The Power of Environment

quickthink.beehiiv.com | Chase Brandt | 5/8/2024 | #1

Hi everyone!

Welcome to Quick Think, the newsletter where I discuss a primary idea, share something positive, recommend a piece of media I enjoy, and finish with a quote.

This week, I’m going to discuss the never-ending impact our environment has on our lives and how we should deal with it.

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The Power of Environment

A large part of how we think, feel, and make decisions is a direct output of our environment. From the culture we grew up in to the layout of our homes, our surroundings constantly impact our lives. Let me describe just a few ways our environment controls us and what we should do about it. 

It began as children, when significant parts of our lives were out of our control. The religions we were born into instilled different values within us. The schools we were placed in granted us different academic opportunities. Neighborhoods we grew up in determined many of our lifelong friendships. We picked many of our habits from our parents. Upon examination, a large chunk of who we are can be connected to the environment we grew up in.

It goes beyond what happened in our past; today, we are constantly influenced by the people and things around us. The billboards next to our house impact what products we buy. We find ourselves at parties we don’t enjoy because our friends are there. Social media algorithms sway our thoughts and beliefs without us realizing it. According to a Cornell study, even the size of our plates can change the quantity of food we eat.¹ The external world loves to make decisions on our behalf.

At first glance, the idea that a large part of our identity and decision-making is out of our control may provoke a feeling of powerlessness in our lives. This is an uncomfortable realization. However, accepting our environment’s inevitable force can empower us to begin taking steps to rearrange it to meet our goals.

It starts with the people in our lives. Entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you want to exercise, practice gratitude, or socialize more, surround yourself with more active, grateful, or social people. From the topics of our conversations to how we spend our free time, our social circle matters.

Even slightly restructuring our physical environment can be life-changing. When working, putting our phones in a different room increases our focus.² Placing unhealthy snacks in hard-to-reach spots makes us less likely to grab them impulsively.³ Welcoming plants and animals into our homes can add meaning to our lives.⁴ Removing screens from our bedroom helps us fall and stay asleep.⁵ Tweaking our surroundings to align with our goals can provide quick and easy results.

To wrap up, many of the environment’s forces are out of our control, especially that of our youth. But that does not justify playing the victim card and allowing our environment to define us. If you have the slightest desire to live a life more consistent with your goals, it is your responsibility to start recreating your environment today.

Positivity

World Life Expectancy: Up 62% Since 1950

Living in a society that drowns us with negative news, we often overlook the miraculous progress we’ve made. Since 1950, the expected life span has increased from 45 to 73. In just 74 years, modern technology and scientific advancements have added an average of 28 years to our lives. Considering how long our species has been around, progress of this magnitude is incredible. 

Media

Podcast: Naval Ravikant - Happiness

Naval Ravikant, an influential entrepreneur and investor, is one of the most powerful and optimistic thinkers I’ve encountered. In 2022, I listened to his podcast with Joe Rogan, and it completely changed how I approached life. Naval specializes in health, wealth, and happiness, and I would recommend any of his works. This 28-minute podcast on happiness is a brief collection of his timeless wisdom.

Quote

“Never forget: This very moment, we can change our lives. There never was a moment, and never will be, when we are without the power to alter our destiny.” - Steven Pressfield; The War of Art

Thanks for taking the time to read. Have a wonderful week.

-Chase

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