In today’s world, everyone expects that everything has to come easy, fast, and effortless — from fast food and porn to social media, transportation, apps, and digital devices. Growing up, I was blind to this development; it simply was, and just happened. Two years ago, I experienced a turning point in my life.

Now, I remind myself every day to do the exact opposite. I deleted all my social media except for WhatsApp. I choose books as my form of entertainment. I don’t eat until 1 PM, I go to the gym every single day, and I wake up at 6:30 without snoozing the alarm. I approach a woman if I like her, instead of trying an online alternative. I always ride my bike. (I know it is common in the Netherlands, and I can’t afford a car.) And above all, I have become very aware of anything somebody tells me that needs my attention.

Experiencing life in this way gives me an advantage over my peers. I have so much extra time to think, strategize, and work on who I want to become in this life. It gives me a lot of space between focus and creativity. It is this dance between them that makes my work full of potential.

Thank you, Chris Bailey, for writing the book I unknowingly needed.

Luuk