9 Basic Life Principles That Will Put You Ahead of 98% of People.

Standing out in human history has never been more accessible, and here's the rationale behind it.

In today's world, we're bombarded with endless distractions at every turn. Instant gratification and platforms designed to trigger dopamine responses are readily accessible with a simple click, and it seems like nearly everyone is ensnared by these temptations.

The statistics indicate that over 210 million people worldwide grapple with social media addiction, with approximately 40% of U.S. social media users aged 18 to 22 admitting to feeling addicted.

To stand out, all you need to do is shift your focus in the opposite direction. By adopting these strategies, you can effortlessly distinguish yourself from the majority of individuals who are ensnared by distractions.

1. Get out of the matrix. 

The primary objective of every social media and gaming platform is to maintain your engagement.

If you aren't spending the majority of your time on these platforms, they won't generate revenue. Consequently, they continually introduce new strategies, such as short-form content like shorts, recognizing that attention spans are shrinking.

Yet, their primary concern is not the length of your attention span; all they desire is for you to remain on their platforms and consume the content and advertisements.

A select few use these platforms wisely to create content for others to enjoy. However, the vast majority of users are there simply to consume content and be targeted by advertisers.

If you aspire to distinguish yourself from the majority, consider transitioning from being a consumer to a producer. This transformation won't be a straightforward one, as producers and consumers lead contrasting lifestyles. Nevertheless, it's a decision you'll eventually look back on with gratitude.

2. Find a mentor. 

As Seneca once said, 

“It is good for one to have appointed a guardian over oneself, and to have someone whom you may look up to, someone whom you may regard as a witness of your thoughts.”

The concept of mentorship has undergone significant changes in today's world. Physical proximity is no longer a prerequisite for having a mentor.

Accessing a wealth of someone's knowledge and wisdom is possible without ever meeting them in person. Personally, many of the individuals I sought as mentors were not even from my own country. 

Instead, I turned to books and the internet to uncover all that they had written and shared on platforms like YouTube. I also delved into the teachings of their mentors to enrich my learning.

Beyond the evident benefits of having a mentor, there is an often-overlooked aspect, as articulated by Seneca: a mentor can also serve as "a witness to your thoughts." Physical presence is not a necessity. 

For instance, during moments of despondency or when motivation wanes, I envision how one of my mentors would respond in my circumstances. Sometimes, I simply visualize them observing my actions.

3. Have a morning routine.

Incorporating a morning routine into your life can be transformative. I'm not here to prescribe waking up at 5 am or dictating specific morning rituals. Your routine should be tailored to suit your needs.

However, I can emphasize that commencing your morning with productivity and focus, free from distractions, is among the most potent life-enhancing practices. Give it a try and witness the positive impact it can have on your life.

4. Your aim determines your direction in life. 

“Imagine who you could be and then aim single-mindedly at that.” — Jordan Peterson, rule 2, Beyond Order 

As Peterson aptly expressed, "what you aim at determines what you see." This statement resonates profoundly.

There is empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of visualization, though not necessarily in the way commonly perceived. Visualization is often associated with the law of attraction, the notion that envisioning a desired reality can magically manifest it, which can seem unrealistic.

However, what is substantiated is that your subconscious mind wields significant influence over your actions. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, affirms that visualizing something has nearly the same impact on the brain as physically engaging in the activity.

Beyond the scientific aspect, the crux here is that without a clear objective, life can lack direction. Many people find themselves awakening each morning without a specific goal in mind.

Having a purpose provides your brain with a target to strive for. The human brain is inherently creative, and when you have a concrete aim, it generates innovative approaches to propel you towards that objective. This elucidates why visualization is effective.

Moreover, having a distinct purpose in life imbues it with greater meaning.

5. Act like everything you do matters. 

If you're acquainted with the teachings of Jordan Peterson, this concept should be quite familiar.

According to Peterson, the omnipresent suffering in the world often propels individuals towards a state of nihilism, leading them to become embittered and resentful.

In this state, everyone faces two choices: they can either gravitate towards fleeting indulgences and adopt a mindset that nothing they do holds significance, or they can shoulder their burdens and conduct themselves as though every action they take carries weight.

The former option is the one many individuals tend to select, and the allure is evident. In the short term, living as though nothing you do matters provides a sense of immediate gratification. 

It allows one to rely on shallow pleasures, immerse themselves in various distractions, and revel in youthful exuberance. This temptation is even more pronounced if you already possess a degree of independence, as it insulates you from external scrutiny regarding your life choices.

However, the price one pays for embracing the notion that nothing they do matters is a life marred by emptiness and a sense of purposelessness. Additionally, it's important to recognize that we all bear consequences, both for our actions and our inaction.

On the other hand, the alternative of living as though everything you do carries significance is more arduous in the present. Yet, it is a path that will mold you into the kind of person you can take pride in in the future. 

This approach will bolster your character, aiding you in unlocking your full potential. It's a price you should willingly pay if personal growth is a goal you hold dear.

6. Pick a skill and master it. 

Acquiring a skill extends beyond the skill itself.

In addition to the tangible value that mastery bestows, the journey of acquiring a challenging skill can reshape your mind in ways that may exceed your imagination.

Drawing from my personal experiences in learning to play the piano, the bass guitar, and my personal favorite, writing, I encountered profound lessons in humility. 

This concept is also underscored by Robert Greene in his book "Mastery," wherein he asserts, "People who do not practice and learn new skills never gain a proper sense of proportion or self-criticism."

Moreover, I gleaned invaluable lessons in discipline and consistency, which are perhaps the most pivotal takeaways. Given the extended duration required to master these skills, the attributes of discipline, consistency, humility, and unwavering focus have become central themes permeating everything I engage in.

It is worth noting that the average person grapples with incessant distractions. Many individuals gravitate toward transient pleasures, as they offer a convenient route to immediate gratification.

Contrarily, mastering a skill is characterized by a protracted, demanding, and often laborious process. However, this journey will fortify your mind and permanently reshape your self-perception.

7. Reading puts you ahead. 

Unless you've navigated a myriad of extraordinary experiences that imparted invaluable lessons, progressing in life can be quite challenging without being an avid reader.

Once you grasp the intrinsic value and transformative potential of books, you'll develop an insatiable reading habit. It's akin to living multiple lives and assimilating wisdom without enduring the same sacrifices that others have undergone.

I attribute a substantial portion of the personal transformation I've undergone to books. It's the sole shortcut I've encountered on the path to success.

However, the notion of books being beneficial is far from novel. Most individuals are already cognizant of this fact. Yet, from my own experiences, I've observed that many people still don't embrace reading, and this can be attributed to one of the following three reasons:

They grew weary of reading because their choices led them to the wrong books.

They relinquished their reading habit due to an absence of immediate positive changes.

They simply find books uninteresting.

The sole solution I can offer for these three quandaries is to discover the right books. I assure you that once you encounter the right book, it won't come across as dull or uninspiring.

I've also encountered books that failed to pique my interest, and sometimes recommendations from others may not resonate with your preferences. The essence of books lies in their ability to captivate and inspire, provided you find the ones that resonate with you. 

8. Take up the responsibility of living. 

Not everyone who exists actively assumes the mantle of responsibility in their own life.

Some individuals merely drift through existence, engaging in pursuits that hold no genuine significance for them. Such an existence can hardly be labeled as "living."

In the words of Price Ea, "Everybody dies, but not everybody lives." To authentically live is to acknowledge and embrace responsibility for the life one possesses.

This entails awakening each day without perceiving one's life as a burdensome ordeal. It involves gazing into the mirror with clarity, contemplating ways to enhance oneself.

Living entails relinquishing resentment, evading the tendency to shift blame, and shedding self-destructive habits. It means caring for oneself as if one were responsible for the well-being of another.

9. Build your body. 

Observing the modest but consistent progress in the mirror, knowing that you're taking positive daily steps, exerts a more profound influence on your mindset than you might realize.

Experiencing a sense of advancement toward a goal is highly empowering. This doesn't imply you need to attain a physique reminiscent of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator.

Simply engaging in regular exercise, including activities like push-ups and lifting moderately heavy weights, can lead to a transformation of your body. 

In addition to the aesthetic benefits of enhancing your appearance and attractiveness, exercise offers a plethora of well-documented advantages with which we're already well-acquainted.