10% Happier by Dan Harris
How Dan Harris Tamed the Voice in His Head, Reduced Stress without Losing His Edge, and Found Self-Help that Actually Works.
In Dan Harris’s book 10% Happier he goes on a spiritual journey where he discovers the Buddha, who it turns out was a hell of a list maker. Harris makes his own list in the book which he named: The Way of the Worrier that included the following
Don't be a Jerk. Seems self-explanatory.
[And/But...] When Necessary, Hide the Zen. There's no need to tell people how you're improving your mind or life. This is the reason why people make fun of vegans and people doing cross-fit for bragging so much.
Meditate. Self-explanatory.
The Price of Security Is Insecurity - Until Its Not Useful
Equanimity is Not the Enemy of Creativity. Quote from Harris, "One of the most interesting discoveries of this journey was that I didn't need my demons to fuel my drive - and that taming them was a more satisfying exercise than indulging them."
Don't Force It
Humility Prevents Humiliations. Sounds counterintuitive but the more humble you are in action and in asking for help - the fewer times you'll need to be saved from embarrassing mistakes
Go Easy with the Internal Cattle Prod
Nonattachment to Results. Quote from Harris, “Nonattachment to results + self compassion = a supple relentlessness that is hard to match. Push hard, play to win, but don't assume the fetal position if things don't go your way."
What Matters Most. One of my favorite examples of this is people on their death beds never wishing they worked more and saw their families less. Just the opposite.
Good life advice but it feels like I cheated in sharing it. You’ll have to read the book to get additional information or background.
Perhaps Dan Harris cheated too by copying either the Buddha in making a list or maybe James Altucher's idea of making 10 thoughts about a person he'd like to meet or books they wrote. Love the title of the book but still wonder if The Self-Interested Case for Not Being a Dick would have been better suited. However, did enjoy the book and you may too.
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