Curiosity Chronicle

Question: What would you do if you had zero fear of judgment?Framework: Truth Tellers

A "mental model" is a way to think about the world. The world is infinitely complex, so the aim of any good model is to provide a lens through which you can simplify, evaluate, and make decisions as you walk through life.The Winner's Game vs. Loser's Game is a mental model with powerful applications for your career, business, investing, and life. A Winner's Game is won through incredible shots. A Loser's Game is won through avoiding unforced errors. Most games of life are Loser's Games.Two lessons to apply: (1) Avoid the Complexity Trap and (2) Embrace Self-Awareness.

Question: If you hired the best CEO in the world to be the CEO of your life, what actions would be on their 100-day plan?Framework: Return on Luck

Here's an interesting thought: Failure is a skill. But unfortunately, failure is not a skill that any of us learn to develop in school. In fact, people who are high achievers throughout their school years are often the worst at failure in early adulthood, because they've never had to contend with it.The system I developed to fail better—to handle, deconstruct, and use every single failure to set the conditions for future success: (1) Set a failure timer, (2) Become a scientist, (3) Time travel to the future, and (4) Take action.Your entire life will change the moment you stop fearing failure as a foe and start embracing failure as a friend.

Question: If you were writing the story of your life, what would the current chapter be called?Framework: The Einstellung Effect

Last week, I came across a beautiful story that impacted me so deeply that I found myself telling everyone about it. Each time I did, I saw their eyes light up as the lesson struck a chord deep within.The lesson of the story: You choose your own worth.You can choose to place yourself in environments where people will see you for your highest potential. You can choose how you treat yourself. You can choose your value.This is the most important choice of your life. Choose wisely.

Question: Cheap is expensive.Framework: The man, the boy, and the donkey.

Being a father has been my highest calling—my son has brought a joy and purpose into my life that I didn't think I'd ever find.With last Sunday being Father's Day, I spent time reflecting on the lessons, life principles, and values that I want to pass on to my son.I am as imperfect as they come, but in my eyes, he is perfect. So, consider these the lessons from an imperfect father to his perfect son...

Question: One decision to remove hundreds.Framework: The PO Creativity Method.

Albert Einstein devoted three years of his life to deep focus on the specific task of generalizing his theory of relativity. He didn't work on ten things during this period—he directed all of his precious attention to the one thing that really mattered.Attention Residue is the scientific concept that there is a cognitive switching cost to shifting your attention from one task to another. When your attention is shifted, there is a "residue" that remains with the prior task and impairs your cognitive performance on the new task.To fight back, here are 4 strategies you can implement today: (1) Create a boot-up sequence, (2) Schedule focus blocks, (3) Take a walk, and (4) Leverage Parkinson's Law.

Question: Is it time you start living outside the box?Framework: The Steel Man Technique

If you're a regular reader of my work, you know that I have a special affinity for drawing upon wisdom from the past and applying my own lens to create something more usable for our own present and future.Today's wisdom comes from a letter (full transcript here) written by a 20-year-old Hunter S. Thompson to a dear friend who had sought out Thompson's advice on finding his life purpose.5 brilliant lessons on finding purpose (that we can all apply on our journey): (1) Accept the perils of advice, (2) Seek perspective-altering experiences, (3) Goals should conform to you (not vice versa), (4) Define your way of life, and (5) Live by design, not default.

Question: What am I not achieving simply because I haven't asked?Idea: Hemingway's Lost Suitcase

Your time here is finite, so choosing the pursuits—personal and professional—that deliver the greatest returns on that time is essential.I use an exercise I call Pursuit Mapping to identify the pursuits that are most likely to bring joy and outsized rewards into my life.Three steps: (1) Create Your Pursuit Map, (2) Identify Your Zones, and (3) Align Your Time.

Question: Do you need to empty your cup before you can grow?Framework: Persian Messenger Syndrome

My weekly emphasis on action is intended to serve as a reminder of the power you always hold, no matter how powerless you may feel.I recently came across a beautiful true story, written by a woman named Pam Kearney, on the impact of even the most tiny, inconsequential actions.Lesson: Action doesn't have to be perfect for it to be right.

Question: Would the idea of living your current life on repeat be horrifying or affirming?Idea: The Museum of Failure

Harsh truth: Networking is dead...at least in the traditional sense of the word.\I'm not a natural relationship builder. In fact, I am a bit introverted and socially-anxious, particularly in large group settings like conferences, cocktail parties, and events. And yet, I've built a depth and breadth of connections that has brought me great joy and value over the years.This piece shares my four core "anti-networking" principles that anyone can use: (1) Find Value-Aligned Rooms, (2) Ask Engaging Questions, (3) Become a Level 2-3 Listener, and (4) Use Creative Follow-Ups.

Question: Are you trying to clean up your city before sweeping your doorstep?Framework: Boiling Frog Syndrome

Last weekend, I attended Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. It is my favorite event for one simple reason: Idea density.This piece shares 9 powerful ideas from a weekend spent in the presence of legends.

Question: If everything stays the same, what one change would create the most impact?Framework: Emerson's Definition of Success

Join me as I sit down with my friend Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which is the longest-running study on adult life, health, and happiness in the world.The study tracked the lives of 700+ original participants and 1,300+ descendants over 85 years. Dr. Waldinger's Ted Talk has been viewed nearly 50 million times and his book, The Good Life, was an instant New York Times best-seller.We dive deep into the study's most intriguing and surprising findings, discuss strategies for fighting back against loneliness in the modern era, and much more.You won't want to miss this one!P.S. I don't want to do a formal "podcast" and turn something fun into a business, but I will organically start recording and sharing my conversations with amazing experts so that everyone can benefit from them in the way that I have. If you're interested in seeing me do more of in the future, comment YES on the video! — 00:00 - Introduction00:48 - Key Insights from the Harvard Adult Development Study03:10 - Highlighting Major Discoveries from an 80-Year Study04:50 - Primary Factors for Health and Longevity07:04 - The Loneliness Epidemic08:43 - Comparative Study: Solo vs. Social Vacations in Sweden10:13 - Understanding and Measuring Loneliness11:30 - The Pursuit of Wealth: Necessary or Excessive?13:20 - Which Age Group Feels the Loneliest?14:33 - Navigating Social Media Impacts on Youth20:14 - The Importance of Gratitude Practices21:18 - Essential Advice for Thriving Relationships24:06 - How to Surround Yourself with Positive Influences25:31 - A Stark Reality About Relationships27:38 - How Our Minds Shape Our Realities28:24 - The Hidden Risks of Smartphone Use30:29 - The Impact of Technology on Young Children32:20 - The Influence of Mobile Devices on In-Person Interactions33:12 - Marital Challenges in the First Year of Parenthood34:30 - Common Communication Errors in Relationships35:25 - The Concept of 'Together Alone' Time with Your Partner36:31 - The Value of Personal Space in Relationships39:11 - The Effects of Toxic Relationships: A Scientific Perspective42:43 - Constructive vs. Demeaning Feedback45:48 - Exploring the Relationship Between Love and Sadness47:24 - Embracing Life's Complex Tensions49:08 - Empathy: Everyone Has Their Own Struggles50:43 - Habits of Individuals in Exceptionally Healthy Relationships52:41 - Social Wellness for Introverts vs. Extroverts53:28 - Strategies for Maintaining Social Wellness54:51 - Making Social Wellness a Priority—Join 700k+ Newsletter Subscribers! https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletterFollow Along:https://www.instagram.com/sahilbloom/https://twitter.com/SahilBloomhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sahilbloom/

It all started with a simple journal prompt: Your entire life will change the moment you...A few years ago, I wrote that prompt on a blank sheet of paper. Each time I made any life adjustment or adaptation that had a profound impact, I added it to my running list. Tiny actions, mindset shifts, behavior changes, life hacks, and everything in between.The list is comprised of things I have (or currently am) struggling with. I'm not alone: These struggles are universal, but when we confront them head on, we're able to conquer them more effectively.

Question: Where am I avoiding a hard conversation that I need to have?Framework: 3 levels of listening.

The greatest discoveries in life come not from finding the right answers, but from asking the right questions.For the last several years, I've been adding to a list of questions that have changed the way I work, move, live, and love.This piece shares 7 questions that have had a dramatic impact on my life.

Question: What is one positive decision you can make to improve yourself today?Framework: Leaves, Branches, & Roots

I just completed 100 straight days of doing a cold plunge every morning.I pride myself on my consistency and discipline, but this 100-day streak pushed me to a new level. The journey included several frozen rivers, awkward interactions with hotel housekeeping departments, and one hotel requiring a lifeguard to monitor me during the plunge.I learned a lot of important lessons on the journey that have nothing to do with cold plunging (and everything to do with life). This piece shares 10 lessons from 100 days in the cold.

Question: Are you listening to understand or just waiting to speak?Framework: The Law of Reversed Effort

One of the great joys of my life is that I get to spend time with some of the world's foremost experts and builders and call it work. I've recently decided that I'd like to try to record and share the insights from some of these natural conversations so that everyone can benefit from them in the way that I have.Dr. Robert Waldinger is the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which is the longest-running study on adult life, health, and happiness in the world.5 lessons from our conversation: (1) Relationship satisfaction impacts health, (2) Loneliness kills (and it's more prevalent than ever), (3) Make social fitness a priority, (4) Check your energy to improve your life, and (5) Ambivalent relationships are the most toxic.

Question: How can I bring the after into the before?Framework: The Gold Medal Fallacy

Compounding is a magical force for growth in your life—one Albert Einstein is rumored to have referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World"—but it can also be your worst enemy.The stacking of negatives has the potential to knock you out of the game if you aren't careful.3 steps to avoid the dark side of compounding: (1) Create space, (2) Evaluate the new situation, and (3) Execute.

Question: What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?Framework: The Red Team

The 2 pillars of strong relationships: High expectations and high support.High expectations are the belief that the other person is capable of excellence, that their potential is only limited by their own views. High support is the ability and willingness to provide the love, support, and engagement to help the person meet those high expectations. Both are necessary to achieve a strong relationship.

Question: What are three examples of times you've accomplished something you didn't think was possible?Framework: Circles of Success

Last week, I went on a whirlwind event tour of India. 2,000+ attendees at 6 events in 6 days across 3 different cities.I met and spent time with hundreds of people, doing my best to provide perspectives and guidance on the questions they asked. I believe that the questions are universal, so in today’s piece, I’d like to share the insights and perspectives that I offered in response to them.6 insights from 6 days: (1) Discipline is the ultimate act of service to your future self, (2) Lifelong learners will always find a way to thrive, (3) Information is abundant, action is scarce, (4) Celebrate every win (no matter how tiny), (5) You have to fight back against the Centipede’s Dilemma, and (6) Dive through the cracks.

Question: If someone observed your actions for a week, what would they say your priorities are?Framework: The Power Down Ritual

I'm not a morning person (at least not naturally). For most of my childhood, I'd hit snooze a million times and my mom would have to drag me out of bed to make it to school on time. In my college years, the morning hours were forced upon me by pre-class baseball practices and lifts.At first, I struggled mightily with the adjustment. I knew that if I wanted to perform, I had to figure out a system: I had to become a morning person. Somewhere along the way, it clicked, and for the last 10 years, I've started most mornings with a 4am alarm.This piece shares 5 actionable strategies that I have used to turn myself from a night owl into a morning person.

Question: How can I build my recovery into my days?Framework: The Sinatra Test

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet up for a drink with Gary Vaynerchuk, the entrepreneur, creator, and investor perhaps best known as Gary V.We were chatting about what enables this longevity, when he casually dropped a single, incredibly powerful line: "You've gotta love the dirt."The dirt is where you start. It's where you're built. It's where you find your initial success. We all start in the dirt on the journey to success, but few are willing to remain there. Few fall in love with the dirt. The day you leave the dirt is the day the clock starts ticking down on your run.

Question: What is the tiny first step that will move you closer to your big, scary goal?Framework: Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that involves the repair of broken pottery with a special lacquer mixed with powdered precious metals (like gold, silver, or platinum).

I just co-hosted a retreat for a small group of very successful entrepreneurs in Cabo, Mexico. The explicit goal of the retreat was to help work through a big challenge facing each attendee.My goal is to “bring you into the room” so that you can feel the impact of the experience in your own careers and lives.With that in mind, this piece shares my 9 non-obvious learnings from the retreat.

Question: How am I creating the situation that I don’t want?Framework: The Bricklayer Mentality

Because of the gigantic shift in my life over the last three years, I'm often asked about how to take the metaphorical leap of faith. To answer that question for anyone who has asked, and anyone who might be thinking about it, here's my definitive player's guide to the leap of faith.The leap of faith you want to take in life is so scary because of the size of the change. It is a 100 foot gap from where you are to where you want to be, with nothingness in between. The 100 foot gap is the problem to be solved.3 steps to shorten the gap into something manageable: (1) Gather information, (2) Create evidence, and (3) Address the fear.

Question: If you knew you would die in 10 years, what would you do today?Framework: Use the Difficulty

If you've been reading my work for a while, you know that I'm a big proponent of the simple, boring basics. I don't have any e-books to sell you. I just want to see you make progress. This piece shares my favorite—very simple, very boring, and very effective—strategy for making dramatic progress in any arena: The 30-for-30 Approach.With whatever you're trying to improve at, do it for 30 minutes per day for 30 straight days. It works because the 30 minutes is low intimidation, the 30 days is a meaningful commitment, and the 900 minutes of accumulated effort creates surprisingly significant results.

Question: When was the last time you allowed yourself to celebrate good enough?Framework: The Click Test

"There's a guy in my head, and all he wants to do is lay in bed all day long, smoke pot, and watch old movies and cartoons. My life is a series of stratagems, to avoid, and outwit that guy." - Anthony BourdainWe all have "that guy" somewhere in our head. It may look a bit different from person to person, but the general archetype is universal. You can never silence the voice, you simply learn to resist.Everything meaningful in life is on the other side of hearing that voice loud and clear and acting in spite of it. Today, and all days, I hope that you outwit "that guy" in your head.

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