The Greg McKeown Podcast

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12. What's Essential: Ryan Holiday on A Conviction of Excellence

Aug 17, 2020

Guest

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday, best-selling author and modern Stoicism teacher, dives into the delicate balance between ambition and internal fulfillment. He discusses how motivations shaped by family and societal expectations can influence personal success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of time, introspection, and the wisdom of ancient philosophers like Seneca. Holiday explores the emotional challenges of striving for excellence while urging listeners to reflect on their true aspirations to achieve a genuine sense of satisfaction.

47:21

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ANECDOTE

Tiger Woods' Success and Struggles

Ryan Holiday discusses Tiger Woods' incredible golf success but also his personal struggles.
Woods' intense focus came at a spiritual and mental cost, highlighting the potential downsides of ambition.

insights

INSIGHT

Impact of Tiger's Upbringing

Tiger's demanding upbringing, where his father prioritized golf training from infancy, shaped his exceptional talent.
However, this approach had a significant personal toll, suggesting a potential link between early childhood experiences and later life challenges.

insights

INSIGHT

Losing as Death

The idea of associating losing with death is explored, exemplified by Lance Armstrong's mindset.
Ambitious individuals often equate winning with life and losing with death, which can lead to harmful decisions.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Art of Writing and Reflection

01:47 • 17min

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The Pursuit of Excellence and Emotional Motivations

19:10 • 5min

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The Quest for True Fulfillment

24:22 • 16min

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Navigating the Path to True Greatness

40:15 • 4min

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Embracing Essentialism: The Value of Time and Living Fully

44:40 • 4min

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The Importance of Stillness and Ancient Wisdom

The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages. The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread. The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.

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.

John Adams

David McCullough

This biography by David McCullough is a comprehensive and engaging account of John Adams' life. It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams. The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time. McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.

1776

David McCullough

In this book, David McCullough provides an intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence. The narrative delves into the military battles, such as those at Dorchester Heights, Long Island, and Trenton, and explores the personal histories of commanders like Washington, William Howe, and Nathanael Greene. Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, the book presents a balanced view of both sides of the war, highlighting the struggles, victories, and setbacks of the American and British forces. McCullough's storytelling approach makes the historical events engaging and accessible, avoiding the dryness often associated with historical texts.

Stillness is the Key

Ryan Holiday

In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.

The great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

On the Shortness of Life

Seneca

In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely. He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities. Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short. He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.

Lives of the Stoics

The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies. It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies. The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining. It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.

How exactly does everything from parenting style to ancient literature influence our accomplishments and constant pursuit of more? Ryan Holiday (The Daily Stoic and Stillness Is the Key) and Greg explore the impact of elite-level motivation, discipline, and introspection on finding essential fulfillment in our personal success.

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What's Essential Podcast

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Greg McKeown

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Scratch Audiohouse

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Credits:

Hosted by Greg McKeown
Produced by Greg McKeown and Scratch Audiohouse
Executive Produced by Greg McKeown, Avi Gandhi, Brent Montgomery, and Ed Simpson
Co-Produced by Paul Dizon

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