The Rich Roll Podcast
Jesse Itzler On Building Your Life Resume & Why Happiness Is An Action
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Embrace risks and push boundaries to avoid stagnation in success.
- Value simplicity, focus, and presence in decision-making for mental clarity.
- Navigate challenges post-monastery by adopting journaling and task organization strategies.
- Find balance in vulnerability and self-doubt while crafting authentic narratives from personal experiences.
Deep dives
Experience at the Monastery
Being at the monastery brought a sense of simplicity and clarity as decisions were stripped away, leading to heightened energy and mental clarity. The absence of distractions like phones and TV revealed the value of focus and presence. The experience highlighted the energy wasted on unnecessary decisions and the rejuvenating power of monotasking, enhancing awareness of being fully present.
Transitioning Back to Daily Life
Re-acclimating to daily life post-monastery was challenging due to the shift from peace and quiet to a bustling household. The journey involved readjusting to the noise and distractions of everyday interactions, which took time to navigate. Reflecting on decision-making freedom at the monastery, strategies like journaling to organize tasks and preserve mental energy were adopted into daily routine.
Challenging Personal Growth
The process of writing the book post-living with the seal posed considerable pressure as a follow-up to the successful first book. Struggles with expectations and self-doubt were common, necessitating finding a balance between vulnerability and thick skin. Crafting the book to capture the essence of the monastery experience and its profound revelations added complexity to the writing process.
Lessons Learned and Application
Key revelations from the monastery experience included prioritizing simplicity and presence, reducing unnecessary decisions for heightened mental clarity, and valuing community and authentic connections. Implementing strategies like journaling to declutter the mind and streamline decision-making aided in translating monk teachings into practical daily applications.
Harnessing Tomorrow's Feelings for Decision-Making Today
Implementing the two-word strategy 'Remember Tomorrow' into everyday decisions, considering how choices will impact one's emotional state the next day.
The Importance of Building a Life Resume and Prioritizing Time and Relationships
Encouraging the practice of setting significant goals annually, valuing time spent with loved ones, and reflecting on the essence of life enrichment.
Embracing Individuality in Crafting Life Paths and Avoiding Unrealistic Model Mimicry
Stressing the significance of discovering personal values and strengths to navigate distinct trajectories, urging against rigidly imitating external success formulas.
It's easy to take risks when your back is against the wall.
But it's the rare individual that will continue to push the envelope, face fear and embrace the unknown when that person could choose to live without self-imposed obstacles.
Jesse Itzler is one such human.
After a barnburner appearance on the podcast back in 2015 (check RRP #197 if you missed it), the man who lives so far “out of the box” that there is no box returns for another stellar exchange that does not disappoint.
For those new to the show, this is a guy who fast-talked his way right out of college into a recording contract, ultimately taking his music all the way to MTV, the Billboard 100 and even an Emmy.
Jesse then takes a wild entrepreneurial left-turn, creating and ultimately selling big companies like Marquis Jet, the world’s largest prepaid private jet card company, and Zico Coconut Water, before wooing Spanx founder (and Shark Tank guest host) Sarah Blakely all the way to the altar.
Despite his tremendous success as a serial entrepreneur, Jesse started to feel his life stagnate. Desperate to avoid the malaise of risk adversity visited upon many a prosperous peer, he embarks on a hare-brained scheme to invite adventure back into his life by convincing Navy SEAL David Goggins — the most popular episode in the history of this show — to move in with him. David relents on one condition: that Jesse comply with David's every demand, no matter how severe. The insanity that ensues is hilariously chronicled in Living With A SEAL, Jesse's well deserved New York Times bestseller.
He eats only fruit before noon. He runs 100 mile races. He raises millions for charity. And when he isn't playing super dad to his four kids (check his Instagram stories for daily dad episodes), he's an in demand motivational speaker (check out his TEDx Talk) who just happens to own the Atlanta Hawks NBA franchise with a few friends. No biggie.
So the question is: how does this guy have such an extraordinary life?
Jesse boils it down to one singular mission statement:
Live life full blast. Never be afraid to fail. And never, ever allow yourself to stagnate.
Enjoy!
Rich
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