Six Habits to Thrive in the New Year

In life, happiness and sorrow coexist; joy and sadness walk hand in hand. No one's life is completely smooth sailing. However, we must believe that the current difficulties will pass, and what lies ahead in our future will be joy and happiness. In the new year, each of us should care more about ourselves. Starting with small things and making the best use of the present is the best way to make life more beautiful. Today, I'm sharing six good habits to help us embrace the new year and live a more fulfilling life.

1.Think Less

People without anxiety aren't without it because they are solving the problems causing anxiety. The most effective way to eliminate anxiety is quite simple: to immediately do what causes your anxiety. Often, the more you think, the more anxious you become. No matter how big the problems in life, excessive worry only makes the situation worse. Life presents challenges; everyone faces various pressures. In the New Year, what we truly need to do is to reduce our worries and take more practical action. Remember, the true way to change things is through practical action.

2.Be Optimistic in Everything

If a person's heart is filled with clouds of worry, life will inevitably be full of obstacles. If you live with negative emotions, not only will you feel unhappy, but you won't be able to have a positive impact on others. Worries come from within. To live comfortably, one must positively interpret and understand life. We have many choices in life. To stay optimistic, realize that many people in the world face greater difficulties than you. Face life with a mindset that 'as problems arise, solutions arise', then every day will be filled with beautiful scenes.

3.Find Happiness in Life

In life's journey, there's an endless stream of tasks. If your heart is full of anxiety, happiness will stay far away. When feeling exhausted, stop and take a break. Everyone faces difficulties and grievances; continuous tension will undoubtedly rob life of its joy. The writer Gogol once said, "Happiness prolongs life." Happiness is the vitality of body and mind, hope and belief, confidence in the present and future, and faith in all progress. No matter the situation, with a happy attitude, life will become more fulfilling.

4.Follow a Regular Diet

Food plays a crucial role in life. In daily diet, the balance between meat and vegetables is crucial, with more fresh vegetables. Many health experts also advise: "Eat well for breakfast, eat until you're full for lunch, eat less for dinner." Oily foods and irregular eating habits are not good for health. Reduce meat intake, eat more vegetables, and keep food consumption to about 70% full.

5.Work Diligently

"Life doesn't have too late a start; it's just too lazy to fulfil it." Laziness will consume a person's willpower and enthusiasm, leading to inaction and feelings of defeat. No matter what you do, it doesn't depend on timing, but on whether you are willing to put in the effort. In the new year, working diligently and completing the tasks assigned by your superiors will not only help you earn more but also earn recognition from your boss. Those who are too lazy will find it difficult to lead a good life. If you want to live better, in the new year, make sure to be proactive.

6.Exercise a Little More

We all know the benefits of exercise, but very few actually put it into action. Many people believe that exercise will make them tired; hence they refuse to do it. But perhaps you're not aware that not exercising will make you more tired. People who rarely exercise feel back pain after doing physical activities and feel out of breath after walking a bit. These are signs of a lack of exercise. In the new year, don't hesitate anymore. Start now and create an exercise plan for yourself. By persisting in exercising, you will have a healthy body. Only with good health can life be more beautiful. Time can't be reversed, and moments can't be stopped. I hope in the days ahead, you will strive forward. Let's start with these small habits and shape a brand new self.

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The harshest reality of society is that

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The harshest reality of society is that

San Francisco hosted an upscale meeting of 500 tycoons and politicians in 1995. The gathering prophesied that globalization's progress would significantly widen the wealth gap and intensify the social class conflict. To keep the poor in line, they devised a method: to continuously provide entertainment for the poor, much like giving a baby a pacifier. This is the renowned "pacifier theory."

Reflecting on real life, have you made this observation? 

Whenever you try to focus on something, various distracting factors emerge. While studying, you might itch to play a game, which results in hours passing by; or when starting work, you can't resist clicking on a short video and unknowingly spend half the day scrolling.

The essence behind these "pacifiers" is the "dopamine lure." Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that enables one to rapidly experience pleasure. However, like a cheap drug, it keeps individuals immersed in pleasure.

In contrast, endorphins require an individual to overcome inherent instincts, requiring a challenging effort. However, once obtained, the individual experiences tremendous satisfaction from self-improvement. The harshest aspect of society is that the poor are lost in the pleasure brought by dopamine.

Conversely, the rich continually strive for endorphins. What is the most valuable thing in the 21st century? It's time. Whoever can save someone else's time can gain that person's wealth. If someone's time is wasted, they are doomed to poverty because everyone's time is limited. If you invest your energy in self-improvement and skill enhancement, your value naturally increases significantly. But if you waste a lot of time on pleasure and entertainment, the time for personal growth will be significantly compressed, and silently, you'll be completely wasted.

"The most frightening thing that completely wastes a person is not poverty itself, but those silent temptations. These temptations slowly erode your mind, consume your valuable things, and eventually overthrow you into a useless person."

"In large cities, the way to ruin someone is very simple. Provide a quiet, cramped space, an internet connection, and preferably takeout orders. That's how you start the journey to ruin."

"These dazzling short videos, live streams, and games constantly trigger your dopamine secretion. An immediate surge results in immediate delight, while continuous secretion leads to continuous pleasure. When desire is controlled by this stimulation, you unconsciously become addicted. Gradually, you start ignoring the passing of time, becoming increasingly satisfied with the current state. When you spend all your time on enjoyment, you won't want to change your life anymore."

"Over time, you are destined to sink into the abyss of poverty, and it's hard to extricate yourself. A study by Harvard Business School revealed a stark contrast: the wealthy and elite class prefer additive forms of leisure, such as reading, learning, and exercising. Conversely, the poorer classes tend to gravitate toward consumptive forms of entertainment like playing mahjong, gaming, and watching soap operas. Different forms of entertainment shape entirely different destinies."

There was once a movie about the stock market maven Warren Buffett titled "Becoming Warren Buffett." In this film, Buffett didn't reveal any quick methods for becoming rich. He simply focused on consistent reading of books and newspapers. While the average person watched TV, he forced himself to read academic materials; when they played games, he absorbed the latest financial knowledge. While the ordinary person watched short videos, he diligently studied the most advanced wealth concepts. He woke up before 7 am daily, spending 5 to 6 hours reading various news and financial reports. His office had no computers or smartphones, only books on shelves and newspapers spread open behind him. Yes, renouncing low-level entertainment and persistently engaging in lifelong reading and learning were Buffett's secrets to success.

"Those who produce and design high-tech products never become addicted themselves; they always spend their time in more valuable pursuits."

Steve Jobs' children never used tablets; they spent weekends at home reading books and discussing history.

Observing the lives of the affluent, you'll find many wealthy individuals aren't lax but work diligently and persistently; even if their physique is already excellent, they maintain dietary control and a fitness regimen. Even with high educational qualifications, they continue to read and learn, continually enhancing themselves.

Why is this the case?

It's because the pleasure brought by dopamine is exceedingly cheap.

If you become engrossed in the pleasure of lower levels, no matter how much wealth you have, it will deplete with every comfortable experience.

In contrast, obtaining endorphins is painful but powerful, and strong individuals are eager to conquer.

You must continually force yourself to engage in valuable yet painful tasks, executing those monotonous yet meaningful duties.

Only through this can you firmly control wealth and achieve a worry-free life. Aristotle once said, "Compared to the pleasures pursued by animals, humans should pursue higher-level and greater happiness."

Dopamine represents animalistic pleasure, but over time, it will only consume your time, rendering life meaningless. Endorphins, on the other hand, are the reward after pain, requiring significant effort from you but can bring about revolutionary changes.

How can you pursue endorphins and change your current predicament? Here are three pieces of advice for you.

1. Endure what others can't.

In today's fast-paced era, almost everyone pursues immediate gratification. However, if you can be more patient than others, the gap will gradually widen. For instance: while others in college are dating, you choose to read and code; while others play cards or games, you engage in serious study. To avoid mediocrity, resist pressures and temptations that lead you towards an average path. Thus, when you choose restraint while others indulge, you naturally stand out.

2. Be firmer in dealing with what others can't handle.

Activities that generate endorphins are never easy. For example, when Haruki Murakami started running, he'd wake up at 4:30 AM. Even within those 30 minutes, he'd sweat profusely and pant for breath but persisted. In literature, he'd sit alone in his room all day, editing manuscripts, even basic drafts requiring eight revisions. In reality, there is no easy success to be had, no achievement without effort. Life works this way: the more stringent you are on yourself, the better life will be for you.

3. Surpass what others can't surpass.

In this world, activities that lead to someone's downfall will quickly provide feedback. For instance, watching short videos instantly makes you burst into laughter; eating sweets or snacks immediately brings immense satisfaction; playing a game offers an instant feeling of conquering the world. However, this happiness will cause gradual degradation, ultimately leading to nothing. On the contrary, things worth pursuing and remarkable have very slow feedback mechanisms.

Exercising once won't give you six-pack abs instantly, but persisting for a year might. Reading one book won't bring immediate cognitive change, but reading thousands might bring revolutionary change. Only by persistence can you taste the sweetness brought by endorphins. Only by enduring a period can you change the outcome of your destiny.

There's a saying: "People don't differ much in talent, but their ultimate achievements vary greatly. It's not just about factors like environment and luck; the crucial point is that some choose the path of pursuing dopamine, while others choose the road of endorphins."

When immersed in the happiness brought by dopamine, what will ultimately return to you is life's hardships. However, when diligently cultivating yourself in the pain that endorphins bring, life's inevitable return to you will be sweetness. Always remember: don't let those lower pleasures ruin your life. Don't become the frog in warm water, eventually losing yourself in familiar life.

May you also become a person who consistently progresses, restrains, improves, and perseveres. Only this way, your life will progress more smoothly.

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Prime Years' Pinnacle: Managing 35-55 Strategically

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Prime Years' Pinnacle: Managing 35-55 Strategically

The age of 35 marks a critical milestone in life. Before 35, people are usually in their prime youth, a time for learning, accumulating experiences, and continuous experimentation. After 35, life gradually matures, and we need to seriously consider everything, whether it's the burdens of life or the gifts of fate. As Yang Jiang said, "Choose the right path, not the easy one, to truly find yourself."

Today, I'd like to share three powerful rules of life, hoping to inspire you.

Harness the "Ripple Effect"

There's a profound story I once heard. A man, feeling unsuccessful, went to seek advice from a master. The master took him to a lake and threw a stone in. "What do you see?" asked the master. "I see ripples," replied the man. The master continued, "Where do those ripples come from?" "They're caused by the stone you just threw," the man answered. The master smiled and said, "Now try to stop those ripples." The man tried to interfere, but his attempt only caused more ripples, leaving him puzzled. The master cheerfully said, "Life is like that lake. Every step you take might not seem significant at first, but silently shapes your future path." After 35, we should understand that true strength isn't just about moving forward with perseverance but also looking forward. Strong individuals realize that every step taken today lays the foundation for the future.

Cultivate "Story Thinking"

After 35, meticulously tend to every small aspect of the present. Although the gains may seem meagre each time, each step accumulates and eventually builds a strong force. Cultivate "story thinking." A popular view on the internet says, "The most important ability a person can possess isn't mastering technology or marketing but telling a story." Life isn't a monotonous single-lane road; it's a series of vivid, ever-changing scenes. Wise individuals adeptly use the "power of storytelling": they transform dull problems into lively and captivating stories, making tedious truths engaging. When communication becomes swift and clear, the problems at hand naturally become more manageable.

I have heard an educative story. A mother noticed her child always peeking at the answers while doing homework. She repeatedly advised the child, "You must think on your own, homework has significance for testing and improvement..." Predictably, the child didn't listen and the behaviour even worsened. Later, she changed her strategy and decided to first tell the child a story: There was an archer who went to the archer's country to find a highly respected teacher to improve his archery skills. He crossed forests, scaled mountains, and found many arrows perfectly hitting the bulls eye on a tree. Eventually, he met the king, who didn't seem to possess remarkable skills. He asked, "How do you manage to hit the bulls eye with every arrow?" The king smiled and replied, "Anyone can do it. Shoot an arrow first, then draw a bulls eye around it." After hearing this story, the mother looked at the child and said, "Practice is the same. There's no progress in having all the answers correct." The child laughed, then willingly handed the answers to the mother. Logical reasoning might not be easy to persuade, but stories can give people rational insights.

Creating a "Moat"

I once heard an intriguing metaphor: If you liken a person to a castle, there must be a deep and steep moat surrounding it. This moat represents a person's core, ensuring an area of undisturbed refuge, even in the face of external threats. After 35, various pressures come in abundance. Without unique strengths, it's challenging to stand out in life's intense competition. But nothing can defeat someone with a strong core. The strength of one's core determines how smooth the future will be. Life is filled with uncertainties. The only thing we can do is not let today become tomorrow's regret. The best way to create the future is to start now and constantly improve oneself. Establish your moat to better confront the unknown future. After 35, life enters its second half. It's not noble to be better than others; true nobility lies in transcending one's past self. Managing well is a summary of the first half of life and a foundation for future life. May both you and I adhere to these three rules of the strong, crafting an ideal life in life's most crucial period.

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Happiness in Life is More Important than Anything Else

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