030: Chadd Wright - A Lonely, Hopeless Life Is A Painful Death
Sep 4, 2023
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Chadd Wright, retired Navy SEAL and elite ultra-runner, shares wisdom on finding purpose, building community, and cultivating courage. He discusses the antidote to loneliness and hopelessness, the importance of a real community, and how courage is the key to reaching goals. He also shares his experience finishing a 250-mile ultra marathon and the mindset behind it. A thought-provoking conversation on transforming hopelessness and the power of connection.
Perseverance and a mindset to push through challenges are crucial for achieving success and overcoming judgments of others.
Having mentors at different stages of life and being part of a supportive community are essential for personal growth.
Courage and seeking challenges are vital for personal development, debunking the idea of being a lone wolf and emphasizing the importance of growth through tension.
Deep dives
Walking through adversity to achieve success
The speaker emphasizes the importance of persevering through difficult situations and creating a mindset to push through challenges. They discuss the tendency for people to give up when faced with mistakes or failures, which often leads to a life of regret and missed opportunities. They highlight the need to continue moving forward, even when covered in the metaphorical 'crap' of past mistakes, in order to achieve success and overcome the judgments of others.
The role of mentors and community in personal growth
The speaker shares the significance of mentors and community in personal growth. They acknowledge the impact that mentors have had at different stages of their life, guiding and teaching them important lessons. They emphasize the importance of putting oneself in environments where they can find mentors and learn from experts. They also discuss the value of being part of a community, where individuals can support and learn from each other, even during challenging times.
The power of courage and continuously seeking challenges
The speaker stresses the importance of courage and continuously seeking challenges in personal development. They debunk the notion of being a lone wolf and encourage putting oneself in environments where they are the new person, the beginner. They highlight that growth only comes through tension and that being in the presence of people who are better or more skilled helps in pushing oneself to achieve greater heights. They share personal experiences of seeking challenges, including a recent bikepacking race, and how it has enhanced their growth.
Striving for excellence and overcoming shame
The speaker discusses the pursuit of excellence and the tendency for shame to hold people back. They emphasize the need to care less about what others say and focus on personal growth. They encourage embracing challenges and persevering through difficult situations. They share personal experiences of making mistakes, being judged, and feeling shame, but emphasize the importance of not allowing shame to stop progress and growth. They highlight the power of pushing through shame and continuing to improve.
Importance of Enduring the Process and the Last Mile
Enduring a challenging process and focusing on the last mile are key to achieving growth and success. The speaker shares his experience of running a 250-mile race and emphasizes the importance of pushing oneself through the difficult moments. He highlights that the last mile is often the most challenging and that continuing to do the necessary actions, no matter how monotonous or uncomfortable, is crucial for reaching the finish line.
Trade-Offs and the Courage to Pursue Growth
The podcast discusses how life involves making trade-offs and having the courage to pursue growth. The speaker mentions the importance of making decisions and accepting the consequences. He points out that while striving for balance is important, it is also necessary to recognize that perfection is unattainable. The speaker shares his own experiences in business and personal life, highlighting the need for others to compensate for his strengths and weaknesses. He emphasizes that endurance and courage are essential in navigating life's challenges and following a path of growth.
Today, I am honored to speak with Chadd Wright, a retired Navy SEAL turned elite ultra-runner who served his country on multiple deployments for over a decade. Chadd is a man full of wisdom and experience with an unrivaled passion for helping people become the absolute best version of themselves.
In this episode, we reveal the antidote to loneliness and hopelessness, break down what a real community looks like, and unpack how courage is the one thing you need to reach your goals. Finally, Chadd shares how the "One Mile Out" mindset helped him finish Cocodona 250 - a 250-mile ultra marathon through the rugged Arizona desert. Enjoy!
