In this conversation, Michael Easter, bestselling author and health journalist, shares his transformative journey from an office worker struggling with addiction to a dedicated writer embracing the outdoors. He emphasizes the importance of discomfort for personal growth and how modern conveniences can hinder this process. Michael discusses his shift from traditional journalism to Substack, where he finds greater fulfillment and engagement. Tune in to uncover practical strategies for stepping outside your comfort zone and living a more intentional life!
Embracing the '2% mindset' encourages individuals to seek minor discomforts in daily choices for significant health benefits.
Michael Easter's personal journey illustrates the transformative power of intentional lifestyle changes toward achieving a 'deep life.'
Engaging with nature through adventurous activities fosters mindfulness, creativity, and a positive relationship with discomfort in modern life.
Deep dives
The Concept of Discomfort in Daily Life
The importance of incorporating discomfort into daily life is highlighted, specifically through the lens of what Easter calls the '2% mindset.' This approach suggests that individuals should actively seek out slightly more challenging options in day-to-day activities, like opting for stairs over escalators. Such minor shifts can lead to significant health benefits over time, such as a lower risk of mortality. By intentionally making these choices, people can gradually expand their comfort zones and embrace the discomfort that is inherent in personal growth.
Michael Easter's Personal Journey
Michael Easter shares his transition from a busy journalism career to a more fulfilling lifestyle after overcoming substance abuse. His journey involved reevaluating what contributes to a 'deep life' and ultimately led him to prioritize writing, outdoor adventures, and a healthier routine. This transformation not only improved his quality of life but also influenced the philosophy he now shares in his works. Michael's story emphasizes the need for self-discovery and the importance of making intentional lifestyle changes.
Reconnecting with Nature
A strong connection between outdoor experiences and personal well-being is emphasized throughout the conversation. Michael stresses that spending time in nature, whether through hiking, running, or hunting, allows individuals to engage with discomfort positively. Such activities encourage mindfulness and creativity while fostering a sense of adventure that is often lost in modern daily routines. Michael advocates for embracing the unpredictability of the outdoors as a way to enrich one's life.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
The discussion includes Michael's shift from magazine journalism to freelance writing and teaching, which provided him with greater autonomy and satisfaction in his daily work. He highlights the significance of scheduling dedicated writing time to foster productivity, as well as balancing teaching responsibilities with his passion for storytelling. This newfound flexibility allows him to prioritize meaningful projects and invest time in personal health and fitness. The experience reinforces the value of converting professional roles to align with personal values and goals.
The Impact of Technology on Well-Being
The dialogue addresses the detrimental effects of technology on our everyday lives and mental health. Both Michael and Cal discuss how the constant accessibility of screens can divert attention from more valuable, tactile experiences, promoting a sedentary lifestyle. Easter points out that our environment has been engineered for comfort, leading to a disconnection from the natural world and a reduction in personal engagement. By consciously minimizing screen time and seeking out productive discomfort, individuals can counteract these effects, fostering a healthier mindset.
In this episode of IN-DEPTH, Cal welcomes the bestselling author Michael Easter to talk about the importance of embracing discomfort in the quest to cultivate a deep life. Drawing from Michael’s two books, THE COMFORT CRISIS and SCARCITY BRAIN, as well as Michael’s personal journey from an unhappy office worker with an alcohol problem to a full-time writer who enjoys daily hikes in the desert, Cal and Michael get into the weeds of our human wiring and what it feels like to build an intentional life.