Life hacks and hackers

 

It’s amazing how easily we can complicate our lives. Technology developed to ease our labors have only fueled us to do more … and less. The more connected we become the more disconnected we find ourselves. The stress can be overwhelming.

Most of my childhood was spent in the 1970s. It was a groovy time to be alive. The most complicated things I owned were my bicycle and a radio. Those two things and a fishing pole gave me endless hours of entertainment. Kids today would be bored stiff with those items. They just don’t have the attention span to focus on something – or nothing – for hours on end. Honestly, thanks to technology I don’t think I have much of an attention span anymore.

Like most people, our lives have become so complicated that the thought of doing nothing is countercultural. Actually doing nothing can cause feelings of guilt or anxiety. Even while relaxing in front of the TV I find myself pulling out my iPhone and thumbing through apps.

Back in the ’70s I picked up a love of reading. I read books constantly in my down time. I even made time to read. Textbooks, not so much. But a Clive Cussler thriller or a book tied to a movie, you bet! In 2008 I had a change of employment that gave me an hour-long commute in each direction. I started listening to audiobooks on my commute to pass the time and never looked back.

I probably listen to 20-30 books a year. I try to read at least three to four physical books a year, but mostly I listen to them.

The late Zig Ziglar called this Dashboard University. I know that because I listened to many of his books. Most more than once. He said you could get the equivalent of a college degree or even a Ph.D. just by listening to books in your car. I agree. I’ve listened to many self-help books from many authors and have picked up a few tips along the way.

One of my first observations is how counterintuitive the best advice seems to be.

Take this quote from Ziglar for example: “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” It doesn’t seem right that the best way to get ahead is to put others first, but it’s true. The more time and energy you give to others comes back to you in generous portions.

One of my favorite contrarians is author and podcaster Daniel Pink. He often couches his advice in ways that seem contrary to the norms. He recently had a podcast about how the best way to do more is to do less. Pink explained that by taking on fewer tasks and projects you can focus your energy on making the ones you do better and more significant. Another of his podcasts, or Pinkcasts as he calls them, said the best way to get more energy is to get more sleep. Your mind and body need rest to function better.

Another noted author and speaker who offers solid countercultural advice is Dave Ramsey. I had an opportunity to interview him several years ago and Sandy and I attended one of his conferences. He is a personal finance guru noted for helping people get out of debt and grow wealth. In a world where debt is the norm, he encourages people to be abnormal and to live below their means. “You need to live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else,” he said.

His philosophy is to live on less than you make, pay off all your debts, save money and then be generous with your wealth.

Although generosity and selfless service are essential to a good life, taking care of yourself is equally important. You can’t help others if you’re messed up. I’ve read and listened to a lot of books about diet and health. From dozens of books by doctors and researchers coming from different perspectives, I’ve learned a few things about caring for yourself.

In no particular order, these are the essentials: get plenty of rest, exercise daily, drink water, and eat whole, natural foods. Turn off all of your screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Sleep eight to 10 hours a night. Get about 30 minutes of exercise a day, even if it’s just going for a walk.

Eliminate all soft drinks. Limit yourself to water, tea, black coffee, or an occasional wine or beer (something fermented). Eat only whole, organic foods. Avoid processed foods. The three things in the modern American diet that are causing the most health problems are wheat, sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

The stuff that passes for wheat flour today is not the same thing we had prior to World War II. It has become so hybridized, modified and loaded with additives that it is actually very bad for you. The same for sugar. It has been highly processed and is reportedly more addictive than cocaine. High-fructose corn syrup is a cheap sweetener with links to obesity, liver problems, and type 2 diabetes, to name a few.

To summarize these ramblings, the main things to improve your life are to slow down, get rest, minimize screen time, live within your means, practice healthy habits and be generous.

Of all the self-help gurus I’ve read, none is more important than Jesus. I’ve read his book more than a dozen times. His messages of love, forgiveness and self-sacrifice are timeless, true and stand above everything else. I highly recommend it.