Roll On: Why Balance Is Overrated

May 27, 2021

Striving for balance often sets you up for failure; instead, embrace a long-term perspective and follow what ignites your passion. Personal stories intertwine with discussions on the tragedies of ultra-marathons and the importance of community support. The chat touches on the challenges of creativity, guilt, and self-awareness, advocating for periods of deep focus. With a dash of humor, they navigate feelings of FOMO and YOLO, celebrating resilience and the joyful moments that accompany personal and athletic journeys.

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ANECDOTE

Rich Roll's Languishing

Rich Roll discusses his recent struggles with low energy and lack of enthusiasm.
He connects this feeling to the collective stress of the past year's events.

INSIGHT

Languishing

Adam Grant's article on "languishing" resonates with Rich Roll's experience.
It highlights the impact of the pandemic and political turmoil on mental health.

ANECDOTE

Brogan Situation

Listeners express concern about Rich Roll being "mean" to Adam Skolnick and Brogan Graham potentially replacing him.
Rich Roll reassures the audience that Adam's position is secure.

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Can't Hurt Me

Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

David Goggins

In 'Can't Hurt Me,' David Goggins shares his astonishing life story, from a childhood marred by poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse to becoming a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The book reveals Goggins' philosophy, known as the '40% Rule,' which suggests that most people only tap into 40% of their capabilities. He provides a wealth of practical strategies and principles for personal development, emphasizing self-discipline, accountability, and the necessity of embracing discomfort to unlock personal transformation. Goggins' story and advice serve as a blueprint for readers to push past their perceived limits, confront their fears, and unleash their full potential.

The Proof is in the Plants

Will Bulsiewicz

Simon Hill

In 'The Proof is in the Plants,' Simon Hill presents a well-researched argument for adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet. The book covers why people are confused about what to eat, how food choices affect health, and how to make changes to lead a healthy plant-based lifestyle. It discusses the evidence showing how a plant-based diet can reduce the risks of heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia, as well as its positive impact on the climate and animal welfare. The book also addresses common myths about plant-based diets and provides practical tips for making the shift to a plant-rich diet.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Robert Pirsig

This classic novel by Robert M. Pirsig is a personal and philosophical odyssey that delves into the author's search for meaning. The narrative follows a father and his son on a summer motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California, intertwining a travelogue with deep philosophical discussions. The book explores the concept of 'quality' and how it informs a well-lived life, reconciling science, religion, and humanism. It also touches on the author's own struggles with his past and his philosophical quest, making it a touching and transcendent exploration of human experience and endeavor.

The Road

Tom Stechschulte

Cormac McCarthy

The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future[2][3][4].

One breath

Adam Skolnick

The Dharma Bums

Jack Kerouac

The Dharma Bums follows Ray Smith, a beat writer, and his friend Japhy Ryder, a poet and Zen Buddhist, as they embark on various adventures, including mountain climbing, hitchhiking, and attending poetry readings. The novel is a reflection of Kerouac's own experiences during the San Francisco Renaissance and his fascination with Buddhism and the natural world. It explores themes of spirituality, the search for meaning, and the allure of nature, all set against the backdrop of the Beat Generation's rejection of mainstream American culture.

Autobiography of a Yogi

Paramahansa Yogananda

This book is a detailed account of Paramahansa Yogananda's life, from his childhood in India to his spiritual quest and eventual establishment of the Self-Realization Fellowship in the United States. It includes his encounters with various spiritual figures, his experiences with Kriya Yoga, and his mission to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation to the Western world. The book also delves into the prophesied writing of his autobiography and its significance in spreading the message of yoga globally[1][2][5].

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

Evening in paradise

Lucia Berlin

Evening in Paradise is a collection of previously uncompiled stories by Lucia Berlin, offering a deeper insight into her life and writing style. The book features tales that mirror her own experiences, from a carefree girlhood in Texas to her later life, often incorporating themes of addiction, family struggles, and complex relationships. Berlin's storytelling is marked by its vivid settings and characters, balancing humor with deep emotional resonance.

A manual for cleaning women

Lucia Berlin

A Manual for Cleaning Women is a remarkable collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women in demanding jobs, reflecting Berlin's own experiences as a cleaning woman, nurse, and more. The stories are known for their gritty honesty, humor, and poignant portrayals of working-class life.

Waterman

The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku

David Davis

This biography explores the life of Duke Kahanamoku, who became America's first superstar Olympic swimmer and introduced surfing to the world. Kahanamoku's life spanned significant historical events, including serving as sheriff during World War II and later as an 'Ambassador of Aloha'. The book delves into his achievements and challenges as a dark-skinned Pacific Islander in a predominantly white sports world.

island of the Blue Dolphins

Scott O'Dell

Island of the Blue Dolphins, published in 1960, tells the story of Karana, a young girl from the Nicoleno tribe who becomes stranded on an island after her tribe leaves without her. Based on the true story of Juana Maria, the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, the novel explores themes of survival, friendship, and environmental harmony. Karana learns to live off the land, befriends wild animals, and eventually finds her way back to the mainland.

Striving to achieve a ‘balanced life’ on a daily basis sets you up for failure. Approach it instead from a long-term perspective. Aim for self-awareness. Go all-in on what lights you up. Along the way, be gentle with yourself.

We are here to follow our curiosity, not mercilessly judge ourselves. Awareness is key. Shame is counterproductive.

Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and Lord of the podcast manor Adam Skolnick wane and wax on philosophical, spiritual, and practical ideas both big and small. Beyond bantering sundry matters of varying interest, we play show and tell, share a few wins of the week, and round it out by answering listener questions deposited on our voicemail at (424) 235-4626.

Beyond RRP hype-man duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently awash in his umpteenth draft of an untitled novel—slowly losing his mind in the process.

Topics explored in today’s conversation include:

the ultramarathon tragedy in China and why there must be better protocols and oversight in this growing sport;
thoughts on Adam Grant’s recent NYT article, There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing;
Rich’s current approach to writing, motivation, and why balance is overrated;
SriMu’s Father’s Day Special, 10% off not-cheese boxes for all hard-working dads;
Hellah Sidibe’s impressive, history making ultra-run across the United States;
an update on the Iron Cowboy’s history-making Conquer 100;
Van Neistat’s The Spirited Man series on YouTube;
the Malcolm Gladwell vs. Chris Chavez journalist / influencer 1-mile challenge; and
the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku

In addition, we answer the following listener questions:

How do you create time to care for yourself without disappointing others?
How do you avoid late-night hunger pangs following a day of rigorous training?
What is the best way to transition from road to trail running?

Thank you to Sierra (or Ciara) from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kevin from Northern California, and Ben from Columbus, Ohio for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll604

YouTube: bit.ly/rollon604

Peace + Plants,

Rich