Dr. Michael Vlerick presents a concrete 10 step plan on how to become a happier person!   He emphasizes the need to develop good habits and discard bad habits, starting with small changes and being kind to ourselves. Living a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Meditation is also highlighted as a powerful tool for rewiring the brain and freeing ourselves from negative mental reactions and cravings.   In this conversation, Michael Vlerick and Aldo de Pape discuss the final 10 steps to becoming happier.   These steps include observing mental reactions without reacting, developing contentment and gratitude, engaging in flow activities, investing in social relationships, and not making happiness the direct goal.   They emphasize the importance of training the mind to wander less and be more present, as well as the benefits of altruism and helping others. They also discuss the negative impact of mindless relaxation activities and the importance of focusing on the present moment.   Takeaways Understand your genetic programming and the stick and carrot principle to achieve happiness. Develop good habits and discard bad habits, starting with small changes and being kind to yourself. Live a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising, for both physical and mental well-being. Use meditation as a powerful tool to rewire the brain and free yourself from negative mental reactions and cravings. Observe mental reactions without reacting and extend this practice to daily life Develop contentment and gratitude for a deeply satisfying life Engage in flow activities instead of mindless relaxation Invest in social relationships and practice altruism Don't make happiness the direct goal, focus on equanimity, contentment, and loving interactions  --- Become an Audible Member for only 99 pence for 3 months: https://bit.ly/3vzSox9 Riverside.fm: get a 15% discount by using the code MESSY or sign up here https://bit.ly/3HCU4IC Register to Receive Books for £1 from Scholastic:https://bit.ly/49lRimq Leading the Circular Fashion Revolution with Preworn: Get a 25% discount using the code MESSY25: https://bit.ly/49bEXlD Cold Case Inc (use the code MESSY and get an exclusive 15% discount): https://bit.ly/3HN75PD Connect with the Brands you love at Awin:https://bit.ly/3vzSvJ5 Find the Perfect Gardener on Care.com: https://bit.ly/4cLKcdZ Grown Alchemist: https://bit.ly/3vKGXCD Cake or Death: https://bit.ly/3J4tDfG Kids Party Craft: https://bit.ly/4cFrULj Bike Club: https://bit.ly/3xj7DuF The Code Zone: https://bit.ly/3UlspmU