Hello friends,
Welcome to the first email of the "How to Best Be" newsletter.
The goal is simple: every Tuesday, I want to help you BE the best version of yourself in just a few minutes. (Spoil alert: it’s NOT about self-improvement.)
I will do this by sharing insights from my journey of continuously discovering and fulfilling my potential, commitment to build a healthy body and clear mind! I'll also highlight valuable lessons from in-depth personal conversations, intriguing books, and podcasts, all aimed at capturing what it truly means to be the best version of ourselves.
During the last 10 years,
I meditate and exercise (walk, run, yoga, or martial arts) daily, rain or shine.
I read about three books per month, which has grown my library to nearly 400 titles, covering topics ranging from spirituality, arts, business, politics, history, health, and fiction.
The three simple habits, compounded daily over a decade, changed my life and unlocked my potential. Although the journey has never been short of frustrations and tears, I am surrounded by nourishing, meaningful relationships and am enthusiastically working on building my dream business.
I hope it doesn’t sound boastful; I’m just an ordinary girl born and raised in an average family in mainland China. With a sense of curiosity, a pinch of courage, and a touch of divine grace, I have led an interesting and adventurous life.
During our recent catch-up, my friend Jason and I discussed the challenges of starting a good habit and breaking a bad one. I've found it challenging to journal consistently. And congratulations to Jason on his commitment to living an alcohol-free life. Quitting drinking is tough.
In the first email, I want to dive into the importance of creating a solid "system" to support the development of good habits. Unlike traditional beliefs, goals and motivations are often overrated when building good habits.
The essential components are an actionable system and a supportive environment. By establishing a structured approach, we set ourselves up for success and make those positive changes easier to maintain.
This brings us to the first step in establishing a good habit: make it obvious. For instance, I’ve relished evening runs in Hong Kong’s cooler night temperatures for years. But in early 2020, I wanted to switch to morning run, in retrospect, to gain a sense of control over my life during pandemic. I set my alarm for 6 a.m. and after getting up, ran along Victoria Harbour.
I plan to write regularly but keep procrastinating. On February 6, 2025, I just decided to publish a newsletter on Substack every Monday at 8 a.m. .
According to <Atomic Habits> written by James Clear,
1. The first law of behavioural change is makes it obvious.
2. the two most common cues are time and location.
3. the simple way to create a new habit is to fill out this sentence:
I will [BEHAVIOUR] at [TIME] in [LOCATION].
I have been unconsciously and strategically implementing new positive habits all along.
In my following email, I will discuss step 2: making a new habit attractive so you crave it.
P.S. Thanks to Tintin, a 27-year-old London-based former management consultant turned YouTube producer/entrepreneur, for inspiring this newsletter.
Putting me out there is nerve-wracking, but I got to do this anyway. Thank you for reading.
Have an epic week ^^.
Love, Fang
Atomic Habits is a must read! That, along with learning how to Calendar has helped me make sure I create the space for the most important and valuable things to me.
Loved it Fang, subscribed and looking forward to the next one.👏