7 Ways to Optimize Your Life

Actionable tips to take back your life and achieve your goals.

1. Put yourself first to get ahead.

While it’s often considered a negative trait (and, certainly, there’s something to be learned from the Greek myth of Narcissus), self-interest can actually be advantageous in the right contexts. In fact, a 2019 study shows that people who prioritize themselves over all else have lower stress levels and reduced risks of depression. Experts believe the trait may cultivate mental toughness, which builds resiliency, says Kostas Papageorgiou, Ph.D., director of the InteRRaCt Lab at Queen’s University Belfast in England, who authored the research. READ MORE

2. Regeneration as a luxury, not a reward.

True luxury is not indulgence — it’s restoration. The Nordic cycle of sauna and ice baths, Japanese onsen rituals, Mediterranean siestas — ancient cultures mastered the art of recovery. Contrast therapy, acupuncture, deep tissue work — build these moments into your life as essentials, not extras. Your body should feel as refined as your surroundings. READ MORE

3. Afraid of setbacks? Consider neutral thinking.

"Champions don't think negatively or positively — they think neutrally," says Trevor Moawad, a mental conditioning coach based in Manhattan Beach, California. Neutral thinking is based less on a construct of clear actions and more on the absence of negativity. The approach essentially helps you move on rather than become debilitated by negative experiences. READ MORE

4. Optimize with precision, backed by science.

Performance is personal, and at Equinox, taking a data-driven approach to longevity is priority. The Optimize program fuses comprehensive assessments, advanced biometrics, and expert coaching to create a roadmap tailored to your unique physiology. This isn’t just about working out — it’s about designing a body built for the long game. LEARN MORE

5. Make learning a lifestyle.

A to-do list helps you manage time. A to-learn list expands your potential. “Your brain is the ultimate adaptation machine,” says Jim Kwik, a leading expert in memory improvement and accelerated learning. “Just as muscles need novelty and nutrition, so does your mind.” The most high-performing individuals treat learning as a lifelong pursuit, whether they’re mastering a new language, solving puzzles, or refining a craft. Intelligence isn’t fixed — it’s cultivated. READ MORE

6. Sleep as the ultimate performance edge.

Sleep is not an afterthought—it’s the foundation of peak performance. At Equinox Hotel’s Sleep Summit, we redefine rest as a science-backed strategy for optimization. “Studies have shown that an afternoon exercise routine can reduce anxiety and stress levels, which improves sleep quality,” says Dan Hagen, COACH X at Equinox. Align your movement with your energy levels — if you wake up feeling strong, lean into high-intensity workouts like Tabata or Metcon. If you’re sluggish, opt for low-impact movement, stretching, or yoga. True recovery happens at night, but how you train by day determines the quality of your rest. LISTEN NOW

7. Design your life with intention.

Your environment is an extension of your performance. From the architecture of your home to the aesthetic of your Club, every design choice impacts how you think, feel, and move. Light, texture, and spatial flow shape focus, creativity, and recovery. Equinox Clubs are curated for both ambition and restoration, blending luxury with functionality to create environments that fuel high performance. The right design doesn’t just complement your life — it enhances it. Be intentional with what surrounds you — because the spaces you inhabit shape the person you become.

More February 2025