President Andrew Johnson would speak often of his career as a tailor.

“My garments never ripped or gave way,” he’d say.

Some people didn’t get it. Why should they care? They didn’t think it was something a President should say.

Once, on the campaign trail, a heckler made fun of him for his working-class background, implying he was unfit for office.

Johnson responded:

“That does not disconcert me in the least; for when I used to be a tailor I had the reputation of being a good one, and making close fits, always punctual with my customers, and always did good work.”

Johnson understood something that the heckler apparently didn’t:

How you do anything is how you do everything.

James Garfield was the same. He worked as a janitor at his college to pay his way through. And he was the best damn janitor that place had ever seen.

So good, in fact, within one year, he was a professor. And then, by age 26, he was the dean.

Again…

How you do anything is how you do everything.

Johnson and Garfield got that. And it’s a lesson more important today than ever…

Especially when it comes to RISK.

In a world filled to the brim with risk, it pays to learn to de-risk your life in every way possible.

(How you de-risk anything is how you de-risk everything?)

Today, on that front, James reveals 10 ways to de-risk your life… from poker to health to arguments…

And how that can make you a happier, healthier, and wealthier person.

Read on.

10 Ways to De-Risk Your Life

James Altucher

In many areas of life, one can be successful and make a lot of money. But you can only have this success if you reduce risk.

For instance, you can become wealthy by investing. But, having the right investing strategy is maybe 10% of the task.

The other 90% is reducing risk.

The same goes for everything you do.

Here are various ways to reduce risk in a variety of activities.

1. Poker

If you are in an early position (first 2-3 spots in an 8-10 handed table), only open with AA KK, QQ JJ AK.

Maybe AQ also. But not KJ, for instance.

In the middle position, some lower pairs, KQ, KJ, J10 and that's it.

And if someone bets against you and you have nothing, then just go out. Plenty of opportunities later.

2. Investing

If you are investing in a stock, only use 1-2% of your portfolio.

Only invest in stocks that has some strong investors in it already (like Warren Buffett).

3. Chess

If you have a good position and have good moves that you can make, don't make an unclear sacrifice for an attack.

Just keep making improving moves. If you are losing, take risks. What do you have to lose?

4. Relationships

Be with someone who is similar in age to you, similar in values, and you are attracted to.

5. Investing in a private company (like VC investing)

Only invest if someone smarter than you is also investing. Let them do all the hard due diligence.

6. Writing a book

Every chapter is a compelling story. Every paragraph, almost, has a cliffhanger. Have a plan for publishing or self-publishing before you even write a word. Use content in multiple ways. For instance, make blog posts or articles for the chapters so, at the very least, they are read by blog readers or article readers.

7. Healthy aging

This has been on a million lists here, but the best way to increase health is: sleep 8 hours, don't smoke, limit drinking as much as possible, exercise, don't eat junk food. Just this will add, on average, 10-20 years to your life. Nothing fancy.

8. Arguments

A) steel man your argument (i.e. figure the best arguments you would make if you were ARGUING FOR THE OTHER SIDE).

B) Don't argue. (i.e. if it doesn't hurt you to just nod your head and agree with the other person, or at least point out the good points they are making then just do it. You won't change their mind anyway).

This reduces the risk that you waste time arguing with no real outcome.

9. Sleep

You reduce the risk of bad sleeping by A) having your phone in the other room. B) no screen time an hour before sleep. C) no food 2-3 hours before sleep.

10. Friends and family.

Call people you love. Not every day. But stay in touch with people reduces the risk that your friends will be maintained and you will benefit from the networking.