The Problem With Agency: George Mack
The Problem With...
Defining Agency and the Jail Cell Test
George explains agency, the jail cell test, and how it reveals the most resourceful people you know.
George Mack joins James Smith for an unfiltered conversation that will change how you think about ambition, success, and the hidden traps of productivity.
They dive deep into the concept of agency (why some people take control of their lives while others stay stuck) and how it shows up across business, relationships, happiness, and identity.
From the “busy trap” to the myth of hustle culture, George unpacks the subtle ways we self-sabotage under the illusion of progress. He questions whether high agency is even healthy… or just a sophisticated form of burnout.
James and George explore the psychology of success, the role of genetics, language and culture in shaping mindset, and how becoming a parent can snap you out of your grind obsession.
He explains:
◼️ Why high agency can be a hidden mental illness
◼️ The real reason some people stay stuck (and how to escape)
◼️ How productivity becomes a trap disguised as progress
◼️ Why writing things down on a whiteboard might change your life
◼️ What jiu-jitsu teaches us about fear, ego, and self-awareness
Timestamps:
00:00 The Problem With Low Agency
02:04 The Jail Cell Test
05:16 Can You Train Agency?
09:05 Context-Dependent Agency
15:15 Life in Austin, Texas
18:04 UK Cynicism vs American Naivety
24:06 The Happiness Paradox
30:02 Language Shapes Thinking
36:07 Hater or Inspired? The Choice Is Yours
42:07 The Busy Trap
46:03 The $1,500 Chicken Sandwich Story
51:34 Parenthood: The Ultimate Agency Hack
59:58 Jiu-Jitsu and Personal Growth
1:03:02 The Gap and The Gain
1:07:26 Warren Buffett's Investment Exercise
1:12:25 Practical Agency Hacks
1:17:20 The A1 Paper That Changed Everything
1:29:11 Eat Frogs, Lick Toads
1:32:35 Why Jiu-Jitsu Hits All Four Brain Chemicals
1:35:31 Closing Advice
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