In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. The constant barrage of negative news, looming climate concerns, and the general sense of global instability can leave us feeling anxious about the future. But what if I told you that your future could be the best thing that will ever happen to you?
As a top executive coach with decades of experience working with high-achieving individuals, I’ve seen firsthand how people can transform their lives by changing their approach to the future. The work can be challenging and take time, but for some quick wins, here are ten existential hacks that can help you reshape your relationship with the future and live a more fulfilling life.
The Power of Mindset
Before we dive into the hacks, it’s crucial to understand the power of mindset. Our brains are wired to focus on threats, a remnant of our evolutionary past when immediate danger was a constant concern. This tendency, while once crucial for survival, can now lead us to catastrophise about the future, creating a picture of impending disaster that may never materialise.
Research in neuroscience has shown that our thought patterns can significantly impact our brain’s structure and function. Dr. Norman Doidge, in his book “The Brain That Changes Itself”, explains how neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains through conscious effort and practice [1]. By adopting a more positive outlook, we can literally change our brains to be more resilient and adaptable.
With this understanding, let’s explore ten existential hacks that can help you harness the power of your mind and create a future you’re excited about.
1. Reach Out
Many of us feel the need to tackle our problems alone. This solitary approach, however, goes against our nature as social beings. Research has consistently shown that social support is crucial for mental health and well-being. A meta-analysis published in the journal “Psychological Bulletin” found that perceived social support is strongly associated with lower rates of mental health problems and the ability to better cope with stress [2].
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. If the idea of a face-to-face conversation feels daunting, consider a side-by-side activity. Many people find it easier to open up while engaged in a shared task or sport. Whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or working on a project together, these activities can provide a less intense setting for meaningful conversations.
2. Expose Yourself to Awe
Experiencing awe can have a profound impact on our psychological well-being. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that awe can expand our perception of time, enhance life satisfaction, and even make us more likely to help others [3].
Seek out experiences that inspire wonder. This could be as simple as watching a sunset, visiting a museum, or attending a live performance. The collective energy of shared experiences can be particularly powerful. By exposing ourselves to awe-inspiring moments, we can shift our perspective and feel more connected to the world around us.
Have Fun and Play
Play isn’t just for children. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, argues that play is crucial for problem-solving, creativity, and relationships throughout our lives [4]. As adults, especially in high-pressure careers, we often forget the importance of unstructured, joyful activities.
This is what comedian and creativity expert John Cleese calls the “open mode” of thinking. In his lecture on creativity [12], Cleese contrasts this with the “closed mode” ─ our default state of stress and seriousness.
By engaging in play, we naturally shift into this open mode, allowing for greater problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking. This isn’t just about having fun ─ it’s about creating a mental environment conducive to breakthroughs and novel solutions, both in our personal and professional lives.
Make time for play in your life. This could mean getting down on the ground with your children or grandchildren, taking up a new hobby, or engaging in sports you enjoy. The key is to find activities that fully engage you and bring a sense of freedom and joy.
4. The Right Time is Now
Procrastination often stems from fear or perfectionism. However, waiting for the “perfect” moment can lead to missed opportunities. The ancient Greeks had two words for time: “chronos” (chronological time) and “kairos” (the right or opportune moment). In our lives, we need to create our own “kairos” moments by taking action.
Remember, done is better than perfect. Start that project you’ve been putting off, have that difficult conversation, or take that leap of faith. As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
5. Practice Courage
Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it. Research has shown that practising courage can lead to increased self-esteem and life satisfaction [5]. Like a muscle, courage grows stronger with use.
Start small. Set yourself a challenge each day that pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone. It could be as simple as speaking up in a meeting or trying a new food. Over time, these small acts of courage will build your confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
6. Be Someone Rather Than Something
In our achievement-oriented society, it’s easy to define ourselves by our possessions or titles. However, true fulfilment comes from who we are, not what we have. Research consistently shows that intrinsic motivation (driven by internal rewards) leads to greater satisfaction and performance than extrinsic motivation (driven by external rewards) [6].
Focus on developing your character and values rather than accumulating accolades. Ask yourself, “What kind of person do I want to be?” rather than “What do I want to have?”. This shift in focus can lead to more meaningful goals and a stronger sense of purpose.
Consider the legacy you want to leave. How do you want to be remembered? By aligning your actions with your values, you create a more authentic and fulfilling life. This doesn’t mean abandoning ambition, but rather ensuring that your ambitions serve your deeper purpose.
7. Relearn How to Learn
Adopting a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – can significantly impact your approach to learning and challenges. People with a growth mindset tend to achieve more than those with a fixed mindset because they worry less about looking good and put more energy into learning [7].
And learning can improve both our health and wellbeing, especially as we age. Neuroscience research has shown that learning new skills can increase the density of white matter in the brain, improving its efficiency and adaptability [8] while potentially staving off conditions like dementia.
Challenge yourself to learn something new regularly. This could be a language, a musical instrument, or a new professional skill. The process of learning, regardless of the subject, keeps our minds flexible and open to new possibilities.
8. Shake Things Up
Routine can be comforting, but it can also lead to stagnation. Neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to form new neural connections, thrives on novelty and challenge. By introducing variety into our lives, we can enhance our cognitive flexibility and creativity.
Try taking a different route to work, rearranging your office, or spending a day doing things with your non-dominant hand. These small changes can spark new perspectives and ideas.
Additionally, consider more significant changes. Travel to new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, or take on a project outside your usual area of expertise. These experiences can broaden your horizons and challenge your assumptions, leading to personal growth and new insights.
9. Stay Physically Active
The mind-body connection is powerful. Regular physical activity not only improves our physical health but also enhances cognitive function and emotional well-being. A study published in the journal “Neurology” found that regular exercise in middle age was associated with a reduced risk of dementia later in life [9].
Find physical activities you enjoy, whether it’s sailing, running, or playing a sport. The key is consistency rather than intensity. Even a daily walk can have significant benefits for your physical and mental health.
Moreover, physical activity can be a powerful tool for stress management. Exercise reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline while stimulating the production of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators [10].
10. Believe in Free Will
The debate over free will has raged for centuries, but recent research suggests that simply believing in free will can have positive effects on our behaviour and well-being. A study published in “Psychological Science” found that people who believe in free will perform better on tasks and show more kindness to others [11].
Embrace the idea that you have control over your choices and actions. This belief can empower you to take responsibility for your life and become more active in shaping your future.
Believing in free will doesn’t mean denying the influence of external factors. Rather, it’s about recognising that within the constraints of our circumstances, we have the power to make choices that shape our lives and the world around us.
We need to make choices, take action, and accept responsibility which, in turn, helps us make better choices. If it feels difficult, then start small. Decide to do something different, like to go to the cinema one afternoon, take action, and accept any consequences that come your way.
Enjoy the Ride and Track Your Progress
These existential hacks aren’t meant to be burdensome tasks on your to-do list. Instead, think of them as tools in your kit, ready to be used when you need them. The goal is to develop a state of “relaxed readiness” ─ feeling relaxed, strong and capable of reacting positively to whatever life throws your way.
To help you incorporate these hacks into your daily life, consider creating a checklist. Regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly ─ whatever works best for you), score yourself on each of these existential hacks. This practice can help you track your progress and identify areas where you might want to focus more attention.
Score each item from 1-3, with 1 being “didn’t do this at all” and 3 being “fully engaged in this”. The goal isn’t to score perfectly each time, but to increase your awareness and gradually improve over time.
Here’s a simple checklist with some examples you can use:
Remember, the best way out is through. By actively engaging with life, taking risks, and believing in your ability to shape your future, you can transform uncertainty from a source of anxiety into a wellspring of possibility.
Your future is not a fixed destination, but a journey you’re actively creating. With these existential hacks, you can approach that journey with confidence, curiosity, and excitement. After all, your future could be the best thing that will ever happen to you ─ so why not enjoy the ride?
References
[1]: Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin Books.
[2]: Rueger, S. Y., Malecki, C. K., Pyun, Y., Aycock, C., & Coyle, S. (2016). A meta-analytic review of the association between perceived social support and depression in childhood and adolescence. Psychological Bulletin, 142(10), 1017-1067.
[3]: Rudd, M., Vohs, K. D., & Aaker, J. (2012). Awe expands people’s perception of time, alters decision making, and enhances well-being. Psychological Science, 23(10), 1130-1136.
[4]: Brown, S. (2009). Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Avery.
[5]: Koerner, M. M. (2014). Courage as identity work: Accounts of workplace courage. Academy of Management Journal, 57(1), 63-93.
[6]: Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
[7]: Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
[8]: Scholz, J., Klein, M. C., Behrens, T. E., & Johansen-Berg, H. (2009). Training induces changes in white-matter architecture. Nature Neuroscience, 12(11), 1370-1371.
[9]: Andel, R., Crowe, M., Pedersen, N. L., Fratiglioni, L., Johansson, B., & Gatz, M. (2008). Physical Exercise at Midlife and Risk of Dementia Three Decades Later: A Population-Based Study of Swedish Twins. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 63(1), 62-66.
[10]: Jackson, E. M. (2013). Stress relief: The role of exercise in stress management. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, 17(3), 14-19.
[11]: Vohs, K. D., & Schooler, J. W. (2008). The Value of Believing in Free Will: Encouraging a Belief in Determinism Increases Cheating. Psychological Science, 19(1), 49-54.
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5oIIPO62g