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WHAAAT?

Let me explain.

According to Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman, his research found there are actually two selves in each person.

The remembering self and the experiencing self.

Why is this important?

It’s important because knowing this concept allows you to make sure you are having enjoying a helluva time AND achieve success, and who doesn’t want that?

So what is it exactly?

Here's the classic example:

Picture that you are on vacation in Japan.

You’d rather just experience Japan for what it is and not take pictures. That will make sure you stay present. (experiencing self)

But that Instagram side of you wants to take the picture perfect shot of everything you see. Heck, even if you don't post them, it will be for memory sake. Something for you to look back on. (remembering self)

The experiencing self optimizes for the present. It concerns itself only with what us happening right now. Going for that extra beer, taking that much more popcorn, opting for that pricier meal because hey, you deserve it.

The remembering self optimizes for memory. It isn't too concerned with what is happening now but it is concerned with how things would look in retrospect. It cares about the future. Taking that photo on vacation, working that much harder to get more money.

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All too common happenings

Ever had a good long late night chat with friends, only to wake up and feel that you wasted your time because nothing came out of it?

Ever had a month full of fun and only working when you feel like it, only to look back and feel that you could have used it more productively?

That's your experiencing self enjoying itself in the moment without regard to the remembering self.

Ever worked hard for an entire year, accomplished all your goals and feel as though you didn't “live”?

Ever feel that you are on a roll for your work but still feel empty inside because you lacked fun in your life?

That's your remembering self optimizing for future gain without leaving room for any enjoyment for the experiencing self.

How to achieve success AND have a blast

The best method I’ve found to combat this is to go for your goals and sprinkle enjoyable moments here and there. Keep a daily journal of what happened that day in terms of your goals and the novel experiences you had.

For example:

If your goal is to make RM10,000 a month on Steemit, you probably have the plan set out and the frequency and types of content to create.

While you are busy working on this goal, have your life outside of work planned out as well. It doesn’t have to be fancy vacations - it could be meet ups with new and different people every week or Steemit meet-ups.

I’ve found that I enjoy myself the most in the present and in retrospect when I explore new places or meet new people.

At the end of each day, I suggest jotting down and remembering anything that happened that day that was novel.

Jot down what you did that moved you towards your goals and write down what was novel - perhaps bumping into an old friend or meeting a new person is. You know, stuff that doesn’t happen every day.

It’s a great and gentle reminder that you lived a life of adventure and flavour, all the while making sure your work duties are fulfilled, satisfying both your experiencing self and your remembering self.

Thanks for reading.