Our ancestors required an acute sense of self-preservation matched with a keen sense of observation. Always scanning, smelling, listening to the surroundings, on the watch for danger, aware of what immediate action needed to be taken, whether it was running from a saber-tooth tiger, dodging a falling rock, eluding a poisonous snake, or just avoiding a careless footfall.
They personified Primal Blueprint Law #9: Avoid Stupid Mistakes. Remember that a twisted knee or a broken ankle could spell death to anyone who couldn’t run away from danger. In fact, along with high infant mortality, it was probably trauma (or a brief careless lapse in judgment) that was most responsible for the low average life expectancy of our ancestors, despite their otherwise robust good health. Avoid trauma, and there was a very good chance you could live into your 70s and be extremely healthy, mobile, and fit. Modern day hunter-gatherers maintain strength and health often well into their 80s.
The threats today are different, but the foundational truth remains: avoiding stupid mistakes is how we live healthy, happy, long lives.
Eliminate self-destructive behaviors. These concepts are self-evident to most people, like wear seat belts, don’t text and drive, don’t walk and text, don’t smoke or abuse drugs, watch your alcohol intake, don’t dive into shallow water—but so many of us live our lives oblivious to impending danger. Develop a keen sense of awareness of your surroundings and heed the logic of potential consequences.
When you’re lifting or exercising, know your limits. Listen to the little voice inside you saying to “stop the set short” or “take a break.” That’s often your nervous system trying to get you to avoid a stupid mistake in the weight room or on the playing field.
Today’s mistakes are often the choices not taken, the opportunities ignored, the risks avoided.
It’s an exceedingly safe world from the standpoint of physical security. We don’t hunt for food or fight our neighbor for resources. What we often do is let the world pass us by. We stay too safe and avoid taking the chances that could get us a big win.
Another big stupid mistake so many people make is letting your relationships suffer in favor of the external rewards of the “world.” Skipping the soccer game to work an extra couple hours. Forgetting date night. Cultivate and maintain your personal relationships before all else. Let them buttress you as you seek your fortune.
As you can see, the world is more complicated than it used to be. There are more mistakes to make, and although they’re stupid mistakes, they’re sneaky. Identifying the stupid mistakes is often harder now. They’re more diffuse, not so clear-cut as a dangerous snake or an enemy tribe. You won’t always see them coming, so make sure you’re staying on top of things, staying alert, and avoiding the easy ones.
Thank you for reading!
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* This blog reflects my personal views and opinions and isn’t intended as medical advice, but I hope it will be informative and inspiring as you pursue a healthy, fulfilling life.
