Summary: I'm doing an odd yet interesting experiment to get more out of life.

Life is like this dog with a muffin on his head. We're surrounded with hundreds of ways to instantly gratify ourselves. The more we give in, the less we get out of life. But there's a solution...

There’s an infamous user on TRP called /u/abdada. He first commented on one of my posts and I found him to be really insightful, but that was only the beginning… Turns out he has his own subreddit here just to field questions from people. He’s a successful entrepreneur, consultant, and t-shirt maker who gives out great advice.

One of his pieces of advice is a lifestyle change. It’s a lifestyle where you minimize everything that gives you a dopamine rush. So a chocolate bar. Going on Reddit. Watching TV.

So in the regular world, we watch TV for entertainment. Abdada would argue that you’d want to create your own entertainment and play board games with friends instead. Or make your own film or play. In short, if it comes too easy it’s bad. Instead of going on reddit, read a book. Instead of listening to music, make your own music. Instead eating that chocolate bar, go out and plant a garden.

It’s very simple to follow. And if you're unsure if it's okay for you to do something there's a very simple phrase to remember: only do it if it sucks.

So for the next 10 days, I’ll be doing this experiment. I’ll be posting an update thread later on and tell you the effects.

Here’s my breakdown.

What not to do:

  • Very limited Reddit, email, social use (track every time you do go on)
  • No snacking
  • Only listening to music at the gym (only binaural beats and podcasts allowed)

What to do:

  • 4 hours into main business
  • 1-2 hours of copywriting exercises
  • 1 hour of programming
  • 100 push ups, 100 body squats, 100 sit ups every day.

I’m nearly done Day 1.

Here’s are my stats:

  • 5 times Reddit
  • 5 times Email
  • 5 times Facebook
  • 1 times Youtube

Lessons Learned: It sucks not listening to music so I know I'm on the right track. More to come.