Deep Questions with Cal Newport cover image

Deep Questions with Cal Newport

Ep. 268: Stoicism and the Deep Life

Oct 2, 2023
Discussion on the relevance of Stoicism to living deeply in a distracted world. Analysis of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. Topics include making an impact as an English teacher, switching careers, building competitive drive, lowering work anxiety, and bouncing back from setbacks. Book recommendations, sponsors, and discussions on finding meaning in midlife, rest periods, intense work, Elon Musk's life insurance, recent book recommendations, and the problematic nature of being sports fans.
01:19:22

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Quick takeaways

  • Cultivate personal ambition by getting clarity on your vision and goals.
  • Reassess your vision and identify what truly excites you to foster ambition and a competitive drive.

Deep dives

Cultivating Personal Ambition

To cultivate personal ambition, start by getting clarity on your vision and goals. Consider what truly excites and motivates you. Use money as a neutral indicator to gauge the value of potential career paths. Experiment with new opportunities and see how they resonate with you. Keep in mind that it's okay to downshift and focus on other aspects of your life. Work on your deep life stack and refine your mojo. When you feel in control and have a firm grasp on your life, return to the question of your professional ambitions and make decisions from a place of intention and clarity.

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