I accurately guessed the winner of Alone Season 11 while watching episode one with no spoilers or social media. I was SO SURE. Something went off in me and I said, "He is going to win". I even said it out loud to Ac.

We managed to get through the entire season with no giveaways from TikTok or IG and last night, while we watched the finale, I got to say - I guessed right from the start!

Yes I basked in my correct intuition but...

The question is: Why and how did I do that? How did I just KNOW?

I looked for the person who had the most regulated nervous system. The funny thing is - it made him the most boring contestant.

• Not a ton of highs and lows
• He wasn't super amazing on camera (and earlier episodes didn't show him much)
• He didn't spend a lot of time fiddling and crafting

​
Of course, I didn't know this on episode one - but as the season went on, watching him confirmed my suspicions. This guy was unmoveable.

If I'm being REALLY honest, there was something in me that said "I am LEAST like this guy" and determined, that is why he'd survive and win, since I would most certainly lose in 10 minutes on this show. 🤣

You might be surprised to hear that since I work hard at my nervous system. Keyword.. I work at it. It's not a natural state of being, and a lot of trauma forced me to look at my coping mechanisms. Also, meds.

So... what were the traits that led him to victory?

1. Short horizon focus (execute today). He didn't think TOO far ahead, just a few days ahead.
2. No constant reinvention. Made a shelter. Stuck with it.
3. Energy conservation. Kept things simple (eating raw food, no fire in his shelter) to make life as simple as possible. This also reduced highs and lows.
4. Neutral framing of setbacks. His self-talk was rarely moody or overwhelmed.
5. No need for stimulation. Didn't waste energy crafting or playing games to keep himself from getting bored.
6. No addiction to intensity. Didn't overdo it in an attempt for big game.

I am naturally wired the opposite. I tend to catastrophize, get bored, reinvent, expend energy worrying, spiral in shame, need a LOT of stimulation (research queen hello!), and well - just watch IG and all my animals and kids to see if I like intensity.

But I know this wiring undoes me, and I'm actively working to change the way I react and live. This has been a decade long journey that gets easier in some ways, and harder in others.

By the way, this isn't my first time watching Alone and drawing business conclusions.
​I recorded a podcast last year about it as well!​

In this time and season of business, where AI is making everything disruptive, I think we could afford to follow in this season winner's footsteps.

Short horizon focus. This was something I discussed last week on the podcast. Don't make 5 year plans. 6 months. Max.

No constant reinvention. In the age of AI, it might seem impossible. I think the lesson here is, pick something and stick with it as best you can.

Energy conservation. Don't go for complexity because it feels more "right". Simpler is better.

Neutral framing of setbacks. My word is this important. Rumination, spiraling, all of it wastes so much energy. Just acknowledge, accept, and keep moving.

No need for stimulation. This one is tough in our dopamine world. Don't chase shiny objects just for the sake of the high.

No addiction to intensity. Go big or go home is not the mantra right now.

The good news is... you don't need to be perfect at this. Take me! I am still successful despite a nervous system that is trigger happy. There's hope, as long as you keep at it.

Have a great week!

xx Julie