Two Percent with Michael Easter

We are a culture awash in hacks to optimize our way to wellness. But the data shows quick fixes aren't working—we’re actually not getting happier or healthier.Taking the hard road of mastering something new and difficult—no matter your age—is more likely to improve your health and happiness. It can even add years to your life.This is the core of the 2% philosophy and at the center of a fantastic new book I recommend, called NOT TOO LATE.The book's author, Gwendolyn Bounds, went from a desk-bound exec glued to her computer to a competitive obstacle course racer starting in her late 40s. And she got good at it. Very goodIn today's episode, she explains why we should all strive to try new, challenging things—and get really good at them. It's especially important for people over 40.Have fun, don't die. TWOPCT.com

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*Member episode* // Become a Member at TWOPCT.com This month's Gear Not Stuff reveals 15 of Michael's favorite travel items. They've kept him alive and made his journeys better from Baghdad to Brussels. We'll start by exploring the difference between gear and stuff. Remember:Stuff is a possession for the sake of it. Gear, on the other hand, has a clear purpose of helping us achieve a higher purpose. Gear is a tool we can use to have better experiences that make us healthier and give our lives meaning.Then we'll dive into the 15 travel gear items.

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*Member Episode* Become a Member at TWOPCT.com Being more authentic is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. More authentic people have better mental health, reach their goals, are more satisfied with life, and even better at sales. That's why it pays (literally) to be more authentic. Today, we're revealing a test you can take to measure how you fare in each of the components of authenticity.Once you have your individual results, we'll explain four ways to improve. The results: You can begin living true to yourself—better and freer.For full access to this episode, become a Member at TWOPCT.com

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Michael explores lessons from the life of Bill Walton—mainly, how important it is to live true to yourself. Being true to yourself is arguably the most important thing you can do to have a life well lived. This episode dives into the philosophy, art, and science of living true to yourself.Then it explores five ways to live authentically.Read the post in full at TWOPCT.com

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*Member Episode* Become a Member at TWOPCT.comMichael reveals 43 incredible books that are favorites of Members of 2%.

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Episode Summary

• I just finished a 50-mile ruck in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
• It was an incredible experience. A marriage of effort and experience to commemorate an act that 80 years ago saved the world.
• I'll cover six lessons in mindset, fitness, and living well I learned along the way.

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*Member episode* Become of 2% at TWOPCT.comToday, Michael talks about the stress and how he relieves it. He'll cover: 

• The mismatch between stress and the modern environment.
• The myriad of health issues that are exacerbated or caused by stress.
• His favorite way to relieve stress. It's backed by science on multiple levels.

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*Member Episode* Become a Member at TWOPCT.com for full access.Michael covers why you should help others. The case is strong! He'll cover:

• The wild and surprising health benefits of helping others.
• What we often get wrong about helping others.
• A mindset shift around helping others that'll help you get more benefits from your efforts.
• A guideline for how often you should help others.

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Today Michael is covering the value of doing something hard this Memorial Day. Hundreds of thousands of people will do just that today by tackling the Memorial Day Murph Challenge.

• You'll learn the value of doing an annual challenge ...
• ... the fascinating (and surprising) history behind the Murph Challenge ...
• ... and how you can create your own challenge this Memorial Day.
• The result: You'll get out of your comfort zone, improve as a human, and help others.

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*Member Episode* To access the full episode, become a Member of 2% with Michael Easter at TWOPCT.comMichael was recently at a Grateful Dead concert when a person asked him, "What is a popular health trend that you see on Instagram that you think is totally silly?"He'll answer that question but also explain important information about the internet and how it's changing the health information we receive and act upon.Topics include:

• How the internet has changed the state of health information. What it was like before the internet, and what it's like now.
• Some benefits of having more health information online.
• Some downsides of having more health information online.
• The "Great Endarkenment" theory of online health information.
• How social media in particular has impacted health practices.
• What I think is the silliest health trend.
• Larger lessons on how to think about, vet, process, and use the health information you see online.

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