy helps process difficult experiences, contrasting with the ineffective approach of not discussing anything.
Strive to be fully present in any conversation or interview to avoid “sleepwalking” through interactions. This enhances effectiveness, allows you to remember more, and enjoy the experience more fully.
Cultivate self-reliance from a young age by understanding the need to take care of yourself. This clarity can prevent the loss of initiative and confusion often associated with inheriting wealth.
To begin a meditation practice, utilize accessible resources such as books (e.g., Jon Kabat-Zinn’s “Where We Go, There You Are”) or meditation apps. These tools can provide an easy introduction and guidance for starting.
When facing criticism, particularly in a professional context like journalism, respond by focusing on doing “more journalism.” Strive to be as honest and fair as possible, and keep at it to move forward.