Reflecting On The Wildest Year23 December 2023

Modern Wisdom Christmas Special - Reflecting On The Wildest Year - #723

0Frameworks

15Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster04:30

Why Cortisol Isn't Making You Fat

The guest challenges the common belief that cortisol directly causes belly fat. Instead, he explains that the real issue is behavioral — people use stress as an excuse to overeat, not the hormone itself.

Cortisol doesn't directly cause fat gain.
People justify poor eating habits by blaming cortisol.
The real problem is using stress as an excuse to eat more calories than burned.

“You've just more than corrected for the calories.”
Guest · 04:30

#hormones#metabolism#myths

Hot Take· 2

Hot Take27:30

Business Is a Vehicle for Personal Growth

The guest argues that running a business forces personal development by exposing emotional triggers and weaknesses, making it a powerful tool for self-improvement.

Business exposes your emotional trigger points.
It forces growth in areas you'd otherwise avoid.
It's not just about money — it's about becoming a better version of yourself.

“It's a vessel for self-improvement disguised as a money-making enterprise.”
Guest · 27:30

#entrepreneurship#personal-growth#mindset

Hot Take85:30

These Are the Golden Years

The guest reflects that happiness shouldn't be delayed until stress disappears — the present moment, despite its problems, is likely to be remembered as the 'golden years.'

Problems are a feature of life, not a bug.
Happiness should be chosen now, not postponed.
Future you will look back and cherish this time.

“These are the golden years — you can't wait until you have no stress to decide to be happy.”
Guest · 85:30

#happiness#mindset#life-philosophy

Explainer· 3

Explainer05:30

What If It Was Easier?

The guest shares a principle from a fitness coach: instead of grinding through discomfort, ask how a task could be made easier. This mindset shift improves sustainability and enjoyment of habits.

If you hate your morning walk, pick a better route.
If you dislike your protein shake, find a better flavor.
Making things enjoyable increases long-term adherence.

“What would this be like if it was easier?”
Guest · 05:30

#productivity#habits#mindset

Explainer41:00

The Midwit Algorithm

The guest explains how to avoid being a 'midwit' — someone who overcomplicates things — by using inversion: instead of copying geniuses, ask what a fool would do and avoid those mistakes.

Avoid overcomplicating strategies.
Use inversion: ask what would make you fail, then avoid it.
Simplicity often beats complexity in writing, business, and happiness.

“If you want to be a terrible writer, what would you do? You wouldn't write.”
Guest · 42:00

#decision-making#critical-thinking#simplicity

Explainer90:30

What Is Not Going to Change?

Inspired by Jeff Bezos, the guest advocates focusing on what won't change — like customer desire for fast delivery — rather than chasing fleeting trends.

Focus on timeless fundamentals.
Ask what will remain true in 10 years.
Avoid distraction by technological changes.

“What's not going to change? That's where you should focus.”
Guest · 90:30

#strategy#business#long-term-thinking

Story· 1

Story78:30

Therapy as Turbo Journaling

The guest shares how therapy acts like 'turbo journaling' — a mirror that calls you out on self-deception, leading to deeper self-awareness than solo reflection.

Therapy provides external accountability.
It helps uncover unconscious beliefs.
It's not just for trauma — it's for growth.

“A therapist will call you out on your bullshit — your journal won't.”
Guest · 78:30

#mental-health#self-improvement#therapy

Tool· 4

Tool16:00

Double Duvets for Better Sleep

The guest discovered that using two separate duvets in bed significantly improved his sleep quality, especially when sharing with a partner who moves a lot.

Separate duvets reduce nighttime disturbances.
One partner’s movement doesn’t affect the other.
Simple fix for couples with different sleep patterns.

“Two dues Scandinavian style — I tried it and it's the best thing.”
Guest · 16:00

#sleep#relationships#life-hacks

Tool06:30

Track Your Mood Daily

The guest recommends tracking mood daily to identify patterns linked to behaviors like alcohol, sleep, or stress. Over time, this reveals what truly impacts mental well-being.

Log mood dips below a 4 and highs above a 6.
Note the cause of extreme moods.
Review monthly or yearly to spot trends like alcohol causing bad days.

“Imagine you have your mood from zero to ten — just drop in the date and what the cause was.”
Guest · 06:30

#mental-health#journaling#self-awareness

Tool100:00

Use ChatGPT as a Personal Tutor

The guest explains how to use ChatGPT to learn complex topics by having it explain concepts at your level and not moving on until you understand.

Use it to break down foundational knowledge.
Ask it to explain like you're a smart 10-year-old.
It personalizes learning in a way books can't.

“I can understand anything — nothing is too intimidating if I use ChatGPT correctly.”
Guest · 100:00

#education#ai#learning

Tool104:30

Slightly Underestimate Your To-Do List

The guest recommends planning fewer tasks than you think you can do to end each day feeling accomplished, not overwhelmed.

Plan for 'hungover, tired you,' not superhuman you.
Finish the day with a sense of completion.
Borrow tasks from tomorrow if you have extra energy.

“Just slightly under-egg how many things you're going to do in a day.”
Guest · 104:30

#productivity#time-management#habits

Takeaway· 4

Takeaway08:30

Text Friends When You Think of Them

A simple but powerful habit: when you think about a friend, send them a quick message. This strengthens relationships and prevents friendships from decaying due to lack of contact.

Friendships decay when not maintained.
Texting when you think of someone reinforces connection.
It costs nothing but creates emotional value for both parties.

“Text your friends when you're thinking about them.”
Guest · 08:30

#relationships#communication#emotional-intelligence

Takeaway32:00

Consume Your Own Content

The guest emphasizes that creators should only post content they would personally consume. This ensures quality and authenticity.

If you wouldn't consume it, don't post it.
Avoid audience capture by staying true to your values.
Content should be 'spirulina for the soul,' not 'fast food for your amygdala.'

“Your content diet should be spirulina for the soul, not fast food for your amygdala.”
Guest · 32:00

#content-creation#authenticity#media

Takeaway71:30

Assume It Will Take 10 Years

The guest advises viewing long-term goals through a 10-year lens, focusing on sustainability rather than quick wins, to avoid burnout and stay consistent.

Success often takes longer than expected.
Focus on making the process enjoyable.
Detach from outcomes and find meaning in the journey.

“Assume it's going to take you longer than you think.”
Guest · 71:30

#long-term-thinking#patience#productivity

Takeaway121:30

Questions Are the Answers

The guest shares that asking powerful questions — like 'What would you advise me?' — often leads to deeper insights than giving direct advice.

Questions unlock self-discovery.
Asking others what they'd do helps them find their own answer.
Great thinkers ask what question they should be asking.

“Questions are the answers you might need.”
Guest · 121:30

#decision-making#coaching#critical-thinking