Jay Samit's Blog
December 29, 2025
An Author's New Year Resolution to you
Indulge me in reading a long post that I believe can add decades to your life. I’ve spent most of 2025 thinking about my 2026 New Year’s resolutions. We all want to be happy, but do we work towards building a joyous life? We all want to be healthy, but why do we get sidetracked by the stresses of modern life? What if in 2026 you could kick off your second act and achieve all your goals and so much more. Imagine for a moment, feeling younger, in both body and spirit, ready to not only improve your life, but the world around you. I’ve spent the past year digging through dozens of scientific papers, reading all the great philosophers, researching the world’s Blue Zones, listening to countless expert podcasts, and synthesized the best available knowledge for extending one’s life by twenty healthful years.
I promise you, this year can be different. Before I share what I’ve learned, let me make a few confessions for those of you who don’t know me well. I hate exercise. My favorite foods are pizza, pastrami, and pasta. I am a lifelong lazy nerd who never played sports, even as a child. In fact, my spirit animal is probably a hibernating bear that just wants to Netflix and chill. Now that I’ve shared those self-revelations, it probably begs the question: Who am I to be giving advice for living a longer, healthier life? It is because of who I am, that I am exactly the person to be sharing advice on how to increase your healthspan. I’m not a gym rat or a vegan or a paleo or a guru. I am a mostly sedentary, middle-age man with a mind that is open to change. I studied the latest science and learned about how our body uses autophagy for self-healing and how intermittent fasting can be scheduled to happen mostly when we are sleeping. With just two months of minor lifestyle changes, I dropped over 25 lbs. and returned to what I weighed in college. Beyond the physical, I have more energy, achieve extended flow states, enjoy mental-clarity and see possibilities that I could not imagine before. I’ll share more details in the coming months, but for now, consider this step one of the lazy nerd’s biohacking guide to a longer and happier life:
1. The real secret to living longer isn’t good genes; it’s waking up every day with a reason to get out of bed and make a difference. The Japanese called it “ikigai.” Simply put, the purpose of life is to life a life of purpose. Happiness grows from acts of kindness towards others. Volunteer an hour, mentor someone younger, help a neighbor, or move one inch forward on a passion project (helping you is my passion project).
2. Move a little more. Take a daily walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen, do anything that gets you moving. Simple, consistent motion add years of healthy life. You don’t need to trek 10,000 steps a day, just get up at least once an hour and move.
3. Nurture real connections. Call a friend, join a group, reach out to someone who might be lonely. Strong relationships are one of the most powerful “longevity medicines” we have. If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.
4. Learn something new. Learn a language, take a class, experiment with AI tools, or pick up a hobby you “never had time for.” Challenging your brain fosters neuroplasticity which keeps you sharper and more optimistic about the future.
5. Treat your body like your most important asset. Sleep a bit more, eat a bit better, stress a bit less. Small daily choices around food, rest, and recovery compound into extra years of vitality.
These are just the basics to get you started and there is so much more that can make your life amazing. I am sharing everything that I’ve learned in my new book, The Second Act Advantage. Think of it as Disrupt You for when you are a little older and wiser. I share the nine easy things that anyone can do to at up to 28 years to their life (having a dog and having more orgasms are on the list). I also want to share how AI can be a valuable tool to help everyone achieve and prosper. In a month, I will be launching a free AI companion with the book to help mentor people with their personalized goals. Lastly, I believe our society’s greatest untapped resource are the hearts and minds of all of us who have been sitting on the sidelines when we still have so much we can contribute to our world.
If this resonates with you, I’d be honored if you’d support my journey and pre order The Second Act Advantage on Amazon today—and share this post with a friend who’s ready for their own second act. This isn’t a sales pitch (there is no money in writing a book). This is a heartfelt request from a friend trying to make a difference. I know The Second Act Advantage can help millions of people, but they’ll never know about it if I can’t overcome Amazon’s algorithm. Getting pre-orders on a book starts a cascade effect of getting retailers to stock it, reviewers to write about it, and readers to learn about it. I thank you in advance for helping me make 2026 our best year yet.
I promise you, this year can be different. Before I share what I’ve learned, let me make a few confessions for those of you who don’t know me well. I hate exercise. My favorite foods are pizza, pastrami, and pasta. I am a lifelong lazy nerd who never played sports, even as a child. In fact, my spirit animal is probably a hibernating bear that just wants to Netflix and chill. Now that I’ve shared those self-revelations, it probably begs the question: Who am I to be giving advice for living a longer, healthier life? It is because of who I am, that I am exactly the person to be sharing advice on how to increase your healthspan. I’m not a gym rat or a vegan or a paleo or a guru. I am a mostly sedentary, middle-age man with a mind that is open to change. I studied the latest science and learned about how our body uses autophagy for self-healing and how intermittent fasting can be scheduled to happen mostly when we are sleeping. With just two months of minor lifestyle changes, I dropped over 25 lbs. and returned to what I weighed in college. Beyond the physical, I have more energy, achieve extended flow states, enjoy mental-clarity and see possibilities that I could not imagine before. I’ll share more details in the coming months, but for now, consider this step one of the lazy nerd’s biohacking guide to a longer and happier life:
1. The real secret to living longer isn’t good genes; it’s waking up every day with a reason to get out of bed and make a difference. The Japanese called it “ikigai.” Simply put, the purpose of life is to life a life of purpose. Happiness grows from acts of kindness towards others. Volunteer an hour, mentor someone younger, help a neighbor, or move one inch forward on a passion project (helping you is my passion project).
2. Move a little more. Take a daily walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen, do anything that gets you moving. Simple, consistent motion add years of healthy life. You don’t need to trek 10,000 steps a day, just get up at least once an hour and move.
3. Nurture real connections. Call a friend, join a group, reach out to someone who might be lonely. Strong relationships are one of the most powerful “longevity medicines” we have. If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.
4. Learn something new. Learn a language, take a class, experiment with AI tools, or pick up a hobby you “never had time for.” Challenging your brain fosters neuroplasticity which keeps you sharper and more optimistic about the future.
5. Treat your body like your most important asset. Sleep a bit more, eat a bit better, stress a bit less. Small daily choices around food, rest, and recovery compound into extra years of vitality.
These are just the basics to get you started and there is so much more that can make your life amazing. I am sharing everything that I’ve learned in my new book, The Second Act Advantage. Think of it as Disrupt You for when you are a little older and wiser. I share the nine easy things that anyone can do to at up to 28 years to their life (having a dog and having more orgasms are on the list). I also want to share how AI can be a valuable tool to help everyone achieve and prosper. In a month, I will be launching a free AI companion with the book to help mentor people with their personalized goals. Lastly, I believe our society’s greatest untapped resource are the hearts and minds of all of us who have been sitting on the sidelines when we still have so much we can contribute to our world.
If this resonates with you, I’d be honored if you’d support my journey and pre order The Second Act Advantage on Amazon today—and share this post with a friend who’s ready for their own second act. This isn’t a sales pitch (there is no money in writing a book). This is a heartfelt request from a friend trying to make a difference. I know The Second Act Advantage can help millions of people, but they’ll never know about it if I can’t overcome Amazon’s algorithm. Getting pre-orders on a book starts a cascade effect of getting retailers to stock it, reviewers to write about it, and readers to learn about it. I thank you in advance for helping me make 2026 our best year yet.
August 1, 2017
10 Things I Learned From Writing a Book
When my book Disrupt You! was published two years ago today, I couldn’t have imagined the amazing impact it would have on my life. For anyone considering writing a book, I want to share the ten truths I learned from the process.
It’s a Small World After All
Our world is far smaller and more interconnected than I ever imagined. While it is true that 42% of US college graduates never read another book in their entire lives, it is also true that there are millions of eager minds around the globe thirsty for the knowledge and experience we take for granted. I have been blessed to hear from readers in over 100 countries that want to become entrepreneurs and impact their communities with positive change. Their hopes and dreams fuel me. Their emails sustain my passion for being purposeful with my life.
Readers Love to Share What Inspires Them
Readers love to share with their friends, coworkers and social media followers things that inspire them. The only marketing you need to have your book succeed are inspired readers. I am humbled by the effort readers have taken to spread my message. They’ve translated it into foreign languages, created videos, memes, museum installations and my favorite: a ten foot high neon sign. Once you share your thoughts with the world, the words are no longer yours. They will take on a life of their own.
Be Honest With Your Short Comings
When writing, I wrestled with how much of my personal story (both good and bad) to include in the book. Resoundingly, I have heard from readers that they want to hear from a real, authentic voice (warts and all). We all learned through our mistakes and sharing those challenges will help others overcome the obstacles they will undoubtedly face in their journey to success.
Readers Are Generous with their Hearts
In the age of social media, you will hear from your readers. Their kind words and thanks propelled me to speak around the world and make friends with some of the most incredible entrepreneurs, students, thinkers and progressive government officials on our planet. At an age when many of us get cynical with the state of affairs in the world, meeting those who are striving to make a difference will change you.
A Whole Generation is Looking for Purpose in their Lives
My generation was too busy making a living to ask the hard existential questions of why are we here. Today’s youth around the world recognize that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Brands are just starting to catch up with this enlightened approach to our time together. I wrote a book to teach readers, but I ended up learning so much more from starting a dialog with them.
Your Perspective on Our World will Change
All of us have cultural and cognitive biases that we don’t recognize. When your book is published in other languages and countries who will be called out on your field of view. One reader wanted to know why I didn’t mention any successful female entrepreneurs until page 28. Conversely, many negative stereotypes of America were shattered by sharing how open our society is to agents of change. Be prepared to have your eyes opened.
Publishers Don’t Market
Really. They don’t. As much as I was told this, I was shocked that even the world’s largest publishing companies don’t understand how quickly their world has changed. You will have to build your own audience and platform. Expect to spend more time marketing your book than writing it (so make sure it is worth the effort).
Podcasting is an Author’s Medium
Podcasting is the 21st Century’s Oprah. Buy a good quality microphone and appear on as many shows as you can. Best of all, you can do podcasts all over the world without leaving your home (or even getting out of your PJs). I never visited Australia on my book tour, but hit number one on the charts there thanks to a podcast. The biggest difference between podcasts and television is that a TV show airs once while a podcast stays online forever. So doing multiple shows over time builds into a cumulative tsunami effect.
My Mother Finally Understands What I do
For most of her 80+ years, I don’t think my mother understood my life as an entrepreneur. But she is the best grammarian I know. So after all of the editors finished proofreading my book, mom gave it the final inspection (and found 17 mistakes the professionals missed). I so cherish that experience and now will forever know to use “If I were”, not “If I was.”
Paying it Forward is the Most Rewarding Thing You Can Do
What is the purpose of amassing knowledge and gaining insights into the human condition unless you share it? We each have a unique journey, unique wisdom, and unique talents. Paying it forward to help make the journey better for those who follow is the real reward of writing a book. I look forward to reading your words and learning from your journey.
Jay Samit is the author of the bestselling book Disrupt You!
It’s a Small World After All
Our world is far smaller and more interconnected than I ever imagined. While it is true that 42% of US college graduates never read another book in their entire lives, it is also true that there are millions of eager minds around the globe thirsty for the knowledge and experience we take for granted. I have been blessed to hear from readers in over 100 countries that want to become entrepreneurs and impact their communities with positive change. Their hopes and dreams fuel me. Their emails sustain my passion for being purposeful with my life.
Readers Love to Share What Inspires Them
Readers love to share with their friends, coworkers and social media followers things that inspire them. The only marketing you need to have your book succeed are inspired readers. I am humbled by the effort readers have taken to spread my message. They’ve translated it into foreign languages, created videos, memes, museum installations and my favorite: a ten foot high neon sign. Once you share your thoughts with the world, the words are no longer yours. They will take on a life of their own.
Be Honest With Your Short Comings
When writing, I wrestled with how much of my personal story (both good and bad) to include in the book. Resoundingly, I have heard from readers that they want to hear from a real, authentic voice (warts and all). We all learned through our mistakes and sharing those challenges will help others overcome the obstacles they will undoubtedly face in their journey to success.
Readers Are Generous with their Hearts
In the age of social media, you will hear from your readers. Their kind words and thanks propelled me to speak around the world and make friends with some of the most incredible entrepreneurs, students, thinkers and progressive government officials on our planet. At an age when many of us get cynical with the state of affairs in the world, meeting those who are striving to make a difference will change you.
A Whole Generation is Looking for Purpose in their Lives
My generation was too busy making a living to ask the hard existential questions of why are we here. Today’s youth around the world recognize that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose. Brands are just starting to catch up with this enlightened approach to our time together. I wrote a book to teach readers, but I ended up learning so much more from starting a dialog with them.
Your Perspective on Our World will Change
All of us have cultural and cognitive biases that we don’t recognize. When your book is published in other languages and countries who will be called out on your field of view. One reader wanted to know why I didn’t mention any successful female entrepreneurs until page 28. Conversely, many negative stereotypes of America were shattered by sharing how open our society is to agents of change. Be prepared to have your eyes opened.
Publishers Don’t Market
Really. They don’t. As much as I was told this, I was shocked that even the world’s largest publishing companies don’t understand how quickly their world has changed. You will have to build your own audience and platform. Expect to spend more time marketing your book than writing it (so make sure it is worth the effort).
Podcasting is an Author’s Medium
Podcasting is the 21st Century’s Oprah. Buy a good quality microphone and appear on as many shows as you can. Best of all, you can do podcasts all over the world without leaving your home (or even getting out of your PJs). I never visited Australia on my book tour, but hit number one on the charts there thanks to a podcast. The biggest difference between podcasts and television is that a TV show airs once while a podcast stays online forever. So doing multiple shows over time builds into a cumulative tsunami effect.
My Mother Finally Understands What I do
For most of her 80+ years, I don’t think my mother understood my life as an entrepreneur. But she is the best grammarian I know. So after all of the editors finished proofreading my book, mom gave it the final inspection (and found 17 mistakes the professionals missed). I so cherish that experience and now will forever know to use “If I were”, not “If I was.”
Paying it Forward is the Most Rewarding Thing You Can Do
What is the purpose of amassing knowledge and gaining insights into the human condition unless you share it? We each have a unique journey, unique wisdom, and unique talents. Paying it forward to help make the journey better for those who follow is the real reward of writing a book. I look forward to reading your words and learning from your journey.
Jay Samit is the author of the bestselling book Disrupt You!
