Question: What are you going to be celebrating one year from today?

Framework: The Pygmalion Effect

Last Friday in London, my friend Ali Abdaal and I hosted a live event at the London School of Economics in front of a sold out crowd of 500 people. We covered 10 ideas that changed our lives, on areas ranging from careers to relationships and more.

The 10 ideas we shared: (1) There's no such thing as a loser who wakes up at 5am and works out, (2) Energy is not finite, (3) No one has it all figured out, (4) Direction over destination, (5) Who not how, (6) Increase your luck surface area, (7) Default to trust, (8) The waiting room is always full, (9) The good old days are happening right now, and (10) Time is your most precious asset.

Question: How would the best version of myself show up in this situation?

Framework: Winner's Game vs. Loser's Game

Humans are notoriously good at delivering sound, rational perspectives to others, but notoriously bad at delivering those same sound, rational perspectives to themselves. This psychological phenomenon is known as Solomon's Paradox.

Solomon's Paradox is named after King Solomon, the King of Israel who was known for his divine wisdom and also for his complete inability to live by it.

To escape Solomon's Paradox: (1) Create space to remove yourself from the emotional reaction, and (2) Zoom out to force new perspective.

Question: If I repeated this action 100 times, would my life be better or worse?

Framework: The Complexity Trap.

The world is not black and white. Many of life's most important truths appear contradictory on the surface. 

A paradox is defined as a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that, when investigated or explained, may prove to be true.

This piece shares 20 of the most powerful paradoxes of life.

Question: What lie have I repeated to myself so many times that it feels like the truth?

Framework: Laundry Cycle Theory.

On January 1, 2014, I wrote a letter to my future self just before graduating. Ten years later, I opened it, and it hit me hard. Everyone should do this.

My core reflection: We have the answers, we just haven't asked the right questions yet.

To write your own letter to your future self, cover four key areas: (1) Reflections on the present, (2) Vision for the future, (3) Changes to make, and (4) Fun predictions. Use a technology tool (like FutureMe) or store a physical letter somewhere safe. Set a calendar reminder to open it on the set date in the future.

Today is my 33rd birthday. Every year, I try to spend some time reflecting on what I've learned along the way.

In the past, this list of life learnings was just for me—a private accounting of my own journey, growth, failures, and missteps. But this year, I'd like to share it with all of you.

This piece shares 33 life learnings from my 33 years of life.

Most people overestimate what they can do in a day and underestimate what they can do in a year. Don't be one of them.

Your entire life can change in one year. 2024 is officially upon us. Will it be the year that you change your life?

This piece contains 24 actionable ideas for making 2024 your best year yet—segmented into categories across life, work, health, and money.