The Building Blocks

A series of articles exploring the foundational ideas behind what it means to live well and make meaningful choices within the challenges of modern life.

Chris James Chris James

On…Our Natural Desire for Status

The awkward truth, is that it's a natural desire. But one we need to learn to tame in the modern era. Because wanting more is actually our embedded quest to attain status. Status is a core human need, but knowing how to achieve has never been more confusing than it is today.

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Chris James Chris James

On…The Stories we Tell Ourselves

Humans’ superpower is our ability to tell stories. Stories help us to make sense of an uncertain world. Stories are not facts; they exist to prompt questions. The ability to question and update our own uncomfortable stories is the key to building resilience.

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Chris James Chris James

1. On Happiness

Realising that we’re built to be effective, not happy, shapes our view of meaning.

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Chris James Chris James

2. On Perspective

When we have perspective over the length of our life, it allows us to shape how we make better choices, like what to care about, and what to let go.

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Chris James Chris James

3. On Anxiety

Anxiety is not necessarily something to fear, or avoid. When we treat it as our in-built, natural alarm, we can learn to use it to learn more about ourselves.

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Chris James Chris James

4. On Competition

How we our role in the world against others has a big impact on our view of ourselves. Developing a healthier way to track our progress sets us up for longer term success.

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Chris James Chris James

5. On Choice

As an adult, we always have a choice. And recognising this has the power to unleash new ways for us to grow.

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Chris James Chris James

6. On Emotions

It’s easy to create complicated relationships with our emotions, as if they’re something to fear or control us. By when we realise they’re just information, we can use them for our growth.

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Chris James Chris James

7. On Pain

Pain is something many of us try our best to avoid. But the harsh reality of life is that it’s necessary for growth.

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Chris James Chris James

8. On Meaning

Meaning in life, or purpose, isn’t something you just happen upon by chance, or discover out the blue. It’s something you must choose for yourself.

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Chris James Chris James

9. On Authenticity

Life is destined to be full of uncertainty. The harder you fight against it, the more you lose control. Accepting how to live amongst uncertainty, allows you to accept what you can and cannot control.

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Chris James Chris James

10. On Responsibility

How does anyone start to make sense of a life of uncertainty, emotions and limited reason? By taking responsibility.

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