Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist and founder of Finding Mastery, shares his insights on modern Stoicism. He dives into the importance of living in the present and the interplay between emotional awareness and decision-making. Gervais emphasizes intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, especially in athletes dealing with post-retirement identity shifts. He also discusses balancing demanding careers with family life, highlighting how adversity can fuel personal growth. A thought-provoking conversation that blends philosophy with practical wisdom!
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insights INSIGHT
Fairness as a Dangerous Virtue
Dr. Gervais' wife argues that fairness is a dangerous virtue.
She believes it can make one vulnerable to manipulation.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Navigating an Unjust World
Acknowledge that not everyone operates by the same moral compass.
Learn to be savvy within the existing system, accepting that not all will act justly.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mistaken Identity
Dr. Gervais was mistaken for a podcaster at the gym.
This highlights how external recognition can distort others' perceptions.
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In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon provides a manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity over genius, getting 'findable' by using the network, and self-discovery through sharing your creative process. It offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive, including chapters on sharing something small every day, engaging with your audience, and the etiquette of sharing online. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples to inspire and guide readers in their creative journeys[2][3][4].
The 48 laws of power
Robert Greene
In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Ryan Holiday
In this book, Ryan Holiday explains how the marketing landscape has changed and introduces the concept of growth hacking. He argues that traditional marketing methods are no longer effective and presents a new approach that emphasizes achieving product-market fit, targeting specific groups, and creating viral growth through scalable and trackable methods. The book includes case studies from companies like Dropbox, Instagram, and Airbnb, highlighting how these businesses achieved massive growth without traditional marketing. Holiday stresses the importance of continuous product optimization and user feedback to drive exponential growth.
The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You
Michael Gervais
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
Discipline is Destiny
The Power of Self-Control
Ryan Holiday
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness[2][4][5].
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
On this episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan continues his conversation with one of the world's top high-performance psychologists and leading experts on the relationship between the mind and human performance, Dr. Michael Gervais. Together they talk about living in the present moment, Austin Kleon's “people would rather be the noun than do the verb”, and the tension of virtue in Stoic texts.
Dr. Michael Gervais has spent his career being called on by the best of the best across the worlds of business, sport, the arts, and science. His client roster includes Super Bowl winning NFL teams, Fortune 50 CEOs, Olympic medalists, internationally acclaimed artists, and so many more. He is also the founder of Finding Mastery and the founder/host of the Finding Mastery Podcast, and the co-creator of the Performance Science Institute at USC. His work has been featured by NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, Red Bull TV, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, and ESPN Magazine.
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