While crafting this post, my focus has been on the younger generation, although the article remains pertinent to people of all ages.
Over the next decade, our world will transform in unimaginable ways. The scale and speed of change will be unprecedented. It is fairly obvious that technology will lead the change. We are currently witnessing an explosive growth in computing and in AI. We are perhaps seeing just the beginning of this revolution. I shared some thoughts on this in 2014. You can read it here. The improved technology will certainly make our world a better place but it will have a side effect - we will experience information overload. Our minds have limited capacity to handle information and the excess info consumption is already making our minds numb. The mental fatigue results in decreased ability to focus.
The good news is that it will be extremely easy to succeed in this tech-saturated future where most will suffer from reduced brain efficiency. One will have to just follow a few simple things. These are action points and it’s important to keep them on top of our mind till it becomes our second nature. The points are listed in no particular order.
1. Sleep by 10 pm. Wake up by 6 am.
2. Food - Eat two good nutritious meals everyday 'on time'. Avoid processed foods and sugars. By doing this your gut health and overall health will be significantly better. And that itself will bring success and happiness.
3. Exercise - Basic stretching and strengthening exercises - 20 minutes daily. Do not miss. Yoga is ideal. No need for gym/marathons. Remember the aim is - good health and not social approval.
4. Study / Work - Deliver on time (even if the work is not perfect). Keep your mind open. Be curious. Technology - Have a deep expertise on a few AI tools. Go beyond chatGPT.
5. Character - Make promises & Keep them. Be kind. Be helpful. Maintain the highest integrity.
6. Web / Phone / Social - Minimize endless browsing. Your self-worth is determined by what you do and not by what your peers think. They are lost themselves. Believe in yourself.
7. Relationships - Just a few people who 'care' - are enough.
8. Be outdoor.
9. Wealth - Spend less than what you earn. Invest in an index fund. Think Long-term (compounding is the eighth wonder of the world).
10. Whom you marry has disproportionate effect on your health, happiness & success.
11. Read, Write & Think daily.
12. When you are with people - Listen!
Mastery requires practice.
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. - Bruce Lee
Did I miss something?
Very thoughtful list! Did you put these in any order or priority?
For 10 years, I have been in the process of transformation, and this article is the best summary of how to become a better version of yourself. It's a simple way to enjoy life and focus on what's important despite constantly being overwhelmed by information, worries, and work.