The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

The Harsh Truth About Self-Discipline (ft. Rich Roll)

Jun 5, 2024

Rich Roll, an ultra-endurance athlete and recovered alcoholic, joins to unpack the intricate relationship between self-discipline and addiction. He explores how both can be driven by a desire to escape emotional discomfort. Rich shares insights from his transformative journey, discussing the impact of the 12-step program, the significance of community in sobriety, and the spiritual growth from pushing physical limits. The conversation emphasizes embracing discomfort as a pathway to meaningful change and personal development.

01:31:58

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Episode guests

Rich Roll

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Quick takeaways

Self-discipline can transform unhealthy addictions into positive habits for personal growth.

Endurance activities offer a healthier outlet for seeking intensity and overcoming discomfort.

The 12-step program fosters recovery through self-reflection, spiritual growth, and community support.

Deep dives

Self-Discipline and Addictions

Developing self-discipline may be akin to nurturing addictions that benefit one's well-being. The psychological parallels between feeling compelled to exercise for happiness and relying on substances for joy are explored. The journey from poor eating habits resembling addiction to cultivating a healthy lifestyle illustrates the shift towards positive addictions for personal improvement.

Facing the Reality of Addiction

01:37

Developing Agency and Moving Forward - No victim mentality

00:51

Addiction as a Spectrum and Workaholism

02:55

Neutrality & equanimity as a superpower

01:45

Intro

4min

The Parallels of Addiction and Endurance

25min

The Lifelong Impact of the 12-Step Program

5min

Transformative Journeys in Sobriety

18min

The Spiritual Journey through Physical Endurance

4min

Embracing Discomfort for Growth

22min

Origins of the Podcast Journey

11min

Balancing Priorities and Relationships

6min

I’ve often wondered if self-discipline is just a way of turning bad addictions into healthy ones. After all, addictions of all kinds are really just an attempt to numb and distract ourselves from facing uncomfortable feelings. Can’t the same be said for healthy behaviors once they reach a level of compulsion?

I brought Rich Roll on the pod to discuss this idea because, well, he’s a recovered alcoholic who turned into an ultra-endurance athlete in his 40s. Rich is no stranger to reinventing himself, repeatedly leveraging his flaws into virtues.

We talk about the value of pain as a catalyst for change, the idea that addiction is a spectrum that doesn’t just involve substances, terrible breakups, finding a deeper spirituality, lessons from Rich’s financial struggles, his career running a top podcast, and much, much more.

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