Hi there,
Our minds are wired to operate on autopilot for survival. But what used to save energy in a prehistoric world can hold us back in modern life.
When our ancestors had to hunt and gather, automatic thinking was a huge advantage—it let them react quickly without burning too much mental fuel. Today, though, those same shortcuts can lead to running on autopilot for years without noticing. If you’ve ever found yourself following the same routine day after day without question, you’ve experienced this paradox firsthand.
Warren Buffett offers a unique example of how to resist autopilot thinking. Despite being one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, he’s lived in the same modest house since 1958. It’s a deliberate choice—avoiding the trap of lifestyle inflation that can easily become a mindless pattern. By staying intentional, he freed up his mental bandwidth for more meaningful pursuits.
For the rest of us, autopilot can be more subtle. Maybe it’s your weekly grocery list, which never changes, even though your tastes have evolved. Or perhaps it’s a job that doesn’t challenge you anymore, yet you’ve never considered looking elsewhere. These patterns start harmlessly enough but can accumulate, turning into years of unfulfilled potential.
Actionable Tip:
Pick one routine—like your morning ritual or your lunch break—and do it differently tomorrow. Even a small, conscious change helps your brain shift out of autopilot, training you to notice the automatic decisions that shape your day.
Living on autopilot might feel comfortable, but every day we spend coasting is a day we miss out on richer experiences. A single deliberate change can spark a broader shift toward living with more purpose.
Explore more ways to break autopilot with LifeHack All-Access
Best,
Leon
Founder & CEO @ LifeHack
