Altucher argues that the 'old rules' – relying on corporations, institutions, or gatekeepers for security and success – are breaking down. The new imperative is to 'choose yourself.' This means taking radical responsibility for your own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, and for creating your own opportunities, rather than waiting for someone else to pick you.

A cornerstone of Altucher's philosophy is the 'Daily Practice,' focusing on four key areas:

• Physical: Prioritizing sleep, healthy eating, and movement. A healthy body supports a sharp mind.
• Emotional: Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and minimizing contact with those who drain you. Letting go of grudges and practicing gratitude.
• Mental: Continuously generating ideas (he suggests 10 ideas a day), reading, learning, and exercising your creative muscles.
• Spiritual: This is personal, but involves connecting with something larger than yourself, practicing mindfulness, meditation, or prayer, and finding inner peace.

Consistent attention to these areas builds resilience and provides the foundation from which you can confidently choose yourself.

Beyond the Daily Practice, 'Choose Yourself' involves several key mindset shifts:

• Permissionless Creation: Don't wait for someone to give you permission to create, share, or pursue your ideas. The tools are available; give yourself the green light.
• Internal Validation Over External Approval: Focus on doing work that aligns with your values and brings you satisfaction, rather than chasing external accolades or approval from others.
• Embrace Failure as Feedback: See setbacks not as definitive judgments of your worth, but as valuable data points for learning and iteration. 'Failure is just a resting point. It's a comma, not a period.'
• Honesty and Authenticity: Be true to yourself, your values, and your experiences. This builds trust and genuine connection.
• Saying 'No': Protect your time and energy by saying 'no' to things that don't align with your priorities or well-being, even if it's uncomfortable.
• Build Multiple Streams (of Value/Income): Reduce reliance on any single source of income or validation by diversifying your skills, projects, and connections.

Consider these questions from our assessment to see how well you're currently embodying the 'Choose Yourself' ethos:

• How often do you seek external permission versus giving it to yourself?
• Are you consistently nurturing your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health?
• How much power does external validation hold over your sense of self-worth?
• What's your typical reaction to rejection or failure from traditional paths?
• How often do you find yourself people-pleasing at the expense of your own needs?

Altucher's message is particularly resonant in an era of economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and the rise of the creator economy. The ability to be self-reliant, adaptable, and internally driven is more valuable than ever. 'Choosing Yourself' is not about selfishness; it's about building a strong inner core so you can contribute your unique value to the world on your own terms.

Further Reading & Connections:

• Altucher, J. (2013). Choose Yourself! Be Happy, Make Millions, Live the Dream. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
• Concepts related to self-efficacy (Albert Bandura), intrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan), and resilience are also relevant.