In this insightful conversation, Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google and author, dives deep into the pervasive nature of stress in modern life. He shares why many feel 'comfortably numb' and offers strategies to identify and manage stressors effectively. Gawdat emphasizes the importance of gratitude and emotional expression for well-being, challenging the notion that stress is vital for productivity. He also introduces the concept of becoming 'unstressable,' advocating for a balanced approach to mental fitness.
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insights INSIGHT
Stress and the Modern World
Modern society views stress as an acceptable cost of success.
Stress is not solely due to external pressures, but our ability to handle them.
insights INSIGHT
The 90-Second Stress Rule
Prolonged stress is self-perpetuated, not externally imposed.
Continuously triggering the stress response maintains a stressed state.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Overcoming Stress Scripts
Challenge fixed mindsets around stress and its role in success.
Recognize that stress responses often stem from past experiences, not present reality.
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And Other Lessons from My Grandfather Mahatma Gandhi
Arun Gandhi
This book, written by Arun Gandhi, recounts ten vital life lessons learned from his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. It delves into the importance of using anger constructively, dealing with emotions, and embracing nonviolence. The book includes stories from Arun's time at the Sevagram ashram and his grandfather's teachings on self-discovery, identity, and social change. It emphasizes the power of nonviolent living and provides insights into Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and legacy.
Solve for happy
Mo Gawdat
In 'Solve for Happy,' Mo Gawdat applies his engineering mindset to the problem of happiness. He argues that happiness is a thought process and can be achieved by aligning our perceptions with our expectations. The book introduces the 6-7-5 Model, which involves dispelling six grand illusions, removing seven blind spots, and embracing five ultimate truths. Gawdat shares practical strategies such as cultivating awareness, accepting change, and practicing unconditional love. His approach is grounded in mindfulness and positive psychology, offering readers a roadmap to individual happiness despite life's challenges[2][3][5].
How to Talk to Anyone
92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
LEILA
Leil Lowndes
This book provides a wide range of actionable tips and techniques to enhance social interactions. It covers topics such as making a strong first impression, mastering small talk, using body language effectively, and establishing deep rapport with others. The book is structured into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of communication, from initial meetings to sophisticated techniques used by successful individuals. Leil Lowndes' approach is engaging and practical, making the book accessible to readers at various levels of interpersonal skills.
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
Robert Sapolsky
In this book, Robert M. Sapolsky delves into the fascinating world of stress and its impact on our bodies. He explains why zebras, unlike humans, rarely suffer from stress-related illnesses. Sapolsky combines cutting-edge research with practical advice and engaging anecdotes to illustrate how prolonged stress can cause or intensify a range of physical and mental afflictions, including depression, ulcers, colitis, and heart disease. The book also provides essential guidance on managing stress responses and offers new insights into how stress affects sleep, addiction, anxiety, and personality disorders[3][4][5].
Unstressable
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Mo Gawdat
Alice Law
Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela Duckworth
In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent. She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism. The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders. Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.
Mo Gawdat is an entrepreneur, former Chief Business Officer at Google, and an author.
We often experience stress without knowing where it's coming from. Although we feel overwhelmed, we struggle to pinpoint the source. So how should we go about assessing our lives and reducing our stress?
Expect to learn why the modern world is so stressful for everyone, what Mo means when he says young people are comfortably numb, how to assess stress and where it is probably coming from, the things you’re not aware of which cause your emotional discomfort, the most important habits you should implement if you want to become peaceful and much more...
Modern Wisdom 
