Work in an office, especially early in your career, to gain incalculable learning experiences and find meaning in your work through social interaction and observation. Abandoning the social context of work means giving something up that is crucial for professional development.
Adopt a lifelong practice or pursuit, such as a sport, hobby, or physical activity, to serve as a crucial outlet and buffer against mental health challenges and improve overall well-being. This can provide a necessary release from the world and positively impact sleep and sense of well-being.
Cultivate involvement in multiple “worlds” or diverse communities and activities (e.g., job, church, hobby, sport) to build resilience and buffers against stress. The more worlds you belong to, the less toll stress takes, leading to better physical and mental health.
Actively engage with stories and perspectives of others through reading and writing to cultivate empathy, broaden your understanding, and develop moral alertness as a human being. This act of investigating other people’s lives is crucial for stepping outside of oneself and appreciating different perspectives.
Consider opportunities for self-sacrifice on behalf of others, as it can lead to profound personal learning, expanded moral horizons, and a deep sense of contribution and pride. The men in the Minnesota starvation experiment found great meaning in their sacrifice for the collective good.
Focus on consistent, manageable acts of kindness rather than feeling obligated to make extraordinary sacrifices, as many small acts from different people can collectively lead to significant positive outcomes. Repeated acts of kindness are often preferable to solitary, heroic acts of sacrifice because they are replicable and less intimidating.
Engage in acts of kindness collectively with others, as pooling resources and efforts makes it manageable and increases the likelihood of kindness spreading. When many people do small acts together, the burden is shared, and the ‘kindness virus’ can spread more easily.
Cultivate relaxation techniques and a state of flow during demanding activities to achieve peak performance, as excessive tension can hinder optimal execution. As demonstrated by Bud Winter’s coaching, the path to peak performance in highly demanding feats is often through relaxation, not obvious effort.
Prioritize and nurture human connection in your life, as it is a fundamental need for social animals and essential for overall well-being. Overlooking this crucial aspect of our nature can lead to peril and negatively impact various aspects of life.
Model kindness for future generations by welcoming strangers or helping others, as this practice can be passed down and become part of a family’s repertoire of behavior. Observing kindness being modeled makes it a natural and expected part of one’s own actions.
If you are an experienced professional or leader, consider being present in the office to mentor and facilitate in-person knowledge transfer to younger colleagues, even if you could work remotely. Your presence is necessary for the development and happiness of the next generation of workers.
Find a regular physical outlet, such as running without headphones, that allows you to disconnect from the world and achieve a meditative state. This practice can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being, serving as a crucial outlet from daily stresses.
Practice identifying and appreciating “small wins” in your daily life, as this simple exercise can act as a lovely shortcut to achieving a more positive frame of mind. Actively looking for ways to be happy, even in minor events, can shift your perspective.
Understand that achieving mastery in any domain requires a significant and sustained investment of time and effort, often necessitating early starts and consistent support. The “10,000 hours” concept is a metaphor for this extensive apprenticeship period, highlighting the social structure behind expertise.
Avoid making definitive judgments on subjects where knowledge is still evolving or studies are not robust, and be willing to retreat from false certainty to prevent journalistic hubris. It is a mistake to draw declarative conclusions about something where no declarative conclusion is called for.
Gain historical perspective on current issues by learning about past difficulties and how they were overcome, as this can serve as a “balm” to reduce alarm and foster optimism for recovery. Understanding that past eras faced even greater challenges can make present problems seem less overwhelming.
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, especially publicly, acknowledge it and apologize, as it is difficult but crucial for personal and professional integrity. Failing to issue a mea culpa or directly address those you’ve wronged can lead to lasting regret.