Kamal Ravikant wrote this short book at his lowest point, and its thesis is to make a vow to love yourself, then practice it every day until it's true. The idea is that your mind is like a groove, and the thoughts you repeat get deeper and start running on their own, so you deliberately carve a better one.
CEOs carry a lot of pressure, and harsh self-criticism is common and corrosive. This is a simple, repeatable way to be on your own side, which tends to make you steadier in everything else.
The whole practice rests on one phrase, repeated with real feeling: "I love myself."
The Practice in One Minute
The keystone habit is ten breaths. Breathe in and think "I love myself"; breathe out and let go of whatever's there, without judgment. Repeat ten times, especially in the morning, before sleep, and any time your mind starts to spiral. Ravikant builds it out into four practices (a mental loop, meditation, the mirror, and asking yourself better questions), all anchored by a daily vow and a forgiveness exercise.
The single most useful question from the book: "If I loved myself, truly, madly, and deeply, what would I do?" It works like a light switch that you can flip at almost any moment.
Full summaryRead the full summary →
Get the book: Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamal Ravikant on Amazon.
(This is a personal-development practice, not medical or psychological treatment. If you're struggling with your mental health, please talk to a professional or someone you trust.)
Related Malloy resources