Step One: Change The Outside

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One of the best things I ever did in my life was to become extremely intentional with the inputs I allow. After all, these inputs act on us all day—whether we realize it or not—so to change them is really the lowest-hanging fruit.

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Stop watching the news

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I’ve talked about this ad nauseum, but this is probably the #1 thing you can do. It’s hard to get people to quit, but seriously, the world will keep turning if you don’t know what’s happening.

Most news outlets have some type of agenda anyway so it’s good for you to form your own opinions anyway. (Also, journalistic integrity has become extinct faster than the dodo bird so ask yourself, what are you really listening to?)

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Muting certain people

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Some people share lots of sad stories. Or they share controversial posts. Or share posts that spread fear.

Or half the things they say end with “FML.”

Nah, I don’t need that either.

I have a very specific lens I want to use to see the world—and I’m willing to do what it takes to maintain that.

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Upgrade your social circle

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Honestly, I used to be just like this—my friends and I would get together and we would just bitch and moan about our lives over drinks.

It was cathartic in a weird way, but it was always perpetuating the same bullshit because we never tried to fix it.

Yes, venting is important.

Yes, it’s nice to feel heard when you have life issues.

But if you’re venting about the same problem—over and over again for years—it’s time to stop “venting” and start “fixing.” Otherwise, it’ll be a decade later and you’ll still be whining about the same problem.

Of course, you need to have empathy for them and whatever they’re going through. But you can’t rescue everyone, especially if they don’t want to be rescued.

You need to protect your own mind and mindset. There are BILLIONS of people in the world—I’m sure you’ll find someone who resonates with you, don’t worry.

After you’ve built a better environment, you’ll get the best results from your inner work.

Now, it’s time.