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Clarity of mind has never been more important

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Having a clear mind has always been important.

But over the last 15 years, a few things have made it even more important:

  • Social Media: The constant influx of information and the pressure to stay connected can overwhelm our mental faculties.

  • Rapid Shifts in Technology: Particularly generative AI, which has transformed the way we work and live, creating both opportunities and challenges.

These all have made it quite difficult to:

  • focus

  • think clearly

  • manage our emotions

And probably more I didn’t list but you get the point.

Technology has given us this conundrum:

It's never been easier to act on our ideas, yet it's never been harder to stay focused and grounded.

So this week, I wanted to talk about somethings more on the mindset side of things instead of AI.

I want to share some methods I’ve experimented with that have helped me:

  • better regulate my emotions (reducing anxiety, expressing emotions appropriately, etc)

  • give me more clarity of thought

  • find more moments of calm

But first let me share why I think we’ve reached this state in society:

How did we get like this?

The internet. That’s the shortest way to say it.

And I’ll be the first guy to say I LOVE the internet and all new technology that has made our lives more full opportunity.

But we gotta talk about some of the other stuff it brought along with it.

Today, we all have a baseline level of anxiety compared to the pre-internet era:

  • Constant Connectivity: Employers can reach you even when you’re not in the office.

  • Digital Pacifiers: The iPhone and your scrolling app of choice have become pacifiers for a significant portion of the younger generation.

  • Lack of Mindfulness Education: We haven't effectively taught our children the benefits of mindfulness and emotional regulation. They either learn it through online creators and educators or hear about it briefly in high school health class.

This has left many people with a constant nagging feeling that they should always be doing more, along with many unanswered questions about why they feel the way they do.

Imagine a Life Without the Internet

I imagine a pre-internet man sitting around at moments watching his children in the field or the stream.

He sees his wife walking up to see him.

He’s in nature, they have enough food for the next couple weeks.

Unbothered by the world outside himself and his IRL relationships.

He feels peace.

This is what I mean about how we’ve gotten here.

With all the good technology has brought us (trust me I’m not complaining), it’s brought it’s fair share of obstacles.

A clear mind is a calm mind

Having a clear mind gives you calmness because you know your decisions are sound.

Having a calm mind also makes you make sound decisions.

It’s a reflexive dependency on one another:

A clear mind gives you a calm mind.

A calm mind gives you a clear mind.

Why a Clear and Calm Mind is Crucial Now

  • Creativity: In an age where technology allows us to turn ideas into reality faster than ever, a clear mind is essential for innovative thinking.

  • Decision Making: The busy and crowded digital world demands quick and sound decisions.

  • Mental Health: With the increasing distractions and stressors from the internet and modern life, maintaining mental health is more challenging but also more important.

Methods to Achieve a Clear and Calm Mind

Over time, I've experimented with various techniques to cultivate mental clarity and calmness. Here are some methods I've found particularly effective:

Meditation and Mindfulness

  • Transcendental Meditation: I practice this for at least 20 minutes every morning. It involves closing my eyes and silently repeating a word to myself while remaining still.

  • Sound Frequencies: I've explored using specific frequencies for night meditations.

  • Visualization: I incorporate visualization techniques into my meditation practice.

  • Ho'oponopono Prayer: This is a recent addition to my routine that I've been experimenting with.

Digital Detox

  • Reducing Social Media Use: I've been spending less time on Twitter and LinkedIn, especially cutting back on posting "low hanging fruit" content.

  • Focus on Work: By staying off social media more, I've found I can concentrate better on meaningful work.

  • Phone Limits: I set time limits on my phone use at night to help me wind down and prepare for sleep.

Physical Activity

My workout routine is flexible but consistent.

Here's how I approach it:

  • Gym Sessions: I regularly hit the gym for strength training and cardio.

  • Morning Cardio: On days when I don't go to the gym in the morning, I make sure to at least do some cardio.

    This could be:

    • Running at the gym

    • Going for a run outside

    • Taking a brisk walk

  • Mixing It Up: I'm not rigid about my gym times. If I've been going at the same time for too long, I'll switch it up. This helps keep my routine fresh and prevents my day-to-day from feeling stagnant.

The key for me is ensuring I get some form of physical activity.

It's become a non-negotiable part of my day because it significantly helps clear my mind and sets a positive tone for everything that follows.

Journaling

  • Gratitude Practice: I regularly write down things I'm grateful for.

  • Brain Dump: I use journaling as a way to offload thoughts and clear my mind.

  • Daily Question: I pose myself a question to reflect on throughout the day, then journal about it later.

Emotional Processing

  • Music and Feeling: I dedicate time to really listen to music and allow myself to feel negative emotions fully.

  • Emotional Release: Without resorting to extreme measures, I try to let these emotions out, which often leaves me feeling lighter.

Reading and Learning

I've been making a conscious effort to read more, which helps broaden my perspective and calm my mind.

Simple To-Do Lists

At the start of each day, I create a simple to-do list.

This helps me focus and prioritize my tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

These methods have collectively contributed to improving my mental clarity and emotional regulation. It's worth noting that what works for me might not work for everyone, but I encourage you to experiment with different techniques to find what suits you best.

Remember, the goal is to find practices that help you navigate the challenges of our hyper-connected world while maintaining a sense of inner calm and clarity. It's an ongoing process, and it's okay to adjust your methods as you go along.

I know this wasn’t AI focused exactly but it’s important to get the mindset right in the age we’re moving into.

‘Til next time, much love and peace y’all 🤠 

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