I’ve recently finished Matthew Syed’s book Bounce, in which he uncovers the science of human performance. The big takeaway for me is that success isn’t an exclusive club reserved for the genetically gifted; it is something every single one of us can achieve through the right kind of effort.

We live in the most comfortable era in human history. Food arrives at our door in minutes. Entertainment is available 24 hours a day. We can work, socialise, shop, and even exercise without ever stepping outside.

I was speaking with my partner earlier today about a friend of ours who has had cosmetic surgery to address a long-standing insecurity. It reminded me of a book I read years ago, The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt, and a section that had stayed with me ever since.