Keep Up the Good Work: Navigating Change with Courage

We’re all trying to navigate this crazy journey called life. Some of us are scaling the mountain of success, while others may find themselves stuck in a rut.

Regardless of where you are, there’s always room for improvement, balance, and—most importantly—happiness.

I want to share something I’ve been working on, something I call The Universal Code.

It’s a collection of 13 life-changing principles that can universally apply to anyone and everyone. I’ve written about the universal code in my new book, Keep Up the Good Work.

Whether you’re a college student looking for direction or a seasoned professional stuck in a mid-life crisis, these tenets are designed to elevate your existence and bring balance to all facets of your life.

Yep, it’s a tall order, but trust me, these principles have the transformative power we all need.

Why 13 Principles?

Good question. The number 13 often gets a bad rap for being unlucky. But I think it’s time to reclaim this misunderstood number. I’ve identified 13 areas, or tenets, of life that most of us need to address to create a life that’s not just successful but also well-rounded and fulfilling.

These are

  • sleeping
  • socializing
  • sweating
  • silly
  • standing
  • stretching
  • sun
  • saving
  • stillness
  • sex
  • singing
  • stoicism
  • sobriety

It’s a baker’s dozen of principles that touch every corner of human existence.

A Sneak Peek into the Code

I don’t want to spill all the beans here—that’s what the book is for—but let’s talk about “Sleep,” the cornerstone of good health. For a topic that takes up one-third of our lives, we give it shockingly little attention. Research in books like “Why We Sleep” shows that poor sleep has wide-ranging effects, from reduced focus to severe health issues. Quality sleep can elevate your life in unimaginable ways.

Another principle that’s close to my heart is “Social.” In a world where we’re more “connected” than ever, loneliness is at an all-time high.

Sounds paradoxical, doesn’t it?

Well, I’ve explored this extensively in my first book, Your World is Exploding, and I’ve come to realize that digital “connection” doesn’t replace the real, in-person bonds we inherently crave.

A Principle for Everyone

The beauty of The Universal Code is its universal applicability. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Baby Boomer or a Gen Z, male or female, from the East or the West. These 13 principles are the keys to unlock a fulfilling life.

I’m blending insights from various people and books that have influenced and helped me like “Atomic Habits,” “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” and even some timeless wisdom from “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

This isn’t just a retelling—it’s a synthesis of the best life-improving concepts, viewed through the lens of the 13 tenets, and my monkey brain. Apologies in advance.

Wrapping it Up

Folks, we’re living in a complicated world. We’re constantly pulled in a million directions and, sometimes, we lose sight of what truly matters.

That’s why The Universal Code isn’t just another self-help methodology. It’s a practical, actionable blueprint that you can tailor to fit your unique circumstances and needs.

Keep an eye out for more about Keep Up the Good Work. In the meantime, start considering which of these 13 life-changing principles you need to focus on. Trust me, if you’re anything like me, understanding and applying these principles can offer a profound transformation.

Stay happy, stay balanced, and stay tuned! We’re going to navigate change together, with courage.

Keep up the good work,

Chris

PS – sign up here to get updates on the book.