In this episode, I provide an argument for why an autopilot approach to life (always choosing the default, easiest choices) generally doesn’t work. I start with the example of health, and then compare the decline of society’s physical health (particularly metabolic health) to cognitive and emotional struggles many face today in our current digital landscape.
Then I move on to 5 things I am loving now — lightening the mood considerably!
Mentioned on the ep:
- Cal Newport’s recent episode discussing cognitive KPIs
- Hobonichi launch site!
(YES it’s Hobonichi launch day for some of us, depending on time zone! Orders open up at 10 PM Eastern time!!)
Episode Sponsors:
Factor: Head to factormeals.com/plans50off and and use code plans50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box while supplies last until 10/31/2026
IXL: Best Laid Plans listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at https://www.ixl.com/plans.
PrepDish: Meal planning done for you — with Instacart links (optional, but it works so well if you like to shop that way)! Try it free for 2 weeks by visiting prepdish.com/plans
12 Comments
I saw that Hobonichi cover at the preview at The Paper Mouse and it is also beautiful in person!
ooh yay so glad to hear! One of my friends went to that preview and came home wanting it all! Wish I could have gone!!!
The flip side is using autopilot in your favor. Think automated savings via your employees direct deposit, meal prep 1x/week so food that meets your goals is already readily available and easy to grab the rest of the week, having a standing calendar notice for a night out with a specific friend/group of friends so you don’t have to coordinate calendars each time.
Ooh yesssssss!!! I love this twist!!
I loved the autopilot soapbox! (Reminds me of the autopilot song from Weezer). Your take on the way society makes it hard to live healthy lives is so interesting. It’s a little different in Norway, but many similarities too. My main problem with getting off autopilot is how exhausting it is to be present all the time. I’m amazed by how much I get done, but I feel tired in a whole different (better) way. I need to learn how to plan better for downtime and fun, and then execute on it. Even if I put it on my list for the day, I tend to not prioritize such things until all the others are done
Too slow on getting my order in today! All out of stock. Do you know if they refill their stock regularly? I was hoping for the V&A cover for the cousin – both sold out in about 45 min (or less).
Have you looked at other retailers – Jetpens, Atlas, Yoseka? I ended up winning big (well, or losing . . . if we’re talking about my wallet, lol) at Jetpens after EVERYTHING immediately started disappearing from my Hobonichi cart last night!
I think usually in 1-2 months (well before 2027) in past years! I remember one year I wanted this Glitter Leather cover SOOO badly, missed it in the launch, and snagged it from Jetpens like a month later!
it’s showing in stock on the hobonichi site now!!!!
I think next year I’m going to just got to SLEEP and order early (Eastern time) 9/1!!!!
Thank you for those sites! All sold out of V&A cousin cover but I’ll keep an eye out. Appreciate the help.
NM above! I got it today! Hooray! Thanks for checking their site again. Happy day!
So excited for you 🙂 🙂 I know the feeling . . .WELL. HA!!!