The Secret to a Great Life

So, you want to know the secret?

Here it is: simply do the right things (and avoid doing the wrong things) day after day, week after week, year after year. 

Yeah, I know this sounds like state-the-obvious for beginners, but just bear with me for a few more lines. 

We all know right from wrong. Eat apples, not chocolates. Work on that important project, don’t binge the latest Netflix series. Save for retirement, don’t splurge on another electronic gadget you don’t really need. 

Yet, we keep on doing the wrong stuff. Why? Because it gives instant pleasure. Yes, we know there will be pain down the road, but when that chocolate cake looks at us with those big brown eyes, we must devour it. 

It’s basic instinct. 

Luckily, human beings are capable of controlling their basic instincts. Willpower is essentially useless in this battle, but there is a tried and tested solution: intelligent design.

Designing a life where you are in control will be a recurring theme on this blog. But for now, let’s start with the simplest of habits that lies at the foundation to a good life:

Monday 1-minute action Set a constant sleep and wake time on your phone

 

If you have an iPhone, just visit the bedtime function of the clock. Android users need to install an app like “Sleep as Android” or simply set two recurring alarms: one for bedtime and one for waking up. 

Go on. Just do it. Just for tonight…

Then join me tomorrow morning as I try to convince you to go for another day 😉