The Rich Roll Podcast Mark Manson On Vanity Goals, Self-Sabotage & How To Actually Change Your Life
549 snips
Jan 5, 2026 
Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, returns to deliver raw insights on self-improvement. He dissects the difference between vanity goals and values-aligned objectives, revealing why procrastination is often a form of emotional avoidance. Manson also critiques passive manifestation, emphasizing that change demands active intention. They dive into overcoming people-pleasing and the struggles necessary for meaningful life shifts, ultimately urging listeners to find pursuits worth their suffering.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Choose Values-Aligned, Realistic Goals
- Do pick goals that align with the feeling or value you actually want instead of shiny vanity goals.
- Do plan how the goal fits into your real schedule and contingencies before relying on willpower.
Target The Feeling, Not The Trophy
- Identify the feeling the goal is meant to produce and you open multiple paths to the same outcome.
- A marathon may signal 'feeling fit' but many activities can produce that feeling.
Use Positive Thinking During Hard Times
- Try positive self-talk when you're mid-struggle because it strengthens self-efficacy and resilience.
- Avoid using affirmations as couch-based motivation without action.
