Some of the World’s Greatest Life Hacks

Welcome to Effective Habits, a weekly newsletter where I share evidence-based strategies and tools to help you live a happy, healthy, and productive life.

Today at a Glance:

• The Greatest Life Hacks in the World (for Now)

• Against Sunscreen Absolutism

• Are You Hunting Antelope or Field Mice?

The Greatest Life Hacks in the World (for Now)
David Brooks

Lights, Camera, ...
Navigating the intricate labyrinth of modern life can feel like an overwhelming endeavor, but within the chaos lies a treasure trove of wisdom. Distilled from decades of people’s experience and inspired by the legendary tech journalist Kevin Kelly, these nuggets of life advice offer a guiding light. Below you’ll find the ones that stuck out to me the most.

Action!

1. When you have 90 percent of a large project completed, finishing up the final details will take another 90 percent.

2. Denying or deflecting a compliment is rude. Accept it with thanks.

3. Getting cheated occasionally is a small price to pay for trusting the best in everyone, because when you trust the best in others, they will treat you the best.

4. When you get invited to something in the future, ask yourself, Would I do this tomorrow

5. It’s not an apology if it comes with an excuse.

6. Just because it’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.

7. Ignore what they are thinking of you because they are not thinking of you.

8. The biggest lie we tell ourselves is, “I don’t need to write this down because I will remember it.”

9. If you can’t make up your mind between two options, flip a coin. Don’t decide based on which side of the coin came up. Decide based on your emotional reaction to which side came up.

10. If you meet a jerk once a month, you’ve met a jerk. If you meet jerks every day, you’re a jerk.

Against Sunscreen Absolutism
Rowan Jacobsen

Lights, Camera, ...
Australia, known for its harsh sun and high skin cancer rates, has long advocated for extreme sun avoidance. However, in 2023, Australian health experts pivoted, acknowledging that moderate sun exposure has significant health benefits, such as boosting vitamin D, regulating circadian rhythms, and even a reduced risk of some diseases. This shift comes after studies revealed that vitamin D supplements failed to prevent major diseases, suggesting that sunlight's health benefits extend beyond vitamin D. While the U.S. remains cautious, Australia now recommends a more nuanced approach to sun exposure, balancing protection with the benefits of sunlight, tailored to different skin types and risk levels.

Action!

1. Tailored Sun Protection: Follow personalized guidelines based on skin color and cancer risk:

   1. Pale Skin or High-Risk Individuals: Continue practicing strict sun protection (Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat).

   2. Olive or Pale-Brown Skin: Use sunscreen when the UV index is at least 3.

   3. Dark Skin: Use sunscreen only for extended outdoor activities in bright sun.

2. Morning Sunlight: Aim to get bright morning light to help regulate circadian rhythms, energy, mood, and sleep.

Are You Hunting Antelope or Field Mice?
Tim Ferriss

Lights, Camera, ...
Are you hunting antelope or field mice? This analogy, borrowed from former Speaker Newt Gingrich, highlights the importance of focusing on significant tasks rather than getting bogged down by trivial ones. Gingrich's metaphor is simple: a lion survives on antelope, not field mice, because the effort to catch a mouse outweighs its nutritional value. Instead, they thrive on hunting antelope, which, although challenging, sustains them. Similarly, assessing your tasks to prioritize those that make the most impact can transform your productivity. Reflect on your to-do list: are you chasing mice or hunting antelope? Focus on what truly matters for long-term success.

Action!

• Prioritize tasks that have a significant impact rather than getting caught up in trivial ones. Here are some additional tips:

  • Reflect on your recent calendar or to-do list: Determine whether you've been focusing on significant tasks (hunting antelope) or trivial ones (chasing field mice).

  • Identify the one task on your to-do list that, once completed, would make all other tasks either easier or irrelevant, and prioritize it.

  • Consider which undone task would free up the most personal energy if accomplished.

  • Prioritize the task you've been avoiding the longest, as it may be the most important one to tackle next.

TOOL TIP

Reverse Dictionary: Have you ever had difficulty finding the right words to use but you know the meaning of said word. Enter the phrase, definition or description you are thinking of and this Reverse Dictionary will find the word that best fits that description..

FUN FACT

The T.rex likely had feathers. Scientists in China discovered Early Cretaceous period tyrannosaur skeletons that were covered in feathers. If the ancestors of the T. rex had feathers, the T. rex probably did, too.

If you enjoyed today's newsletter, please share it with your friends and family!

If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive them in future!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not liable for any risks or issues that may arise from using this information.