Hacking aging and auditing thoughts...

My Grandma’s recipe for longevity

Earlier this month, my grandma hit a milestone in her life- turning 90.

In a world where we now have access to endless biohacking facilities, with options of spending millions a year to reverse age, my mee maw has managed to live an impressively healthy life, free of any illnesses- minus any of these advanced technologies.

If I were to attribute 3 key factors that are behind her being in good shape to date, it would have to be the following:

Choosing happiness: My grandma hasn’t had the easiest life. If anything it’s been full of adversity. But I’ve always seen her laughing and sharing silly jokes, so much so that she barely makes it through telling one given that she laughs through most of it. No matter what the circumstance, happiness has been her default state.

Being independent and active: As aging hits, most people prefer to have some help around, which they eventually become dependent on.
Not this woman. If anything, she is averse to external help and prefers to do everything herself. In her free time, she reads books rather than watch television. She’s kept her body as active as she can, and it’s only helped her have a healthy state of mind.

Serving society: As a young woman, Mee Maw took up volunteering. From working with disabled children to elderly patients, she’s always been in service of others which has given her a sense of purpose. There are studies showing that altruism significantly contributes to longevity and my Grandma is a living example of that.

Aging is a direct result of one’s emotional state. And while we’re quick to buy into expensive skin care and other external remedies, hacking the inner state is the best way to live a long and healthy life.

The thought-audit exercise

Our minds are meaning-making machines.

We’re constantly making meaning out of different situations, that mess with our emotional states.

-A friend didn't reply to a text on time? "They've ghosted me"- enter sadness.
-A date shows up late? “They're not taking this seriously”-enter frustration.
-Your kids didn't do exactly as you said? "They don't respect me"- enter anger.

When done repeatedly, this tendency of catastrophizing events creates more conflict in our lives.

Since all change begins with questioning, auditing thoughts can stop this from becoming a habit. So here’s your opportunity to dive right in:

1. What’s one thought that you find constantly on loop? (much like your favorite song)
2. What are some of your thought patterns that work against your best self?
3. Think of someone you have trouble getting along with. What are some thoughts and judgments you have towards this person?
4. What are some judgemental thoughts you have towards yourself?

As kids, we lack the emotional maturity to NOT draw conclusions from every little or major episode we experience; but as adults, it is our absolute responsibility to take an objective view and shift our thinking patterns.

Why ‘employee engagement’ doesn’t work

A Gallup study reveals a shocking truth: 60% of people are emotionally detached at work, globally.

This shows a fundamental problem that is not being addressed, at least the right way.

Companies will spend big bucks on team outings and other transactional benefits in the name of engagement....

It doesn't work.

Offering cheap thrills may create a short-term boost of excitement, but they barely move the needle on retention or performance.

Real engagement isn't about picnics or free lunches- it's about initiatives that make people feel connected to each other and their place of work.

Here are some ideas for creating a meaningful, fun, and easy-to-execute experience in the workplace.

In case you missed me last week…

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