3 Principles for a Better Life

When good, principles can be far more effective than any sort of “do this, do that” imperative. These are three of the most helpful principles I’ve come across to steer my life.

This is a Mindf*ck Monthly newsletter from June 13, 2022. Every month, I send out big ideas I’ve been chewing on in the hopes that it makes you less of a shitty person.

Let’s dive right in.

3 Principles for a Better Life

When I started this newsletter years ago, I started it with the pitch, “3 Ideas That Can Change Your Life.” For years, I sent out emails in that format: three ideas — one, two, three — thank you, drive through.

So consider this a throwback email. Except instead of three ideas that could change your life, these are three principles for a better life.

I like principles because unlike rules or specific ideas, principles are designed to be applied loosely and broadly. Principles are things that are usually true, but sometimes don’t apply — usually helpful, but sometimes dumb as fuck.

And unlike a rule or a piece of actionable advice, principles sit in the background, quietly informing your decisions and perspectives…