Like this ride, our lives are filled with ups and downs, driven by factors such as the fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels, or the rush of dopamine highs and lows. We constantly chase after one thing, let go of another, and then run after something else entirely. This continual pursuit elevates our glucose and insulin levels, often leading to insulin resistance. We play with our dopamine levels, alternating between highs and lows, a continuous cycle of joy and despair.

This roller coaster lifestyle sharply contrasts with what I refer to as the “cruise liner” life. A cruise ship sails steadily and calmly, often to the point where passengers hardly notice any movement. Despite being in the middle of the ocean, the ship’s smooth and steady movement prevents your coffee from spilling. This steady progress enables the ship to complete journeys of thousands of miles.

The critical question arises: Do you want to lead a roller coaster life, full of unexpected highs and lows, or a cruise liner’s life, marked by steady, predictable progression?

The benefits of leading a steady life are numerous. We can handle stress more effectively because there are no sudden shocks or surprises. Our body and mind maintain a balanced baseline, reducing vulnerability and fostering resilience. This constant state of equilibrium, which I refer to as the “baseline theory,” is crucial for maintaining health and stability. For instance, we often revolve around a baseline weight, with small deviations now and then. However, the goal is to minimize the standard deviation from this baseline.

A significant aspect of this theory is that we should not experience variations of more than 5% in any area of our life, be it weight, diet consumption, physical status, or work. I call this the “5% baseline theory,” which posits that we should not have more than a 5% fluctuation in any aspect of our lives, measured over a day, a week, or a month. If the variation exceeds this limit, it indicates an area that needs attention and rectification.

Consistency should be the underlying principle of our lives. Regularity in our routines, eating habits, work, and leisure activities brings stability, which, in turn, promotes discipline. Discipline arises from self-control, and self-control is fueled by motivation. Hence, the motivation to lead a balanced and fulfilling life is paramount.

People are motivated by different factors, ranging from dissatisfaction with their current condition to serious health scares. Regardless of the motivation, the goal should always be to lead a steady, consistent, predictable life, not one dictated by external stimuli or forces. We need to make conscious decisions and execute them independently.

The simple life, as I like to call it, is not about drastic fluctuations and last-minute scrambles to get tasks done. It’s about timely execution and avoiding unnecessary stress. If someone spends hours on social media or Netflix yet claims to lack time for exercise, healthy eating, or essential work, they are only fooling themselves.

In essence, we all have sufficient time to do important things in our lives; the issue lies in time management and prioritization. As individuals, we need to fight against the distractions imposed by corporations that aim to keep us on their platforms. This fight may be on an individual level, or if you’re in a position of influence, you may be able to effect change on a national scale.

One common excuse that I often encounter is that people don’t have time to take care of their health or complete their tasks. In my observation, people tend to complete tasks for which they are accountable to others while ignoring those that concern only them. This is where my theory of “social ramification” comes into play. We should prioritize tasks for which we are responsible for ourselves before those for which we are socially responsible. After all, who is more important in your life – you or someone else?

At the heart of it all, isn’t self-responsibility the most essential? But unfortunately, our society isn’t designed that way. The society rewards you when you are socially responsible, and punishes you when you fail to meet social expectations. We are judged based on our success in the external world while our internal world is often neglected. The irony is that a healthy internal world contributes significantly to our success in the external world. When our body is healthy, when our mind is clear and focused, we become more productive, more creative, more efficient. We can better meet our social responsibilities, and even surpass expectations.

Perhaps, it’s time we start looking inward. Let’s redefine success. Let’s not make it about ticking off the most number of items from our to-do list, or achieving the highest number of likes on our social media posts. Rather, let’s make success about being in harmony with our mind, body, and soul. Let’s make it about maintaining that steady pace in life, just like the cruise liner, rather than chasing after highs and lows like the roller coaster. This will require a significant shift in mindset. But once achieved, you’ll find yourself leading a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

The cruise liner life is a life of mindfulness. It’s about being fully present in the moment, rather than being swept away by the currents of our thoughts and emotions. It’s about consciously deciding how you want to live your life, rather than being led by outside forces. It’s about understanding your own rhythms, your own baseline, and maintaining a steady pace around it.

Leading a cruise liner life is not easy, especially in a world that thrives on roller coaster lives. But the rewards are immense. You’ll feel more grounded, more centered. Your life will have a sense of purpose, a sense of direction. You’ll find yourself more resilient in the face of adversities. And most importantly, you’ll be able to enjoy the journey of life, rather than being anxious about reaching the destination.

So, let’s embrace the cruise liner life. Let’s ditch the roller coaster life. It’s time to embark on a journey of self-discovery, a journey of mindfulness, a journey of inner peace and contentment. It’s time to live life on our own terms, at our own pace. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?

In conclusion, the goal is to live a steady, predictable, and fulfilling life, free from the unnecessary ups and downs of a roller coaster existence. The simplicity of a cruise liner life brings about tranquility and balance, allowing us to enjoy the journey rather than just rushing towards our ultimate destination.