The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Consciousness

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The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Consciousness

I. Stabilize (When Lost)

If overwhelmed, do these in order:

  1. Body
    • Water
    • Food
    • Sleep
    • Shower
  2. Mind
    • Go outside
    • Move slowly
    • Take a break from your mental space
  3. Externalize
    • Write the problem
    • Break it into pieces
    • Ask: _What assumptions am I making?
    • Ask: Can I buy more time?
  4. Reduce Isolation
    • Call someone
  5. Take one irreversible action
    • If moving, pack one box.
    • If writing a letter, write the first sentence.

II. Daily Steering (Don’t Get Lost)

To do daily:

  1. Go outside
  2. Move your body
  3. Morning reflection
    1. Express gratitude
    2. Set Intention (What would make today kick ass?)
  4. Even reflection
    1. Enjoy gratitude
    2. Set intention (How could today have been better?)
  5. Find 30 minutes that are all yours to do anything you want.

III. Weekly Reflection (The Steering Wheel)

Once a week:

  • What drained me?
  • What gave me energy?
  • What mattered?
  • How can I make next week better?

This is where we think “would a smart person do?” As in, don’t react by just doubling down and trying hard. See if there’s a way to do it better, that’s not as hard.

Appendix

  1. Katie Pruitt Expectations: “I learned that fear is just the false belief
    That there is nothin’ you can do”
  2. This American Life: “I want what I want”