Define: Alignment

I use the word “Alignment” often. So, I figured it might be useful to wrap a definition around it.

In one line, I define Alignment as:

Beliefs could be deep, like:

• My current perception of my work’s purpose

• My True Selfish views on kids & marriage

• Or that we’re all connected as part of this Collective

• (For more examples see pretty much all of the content I share here…)

Beliefs could also be surface-level, like:

• “Cottage cheese makes for a healthy breakfast”

• “Sleeping in past 10 means I’m a lazy piece of s**t”

Defining the beliefs is the responsibility of the beholder. However, no matter what the beliefs are, operating in Alignment requires actually living in accordance with 'em.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s a real challenge to selfishly & honestly define one’s belief set. Society, family, friends, pretty much everybody will incentivize conformity.

However, inspired by Arthur Brooks’s commentary on The Tim Ferriss Show (and supported by personal experience), I’ve realized that for as long as I avoid this intentional act of honest discernment and for as long as I refuse to live in accordance, then I’ll exist in a miserable state of Misalignment. I’ll continue denying myself happiness (however I choose to define it).