Embrace curiosity and be willing to change fields or pursue new areas of knowledge when current work becomes less compelling, to recapture the excitement of ‘falling in love again’ with a new intellectual pursuit.
Pursue what you genuinely like and be true to yourself, even if it goes against family expectations, and internalize a strong set of personal values to guide your actions and avoid negative influences.
Actively enjoy the simple, everyday things in life, such as good meals, walks, and beautiful surroundings, and establish reassuring rituals to bring elegance, predictability, and a pleasant pace to your daily existence.
Use meditation to manage anxiety, stay calm, and be fully present in the moment, rather than constantly worrying about the past or future, as this is a tremendous source of satisfaction.
Recognize that even brilliant and successful individuals are human, flawed, and often have challenging areas in their personal lives, fostering a balanced and realistic perspective.
When pursuing new endeavors, look for fields or areas where there are ‘very few footprints’ or less competition, as this increases the chances of doing something novel and impactful.
Be aware of the inevitable ‘postpartum’ feeling or dopamine trough that follows major achievements; anticipate it, accept it, and return to the core inspiration that drives new projects.
Take calculated risks in your career and pursue ‘crazy’ ideas that are genuinely important to you, even if they are outside your immediate job description or current field.
Surround yourself with brilliant people who resonate with your interests and stimulate you, fostering an environment of collaborative growth and idea exchange.
Be open-minded and willing to adopt new technologies, but ensure they don’t consume your daily life; prioritize physical activities and tangible experiences over a purely digital existence.
Recognize that a broad humanistic education, including history, philosophy, and languages, can be incredibly useful for developing a broad context for thinking and understanding, even in scientific careers.
Find a sense of order in abstract ideas and universal laws, as this can provide stability and a soothing touchstone during times of personal flux or uncertainty.
Maintain an optimistic outlook on the future, believing that technology and human ingenuity have the capacity to solve major global problems like global warming.
Focus on living a healthy and enjoyable life with lucidity and the ability to engage in desired activities, rather than solely pursuing extreme longevity for its own sake.
Always cultivate something to anticipate and look forward to in life, as this is crucial for maintaining motivation and engagement.
Adhere to codes of conduct and etiquette, as they reflect respect for others and society, and allow you to project a desired message and demeanor.
Be willing to hold and rationally debate ‘politically incorrect’ views, as they can sometimes be correct and serve as a valuable counterpoint to mob-like conformity.
Do not plan for traditional retirement if your work is intellectually stimulating and provides a valuable social component; continue working as long as you enjoy it and your mind thrives.
Do not pursue money for its own sake, but recognize its importance in buffering stress and enabling desired life experiences and opportunities.
Allow yourself to experience and appreciate the spiritual aspects of life, whether through observing nature or engaging with art, as they offer glimpses into something larger than oneself.
Understand and acknowledge the role of randomness and chance in life, rather than always attributing every event or coincidence to a specific higher power.
Attach yourself to mentors who provide guidance and support, especially in academic or professional journeys, as this can be invaluable for navigating your path.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet activity and secure data, especially on public Wi-Fi, to protect against hacking and data theft.
Tailor your mattress to your unique sleep needs (softness, firmness, breathability) to improve sleep quality, which is foundational for mental health, physical health, and performance.
Consume adequate amounts of electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium) in the correct ratios, without sugar, to maintain proper hydration for optimal brain and body function.
Engage in regular professional therapy to build rapport, receive emotional support and directed guidance, and gain useful insights for emotional, relationship, and professional life, considering it as important as regular exercise.