1: Getting better at getting better is what RiseWithDrew is all about.
Monday through Thursday, we explore ideas from authors, thought leaders, and exemplary organizations.
At the end of each week, I’ve been sharing an idea from Tynan’s book Superhuman by Habit. about how to install specific, positive habits into your life.
So far, we’ve covered:
- Building positivity
- Being compassionate
- Eating healthy
- Improving sleep
- Learning mindfulness
- Working out
2: Next up: What Tynan calls “expansion habits.”
“You can think of everything you do during your life as either input or output,” he writes. “Either we’re creating something new or we’re taking in outside influence.”
The quality of your inputs influences the quality of your outputs.
“Ideas don’t exist in a vacuum,” Tynan observes, “so whatever outside influences you’re exposed to become a part of your creation process and affect your output.”
Which is why it’s wise to be thoughtful about what you take in. One way to upgrade your inputs is to intentionally expose yourself to excellence.
Tynan does this by seeking out masterpieces.
He started this habit when he was working all the time and barely left his home for days.
“Worrying that I was living in an echo chamber and not getting enough outside influence, but unwilling to pull much time from work,” he recalls, “I theorized that experiencing masterpieces would be a very efficient and concentrated way to get quality input.”
This strategy worked, but the biggest benefit was something Tynan didn’t expect.
Seeing these masterpieces inspired and motivated him, and it also raised his personal standards. That’s the unexpected benefit: Spending time around excellence can change your definition of what’s possible.
3: Tynan recommends setting a clear goal, i.e. once a week, every two weeks, or once a month, to intentionally experience a masterpiece.
He defines a masterpiece as “anything made or performed by someone who is an expert in their craft.”
“Obvious choices are art museums, symphony performances, and operas,” he observes, “but I’d extend the category to include stuff like factory tours of impressive companies.”
At first, he felt nervous about museums because he didn’t think he knew “how to appreciate art.” But after a few tours, it felt easier. “I learned that appreciating art doesn’t require tons of knowledge or preparation,” he reflects.
“Just going to a museum, walking around for a couple hours and stopping if and when you find something that’s interesting to you, is plenty.”
Tynan also believes spending time in nature can provide the same kind of inspiration. “I find that it inspires me in the same way.”
The idea is simple: Make it a habit to regularly put yourself in the presence of something extraordinary.
More next week!
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Reflection: What have you experienced recently that made you think differently about what excellence looks like?
Action: Choose one masterpiece to experience this month—a museum, performance, extraordinary organization, work of art, or time in nature—and put it on your calendar.
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