Psychological Sunshine

Finishing the thoroughly excellent The Magic of Thinking BIG this week I started a book about the New Zealand rugby team, Legacy, by James Kerr. Not my usual ardour, I admit, as I generally avoid chest-beating, die-for-the-jersey, more-than-a-game schtick. It’s first few pages talk of NZ beating the Welsh. Twats. Will leave that write up for next week when I’ve calmed down.

Reminiscing on David Schwartz tome, I think I can summarise in one sentence: you are what you eat. However, it’s not quite what you think. The book only mentions food in the context that Mr Smith’s wife will be preparing some for dinner (it was written in 1959 so don’t expect progressive). The core message is instead that you need to consume success, you’re a product of the environment you choose for yourself:

• Read books, magazines and podcasts dedicated to improving your mind and knowledge of your working industry or passion. Distractions and constant escapism for hours a day (youtube, netflix, television series, erm . . . redtube? etc) provides little value. Keep asking what you’ll gain from it.
• A healthy body shows habit, dedication and routine for long term benefit. It could also show the person is a vain-glorious bastard . . . but let’s think positively! Dressing for success is an extension of taking pride in your appearance. Most people will judge you before you even open your mouth, so look the best you can - before your mouth shatters the illusion, my inner voice screams!
• Push yourself into uncomfortable. Volunteer for extra work as the trigger to be more efficient at what you do currently, always looking for that incessant improvement. And if something comes up that’s outside of your skillset, go for it!! . . . as long as it’s not illegal, although in fairness, who wouldn’t want a crack at robbing a bank?

​The best term out of the lot is one I will hold dear for a long time: psychological sunshine. Pack your environment with positivity that stimulate your mental health, enhance your down-time and make the most of the moments with those you love.  

​What is so wonderful about this advice is that almost every self-improvement book is knocking on the same door: whether it’s Tony Robbins; Tim Ferriss; James Altichur; Peter Thiel; James Allen; anyone ever; they all have the same basic advice – get rid of the distractions, build routine, get better at what you do, work smarter, and work your ass off.  Oh, and get all the free education you can get! Smartly still offers free on-line MBA’s, what you got to lose?