3 Habits That (Actually) Changed My Life

Summary

The speaker shares transformative habits that improved their life and conversations. They emphasize building input-output loops for continuous learning and growth, refining ideas through practice and discussion, and engaging in self-improving conversations with smarter individuals. Additionally, they highlight the benefits of starting the day with sunlight and delaying caffeine intake for mental clarity, sharing personal experiences and strategies that led to increased productivity and personal satisfaction.

Takeaways

• 🔄 Build input-output loops to create a continuous learning cycle and gain unique insights.
• 🌞 Start mornings with sunlight and delay caffeine intake for a clearer head.
• 📚 Engage in conversations with books to discover and refine your interests.
• 🤝 Find or create groups with like-minded individuals to discuss and share ideas.
• 📈 Continuously refine your ideas and presentations based on feedback and reactions.
• 📝 Write and create content as an outlet to solidify your learning and gain more input.
• 🧠 Have 'selfish' conversations with smarter individuals to learn and improve your knowledge base.
• 📖 Use books as a medium to engage in deep conversations with authors and expand your thinking.
• 🌐 Connect with people in different fields to learn from their experiences and frameworks.
• 🎥 Run your own courses or workshops to teach others and reinforce your own understanding.
• 🌟 Build a reputation for having unique insights to gain a competitive advantage in your field.

Q & A

What was the speaker's realization about their work before they decided to change their habits?

The speaker realized they were not building any specific skills or making unique contributions, and their work was not accumulating into anything substantial, leading to a feeling of wasting time.

What is the first habit the speaker decided to implement to improve their life?

The first habit was to build input-output loops, which means having a continuous cycle of learning (input) and applying that knowledge (output), then seeking more input to improve the output.

How did the speaker apply the input-output loop in their job at YouTube?

The speaker applied the loop by learning about YouTube algorithm changes (input), running workshops for YouTube channels (output), and then seeking more input from the YouTubers to refine their knowledge and contributions.

What was the second habit the speaker adopted to improve their conversations?

The second habit was refining their ideas and the way they communicated them, similar to how a comedian refines a joke based on audience reactions.

How did the speaker find a group of people who shared their interests?

The speaker joined a writing course, which led them to meet people who were interested in similar topics, such as philosophy and frameworks from books.

What is the third habit the speaker recommends for better conversations and personal growth?

The third habit is having conversations with people who are smarter or more knowledgeable than oneself, starting with books and then extending to real-life interactions.

How did the speaker's approach to reading books help them in their conversations?

The speaker engaged in a deep reading experience by asking questions in the margins of the books, which helped them curate their content diet and find direction in their learning, leading to more meaningful discussions.

What is the additional habit the speaker picked up that contributed to their productivity and energy in the morning?

The speaker started their morning with sunlight and avoided caffeine for the first hour after waking up, which they found gave them a clearer head and more energy.

How did the speaker's childhood friend's behavior lead to a realization about their conversations?

The friend's lack of interest and cutting off the speaker during a conversation about a favorite book made the speaker realize they needed to change the quality of their conversations and find better ways to connect with others.

What is the 'Cafe Da Vinci' that the speaker started?

The 'Cafe Da Vinci' is a gathering that the speaker started with a friend, focused on thinking at the intersection and doing associative thinking, providing a space for discussions on shared interests.