Jordan Criss on Fulfillment, Imposter Syndrome, Procrastination and Eulogy Virtues
In this podcast episode, Jordan Criss returns for a long-overdue discussion on life and fulfillment. We start the conversation with the idea that most people are actively disengaged with what they spend most of their time. From there, we cover imposter syndrome, healthy habits, procrastination, and focusing on what matters most to you regardless of the current outcome. Life is about playing a long game. Toward the end of the conversation, I was reminded of a book called The Road to Character. One of the core messages is to think more deeply about the eulogy virtues than resume virtues since modern life is more focused on the latter. Ultimately, each of us has to figure out what fits best for our life; no matter what, it will be a process. The faster you embrace the process, the less painful it will be. So, with that, I pass this off to the listener. What else can we explore if you've encountered the mentioned sources, your experiences, or other related ideas?
Show Notes:
(00:00) Intro
(04:02) People are Disengaged with What They Do
Instagram Quote From Dan Cable
Dan Cable is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School. He has also been a professor at Georgia Tech and the University of North Carolina.
His research and teaching focus on employee engagement, change, organizational culture, leadership mindset, and the linkage between brands and team member behaviors. In 2020, Dan won London Business School’s Excellence in Teaching Award and was selected for the 2018 Thinkers50 Radar List. In addition, the Academy of Management has twice honored him with Best Article awards, and the Academy of Management Perspectives ranked Dan in the Top 25 Most Influential Management Scholars.
See his latest book - Alive at Work: The Neuroscience of Helping Your People Love What They Do. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
(07:48) Why Do you Choose to Be Healthy
(13:24) Calling Yourself on Procrastinating
(15:00) We're All Addicted to Something
(17:.34) Society Pushes You to Give Up on Your Curiosity
(21:50) Imposter Syndrome
(24:31) The War on Art
Get a copy of the book! (Amazon Affiliate Link)
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a motivational book aimed at helping people overcome the internal Resistance they face when attempting to pursue their creative endeavors. The book is divided into three parts:
Resistance: Pressfield defines Resistance as the invisible force that prevents us from doing our work and achieving our dreams. Resistance can take many forms, such as procrastination, self-doubt, fear of failure, or distractions. However, it is a constant force that works against our creative pursuits.
Combating Resistance: In this section, Pressfield suggests that we must treat our creative work like a professional, with discipline and dedication. By showing up and doing the work daily, we can gradually overcome Resistance and move closer to achieving our goals.
The Higher Realm: Pressfield introduces the concept of the "Muses" as a source of inspiration, support, and guidance for our creative journey. He encourages us to connect with this higher realm through perseverance and a deep commitment to our craft.
In summary, The War of Art is a powerful guide to overcoming the obstacles that hold us back from pursuing our creative passions. We can unleash our true creative potential by recognizing and battling Resistance, treating our work professionally, and seeking guidance from the higher realm.
(28:21) Beating Yourself Up on Rest Days
(32:14) Negative Self Talk
(35:27) Affirmations
(36:59) There's No End Point to a Better Quality of Life
(42:00) Layers of Paint
(45:18) Bet on Yourself
(47:44) Anxiety Around Performing
(50:53) Running and the Mental Game
(55:55) Checking Out Of Your Life
(58:43) What's the Smallest Step You Can Take
(01:01:04) Does Your Passion Have To Make Money?
(01:05:23) Die With Zero
Listen to Bill Perkins on The Drive
Die With Zero is a personal finance and life philosophy book by Bill Perkins. The central idea is to maximize life experiences and personal fulfillment by strategically spending money throughout one's lifetime. Perkins challenges the traditional notion of saving and accumulating wealth for retirement, arguing that it often leads to missed opportunities and regrets.
The book encourages readers to:
Prioritize experiences over material possessions.
Utilize the concept of "return on time" to make spending decisions.
Strategically spend throughout life rather than just in retirement.
Strike a balance between work, money, and leisure.
Regularly assess life goals and spending habits.
Die With Zero ultimately advocates for a shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of living a fulfilling life while we still have the time and health to enjoy it.
(01:08:48) Checking In With Your Progress
(01:12:09) Do What You Can Where You Are Right Now
(01:14:27) Looking for the Quick Fix
(01:18:24) Creating Feedback Loops
(01:22:11) Implementing a new habit
(01:25:21) Three Ways to Push Yourself to Find What Fulfills You
(01:27:54) Reflecting on the Path Forward
(01:33:44) Resume and Eulogy Virtues
(01:36:50) Outro
