Find a lifetime practice, such as running, gardening, or walking, that serves as a meditative act and provides a crucial outlet to disconnect from the world, as these practices are vital for mental health and overall well-being.
Belong to multiple “worlds” or communities (e.g., hobbies, sports, social groups, work) to create buffers against stress, as having diverse interests and connections can improve physical health and reduce the toll of stress.
Recognize that human connection is fundamental to well-being, as we are social animals and overlooking this need can lead to peril.
Recognize that abandoning the social context of work means giving up an “incalculably important learning experience” and makes finding “meaningful work” harder, especially for young people. Consider the benefits of being in a professional community to learn from others.
Actively read and engage with stories about other people’s lives to cultivate empathy, appreciate diverse perspectives, and gain fundamental insights into what it means to be a better person.
Engage in small, collective acts of kindness that are manageable and replicable, as these repeated actions are often more effective and sustainable than solitary, heroic acts of sacrifice. Model kindness as a routine part of human behavior.
Reflect on the potential for self-sacrifice to expand moral horizons and contribute to the collective good, rather than being baffled by the notion of giving up personal health or wellness for others.
To achieve peak performance in demanding activities, cultivate relaxation and fluidity rather than relying solely on obvious effort, as retreating from extremes can enable performance at the extreme.
Recognize when you’ve lost a state of flow, especially in high-stakes activities, as continuing without it can put your health at risk, highlighting the crucial mental and psychological aspects of peak performance.
Develop resilience to criticism by recognizing that repeated exposure makes it matter less over time. Actively reverse the negativity bias by focusing on positive feedback and putting online controversies into perspective, understanding they don’t reflect real-life sentiment.
Actively look for and acknowledge “small wins” in your daily life, as this exercise serves as a “lovely kind of shortcut to a better frame of mind” and can help you find ways to be happier.
Understand that achieving mastery in any domain requires a significantly longer apprenticeship period than often imagined, and recognize the crucial role of social support and resources in enabling this long-term commitment.
Avoid making declarative conclusions about evolving knowledge; instead, question whether a conclusion can truly be definitive and be willing to retreat from false certainty, acknowledging mistakes when they occur.
Use historical perspective to understand that current challenges, such as political discourse, may not be worse than past struggles, which can foster optimism for recovery.
Challenge the notion that one’s job or role limits their right to speak up on social issues, as individuals can and should raise their voice as human beings outside of their specific domain.
If you are a leader who has benefited from an in-office environment, consider being present in the office to provide in-person knowledge transfer and mentorship for younger generations, even if you could work remotely.