In our last +1, we put on our Optimizing nerd glasses ( 🤓 !!!) and explored the etymological (and psychological) opposites: prosper and despair.

We reminded ourselves that prosper literally means “to go forward with hope” while despair literally means “without hope.”

Then we channeled the healthiest among us (and the healthiest versions of ourselves) by committing to APPROACHING our challenges with hope rather than avoiding them out of despair.

Today I want to revisit one of the most powerful ways to do that.

In fact, it’s arguably THE most powerful (and perhaps also the simplest) way to bridge the gap between despair and hope.

Can you guess what it is?

Well, let’s cruise on over to our library of PhilosophersNotes and pull out our Notes on Why We Sleep one more time. (Yes, again.)

Here’s how our beloved sleep scientist Matthew Walker puts it: “I will summarize this section by offering a discerning quote on the topic of sleep and emotion by the American entrepreneur E. Joseph Cossman: ‘The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.’”

Did you catch that?

Let’s repeat it just to make sure: “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.”

That’s Today’s +1.

Feeling despair?

Get a good night of sleep.

And…

Remember: That bridge goes both ways.

Feeling great and want to dampen your hope? Stay up late (all manic-like) and get a poor night of sleep and… run the risk of stumbling into the land of despair.

When/if THAT happens?

Not a big deal. Put the data to good use and just walk back across the bridge.

Prioritize getting a great night of sleep by rocking your PM bookend and wake up feeling nice and prosperous. 🤓

Despair → Hope #948

The Best Bridge?

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This +1 Inspired by:

Why We Sleep

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This +1 Inspired by:

Why We Sleep