Building a better system and ten ways to hack it

Our default settings suggest that in order to solve a problem, we need to put more effort into finding the solution. But research has shown again and again, that will-power is finite, a resource that will deplete rather quickly.

There are far better ways to improve yourself than simply trying harder. The answer then is to build a better system.

Human beings have an incredible ability to jump in and out of systems. We are the only creatures on this planet that can do this.

We can operate within the rules, constraints and boundaries of the system. And at the same time, we can break the rules, constraints and boundaries. We can think about the system as a whole, from the outside in.

We don’t spend enough time creating a system that would lead us to the continuous desired results we seek.

On this blog, I’ve talked about finding better ways to change our default settings or making change happen. More often than not, I am talking the building a better system that will help you live the life you deserve.

Ten ways to hack the system:

Don’t make 20 year plans. Instead, make a 20 year commitment.

Once you make a commitment, then the challenge moving forward is to keep your promise.

If you don’t have a TV, you’re not tempted to watch it.

You’re far less likely to check your apps if you have to sign-in to them each time.

Money is a story. A story we tell ourselves. Debt free-living maybe one of the greatest single hacks I am aware of that will give you the freedom to design the life you want to live.

A house, cars, clothes, electronics…are status symbols. Higher cultural status rarely ever leads us to a life of joy or meaning or happiness.

Too often, we fall into this trap of a fixed mindset. We let our biases, prejudices get in the way of the endless possibilities that are available. Adopt a mindset of growth. What is isn’t what has to be.

Triggers send us into cycles. Identifying triggers could, theoretically, help us avoid unwanted cycles.

The number one factor in measuring happiness: the quality of our relationships.

We can change external conditions. But we can go a lot further by changing how we perceive them.