The Knowledge with David Elikwu

137: How You Can Feel More Alive in Your Work (feat. Michael Ashcroft)

Feb 20, 2025

Michael Ashcroft, a writer and Alexander Technique teacher, shares insights on maximizing creativity and productivity through expanded awareness. He transitions from corporate consulting to self-employment, discussing the challenges and emotional journey of seeking fulfillment beyond financial gain. The conversation highlights the importance of mindfulness and decision-making, balancing spontaneity with structure. Ashcroft also explores how awareness enhances life choices and deepens emotional experiences, ultimately enriching personal growth and creativity.

01:55:17

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Episode guests

Michael Ashcroft

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the balance between productivity and burnout is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance throughout one's career.

Transitioning from corporate roles to self-employment requires redefining personal goals and adapting to a new, unstructured environment.

Expanding awareness enables better decision-making and helps individuals reconnect with their authentic values and motivations in life.

Cultivating moments of stillness amidst efforts is crucial for gaining clarity and aligning pursuits with deeper personal values.

Challenging societal norms about work and success can lead to greater fulfillment by encouraging individuals to embrace rest and autonomy.

Deep dives

Understanding Productivity versus Burnout

Productivity and burnout often exist on a spectrum that deeply impacts work-life balance. When individuals push themselves excessively to accomplish tasks, they may experience burnout, which can lead to decreased motivation and effectiveness over time. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for an awareness of how striving for productivity can create tension within oneself, revealing that sustainable success is rooted in a balanced approach. Aligning personal and professional missions while avoiding the haul of relentless productivity can foster a healthier mindset.

Intro

3min

Navigating Freedom and Fulfillment

29min

Navigating Life's Decisions

7min

Embracing the Full Spectrum of Human Emotion

3min

Navigating Life Choices: Risk vs. Stability

2min

Unlocking Mindfulness through Awareness and Choice

5min

Expanding Awareness to Enrich Life Choices

4min

Mindfulness and the Art of Presence

24min

Balancing Awareness in Creativity

14min

10.

Navigating the Creative Process

25min

David speaks with Michael Ashcroft, a writer and Alexander Technique teacher who previously spent 10 years consulting on clean energy innovation.

A lot of Michael's work centres around helping people expand their awareness. He's written several essays and posts I've loved, particularly about the concept of grinding, and how paying attention to our awareness can help us maximise our creativity, productivity, posture and physical engagement.

We talked about:

🔄 Corporate to Self-Employment – Freedom, ambition & avoiding burnout

🤔 Mindset & Decisions – Priorities, big choices & challenges

🧠 Awareness & Focus – Attention, non-fixation & efficiency

🎨 Productivity & Structure – Creativity, discipline & idea management

📝 Writing & Self-Discovery – Process, organising & personal growth

🥷🏽 Missionary vs. Mercenary – Mindset & long-term fulfilment

👨🏾‍💻 About David Elikwu:

David Elikwu FRSA is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, and writer. David is the founder of The Knowledge, a platform helping people think deeper and work smarter.

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