We get to make a new decision

Each day, we get to make a new decision about how to invest our time, our attention and our effort. If a community that used to appreciate our work doesn’t respond in a way we are hoping for, we can use that information to reallocate our work. “Thank you” is an appropriate response to a lack of appreciation, because we learned something useful. The audience didn’t owe us anything, but if they don’t want to dance with us in the way we hope, we can choose to find a new partner.

Most people take life far too seriously

Realise that most people take life far too seriously. Many are miserable because they conform and don’t want to appear strange. The general approach by many is to see themselves as victims. And so that’s the default many fall into, because most people emulate the next person (like sheep). But does this need to be you? Being upbeat requires a healthy but courageous willingness to be weird.

After a lifetime of blaming others

After a lifetime of blaming others, it is exceedingly difficult for us to finally acknowledge that the only person who has consistently been in all the scenes of that long-running soap opera we call our life is us, and, as a necessary corollary, that we bear some large responsibility for how the drama is turning out.

Be forgiving with your past self

Be forgiving with your past self. What's done is done. Take the lessons with you and release the guilt. Be strict with your present self. Win the moment in front of you right now. Be flexible with your future self. There are many paths to success. You don't need life to be a certain way to live well.

Practice identity diversification

Resist tying your self-worth to your achievements or reputation. See yourself as more than your output and what people say you are. Practice identity diversification and regularly explore new interests, roles, and small reinventions to stay flexible and grounded.

How can you rewrite the script?

Many of our habits and beliefs are learned from those who raised us. Which family story are you unconsciously repeating and reenacting? How can you rewrite the script to liberate yourself and the next generation? Focus on the seeds, not the trees. What seeds are you planting today?

Reading isn't a race

Every new reader thinks that the answer to their problems is to learn how to speed read so that they can get through books 2-3x faster. But the problem is that the best books have to be read slowly. An amazing book will force you to put it down and stare at the wall because you'll need time to reflect on it and put your brain back together after it blows you away.