Category: Mindfulness and Inner Peace

You Don’t Actually Know What Your Future Self Wants

Table of Contents

Introduction

We often make plans, set goals, and envision a future that we think will bring us happiness and fulfillment. We invest in retirement funds, choose career paths, and even select life partners based on what we think our future selves will want. But the truth is, you don’t actually know what your future self wants. This isn’t a pessimistic view; it’s a liberating one. Understanding this can free you from the shackles of over-planning and open you up to a life of spontaneity, adaptability, and true happiness.

The Illusion of Predictability

Why We Think We Know

Human beings are wired to seek predictability. It’s a survival mechanism that has been ingrained in us through evolution. We like to think that if we can predict what will happen, we can control it. This leads us to make decisions based on assumptions about what our future selves will want or need.

The Reality

The reality is that life is inherently unpredictable. Circumstances change, people come and go, and most importantly, you change. The person you are today is not the same person you were five years ago, and you won’t be the same person five years from now.

The Trap of Over-Planning

The Fear of Missing Out

In our quest for predictability, we often fall into the trap of over-planning. We’re afraid that if we don’t plan for every contingency, we’ll miss out on opportunities or end up in undesirable situations.

The Cost

Over-planning can lead to stress, anxiety, and ultimately, disappointment. When things don’t go as planned, we feel like we’ve failed, even when the new outcome might be equally good or even better than what we had originally envisioned.

Embracing Uncertainty

The Power of Now

Instead of obsessing over what your future self might want, focus on what you want now. This doesn’t mean you should be reckless or ignore the future entirely. It means you should be present and make decisions based on your current state of mind and circumstances.

Adaptability is Key

Being adaptable allows you to navigate through life’s unpredictabilities. When you’re flexible in your plans and open to new experiences, you’re more likely to find happiness and fulfilment, regardless of what the future holds.

Conclusion

You don’t actually know what your future self wants, and that’s okay. Embrace the uncertainty and focus on the present. Be adaptable, be open, and most importantly, be yourself. Your future self will thank you.

5 Ways of Well-Being

From https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidmcleanatgetkeepgrow_learningagility-leadership-resiliency-activity-6889014561186361345-QN31/?trk=public_profile_like_view

Table of Contents

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: our well-being. While we often associate well-being with physical health, it encompasses much more, including our mental, emotional, and even social health. This blog post aims to explore the 5 ways of well-being: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.

Connect

The Importance of Social Bonds

Human beings are social creatures. Our connections with others form the bedrock of our well-being. Whether it’s family, friends, or even pets, these relationships offer emotional support, enrich our lives, and even improve our physical health.

Technology as a Facilitator

In the age of the internet, connecting with people has never been easier. Social media platforms, video calls, and even online gaming have become avenues for social interaction. These technologies have been particularly crucial during times of social distancing, where they offer the closest alternative to physical interaction.

The Flip Side

However, it’s essential to remember that online connections should not entirely replace face-to-face interactions. Over-reliance on digital platforms can lead to feelings of isolation and other mental health issues.

Be Active

Physical Health Equals Mental Health

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of well-being. It not only keeps you fit but also releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

The Role of Technology

Fitness trackers and smartwatches can monitor your physical activity, provide insights into your health, and even remind you to move. Virtual reality games can make exercise fun, and online platforms offer various workouts that you can do from the comfort of your home.

A Word of Caution

While technology offers many conveniences, it also promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Make it a point to balance screen time with physical activity.

Take Notice

The Art of Mindfulness

Taking notice is all about being present. It’s about paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and the world around us. This mindfulness can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Digital Aids

Apps like Headspace offer guided meditation sessions that help you practice mindfulness. Environmental sensors can help you create a living space that positively impacts your well-being.

The Need for Digital Detox

While technology can aid mindfulness, it can also be a significant distraction. Designate tech-free times to practice mindfulness without interruptions.

Keep Learning

Lifelong Learning

The process of learning doesn’t stop when we leave school or university; it’s a lifelong journey. Continuous learning challenges our brain, keeps us engaged, and improves our self-esteem.

E-Learning Platforms

Online courses, webinars, and educational apps make learning more accessible than ever. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby, learn a new language, or even pursue a new career, the resources are at your fingertips.

The Balance

While it’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, remember to balance learning with other aspects of well-being.

Give

The Joy of Giving

Giving doesn’t necessarily mean material gifts. Time, attention, and emotional support are just as valuable. Acts of kindness not only benefit the receiver but also improve the well-being of the giver.

Technology for Good

Crowdfunding platforms and social media campaigns can amplify acts of giving. Virtual volunteering opportunities also allow you to give back to the community from your home.

The Takeaway

While giving is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of your well-being. It’s essential to know your limits.

Recharge Your Routine: Viewing Each Day as a Battery

Loosely based on

Analogue

The analogy of your energy being like a battery is a way to conceptualize how you expend and recharge your energy throughout the day. Just like a battery, you start the day with a certain amount of energy, and as you go through your tasks, social interactions, and other activities, you “drain” this energy. Here’s a breakdown:

Charging Phase (Morning)

  • Full Charge: You wake up after a good night’s sleep, and your “battery” is at or near 100%.
  • Morning Routine: Activities like showering, breakfast, and light exercise can either maintain your energy or give you a slight boost.

Active Phase (Daytime)

  • High-Performance Tasks: These are the tasks that require the most energy. It’s best to do them when your battery is still relatively full.
  • Social Interactions: Conversations, meetings, and social activities also consume energy, some more than others.
  • Routine Tasks: These are less draining but still consume some energy.

Draining Phase (Late Afternoon/Evening)

  • Energy Dip: Most people experience a natural dip in energy in the afternoon.
  • Low-Performance Tasks: This is a good time for less critical tasks that don’t require much energy.

Recharging Phase (Night)

  • Wind-Down: Activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or meditating can help you transition into a restful state.
  • Sleep: This is when your “battery” recharges for the next day.

What could help?

  • don’t context switch between tasks
  • focus on 1 thing at a time, take a break, focus on 1 new thing
  • in work this could be plan your day
  • be aware of your email inbox and slack absorbing your day

The Planning Fallacy

Table of Contents

Overview

The Planning Fallacy is a cognitive bias that causes people to underestimate the time and resources needed to complete a task. Despite past experience showing that similar tasks have typically taken longer than planned, individuals often predict that their own projects will proceed more smoothly. This fallacy is common in both personal and professional settings and can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and increased stress.

Example

Imagine you’re writing a blog post on a topic you’re familiar with. You estimate that it will take you two hours to complete the post, including research, writing, and editing. Based on the Planning Fallacy, you’re likely underestimating the time required. In reality, the process might involve unforeseen complications like:

  • Additional time for in-depth research
  • Multiple rounds of editing and proofreading
  • Technical issues, such as website downtime or formatting problems
  • Interruptions or distractions

As a result, the blog post might actually take four or five hours to complete, rather than the initially estimated two hours.

Real-World Examples

1. Construction Projects

One of the most cited examples is the construction of the Sydney Opera House. Initially estimated to be completed in 1963 at a cost of $7 million AUD, it was finally completed in 1973 at a cost of around $102 million AUD.

2. Software Development

Many software projects suffer from the Planning Fallacy. For instance, Microsoft’s Windows Vista was initially planned for release within two years but ended up taking over five years to develop.

3. Public Transportation

The “Big Dig” in Boston, USA, was initially estimated to cost $2.8 billion and take a decade to complete. It ended up costing over $15 billion and took 15 years to finish.

The subtle art of not giving a fuck

Table of Contents

Introduction

Is a self-help book that challenges conventional self-help advice. Rather than promoting endless positivity and goal-chasing, Manson argues that life is limited and involves struggle, and we should be careful about what we devote our energy and concern to.

Key Points

  1. Not All Problems Are Equal: Manson suggests that life is about solving problems, and the quality of our life depends on the quality of problems we choose to solve.
  2. Choose What to Give a F*ck About: Manson argues that you have a finite amount of things you can care about, so choose them wisely. Focusing on trivial matters will only drain you.
  3. Take Responsibility: While you can’t control everything that happens to you, you can control your reactions. Ownership of your choices and their outcomes is key to dealing with life’s challenges.
  4. Embrace Uncertainty: It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. Manson argues that the pursuit of certainty leads to an obsession with what others think and creates a life of constant performance.
  5. The Importance of Being Wrong: Being wrong and learning from it is a stepping stone to ultimate success and self-awareness. Manson encourages embracing failures as learning experiences.
  6. The Value of Suffering: Manson introduces the concept of “Pain Tolerance” in achieving worthwhile goals. Essentially, some suffering is inevitable and necessary for growth and satisfaction.
  7. Death as Motivation: One of the most sobering chapters deals with mortality, urging readers to consider their limited time on Earth as a motivator to focus on what truly matters.

Conclusion

In summary, the book advocates for a more thoughtful approach to life’s challenges, urging the reader to be selective in what they care about and focus on struggles that have meaning and are genuinely worth the effort.

Different perspectives for problem-solving and decision-making

Some options to think over:

  1. Reverse Lens Approach:
    • Consider the problem from another person’s viewpoint.
    • Gain fresh insights by viewing the situation through different eyes.
  2. Long Lens Perspective:
    • Imagine how the problem might appear in the future, say 6 months from now.
    • Recognize the bigger picture and put the issue into a broader context.
  3. Wide Lens Reflection:
    • Focus on learning from the problem at hand.
    • Extract valuable lessons and experiences to improve decision-making.

These approaches encourage multifaceted thinking and provide tools to view problems from various angles for more informed decision-making