How many minds do you have? (with Kaj Sotala)
1. Embrace PERMA for Flourishing
Apply Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) to move from a neutral state to flourishing in life, as a lack in these areas negatively impacts well-being beyond just money.
2. Cultivate a Positive Creative Mindset
Approach creative work with joy and focus on how much you can accomplish to help others, rather than dredging for ideas or cursing yourself because they’re not coming.
3. Lead by Example Through Role Modeling
Embody the qualities you want to impress upon your team or children, as this is an incredibly important and valuable way to lead, making desired behaviors “catchy” and effective.
4. Avoid Relationship Pitfalls
Actively avoid criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling in relationships, as these four behaviors are strong predictors of relationship failure according to John Gottman’s research.
5. Treat Creativity as Trainable Skill
Believe that creativity can be learned and trained like a skill or muscle, rather than viewing it as a magical inspiration, and practice it to continuously improve.
6. Implement Short, Relaxing Breaks
Take two 5-7 minute breaks daily, doing something you love like meditating, taking a walk, or buying flowers, to get away from work and let your mind relax without thinking about tasks.
7. Deeply Immerse in Creative Field
To foster creativity, immerse yourself deeply in the chosen field by reading an immense amount, finding great teachers, and identifying wonderful mentors.
8. Simplify Creative Environment
Organize creative projects (e.g., in Ziploc bags) to easily see all your work, and keep your physical workspace completely clear and free of distractions to improve focus and idea flow.
9. Prioritize Musical Technical Mastery
For serious involvement in music, especially classical, dedicate immense time to study, lessons, and daily practice to achieve technical mastery, as it’s a prerequisite for deep creativity in this art form.
10. Leverage Verbal Inspiration for Music
If working in music, allow words to be a strong source of inspiration, as they can practically generate the music and provide propulsion for composition.
11. Turn Negative Feedback into Motivation
When faced with discouraging feedback from teachers or mentors, use it as a challenge to propel yourself to do better and achieve your goals.
12. Integrate Multiple Creative Forms
Combine different creative media (e.g., words, music, visuals) in your work, as this multidisciplinary approach can lead to powerful and beautiful artistic results.
13. Perform Small, Generous Acts
Engage in everyday acts of generosity, such as smiling at someone, being kind to store helpers, or using your connections to help a friend, as these can bring joy and inspire others.
14. Advocate for Others More Boldly
Recognize that you might be braver on behalf of others than for yourself; use this capacity to advocate for friends or causes, as it can feel more genuine and lead to positive outcomes.
15. Value Positive Feedback for Creativity
Seek and cherish positive comments and encouragement for your creative work, especially early on, as it can provide significant motivation and validation.
16. Choose Neutral Music for Breaks
During breaks, listen to neutral music, such as a cappella chants with noise-canceling headphones, to avoid analytical engagement and allow for pure relaxation.
17. Ground Optimism in Experience
Be optimistic when you have a basis for it, such as past successes in a particular endeavor, as this grounded optimism can be a positive and propelling force, but avoid inappropriate optimism that could lead to disappointment.
18. Critique Behavior, Not Character
In relationships, when addressing issues, focus criticism on specific behaviors or actions rather than attacking the person’s character, to foster constructive communication.
19. Engage in Difficult Conversations
Do not withdraw or stonewall during difficult conversations in relationships; instead, engage constructively to address upsetting topics and work towards resolution.
20. Cultivate Aesthetic Appreciation
Develop a deep responsiveness to visual beauty and aesthetics, as appreciating colors, art, and natural views can bring profound joy and intellectual interest.
21. Commit to Lifelong Learning
Embrace learning as a continuous passion, recognizing that educational environments offer structure, peer interaction, and expert guidance that can enhance self-teaching.
22. Challenge Ageist Assumptions
Be aware of and actively challenge ageism, particularly the notion that older people cannot learn new technologies or skills, as commitment to learning makes it possible at any age.
23. Seek Wisdom Beyond Facts
Strive for wisdom, which goes beyond mere facts and knowledge, by using experience and all learning to improve your behavior, treat people better, and manage your existence in the world.