The Knowledge with David Elikwu

64. Life, Work, and Awareness with Michael Ashcroft

Aug 31, 2023

David speaks with Michael Ashcroft, Alexander Technique teacher and writer, about switching from corporate to self-employment, balancing ambition and priorities, and the importance of awareness in life and work. They discuss the challenges and benefits of freedom, staying productive without burning out, and choosing the right career path. The conversation highlights the concept of grinding and how expanding awareness can enhance creativity, productivity, posture, and physical engagement.

33:22

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Episode guests

Michael Ashcroft

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Finding alignment between personal values and work reduces internal conflicts and promotes a sense of ease and flow.

Transitioning from a traditional job to self-employment requires adjusting to the mindset of being in control of your own time and responsibilities.

Deep dives

Alignment and the Freedom to Follow Your Inner Vision

Finding alignment between your personal values and your work reduces internal conflicts and promotes a sense of ease and flow. When all parts of you are in agreement with the direction you are going, there is no need to suppress or ignore any aspect of yourself. By finding your own idea of what is important to you and seeking out people and organizations that align with that, you can diminish the feeling of having to constantly fight with yourself. This alignment allows you to work towards your goals and vision without feeling trapped or confined.

Introduction

2min

Transitioning to Self-Employment

9min

Balancing Ambition and Priorities in Life and Work

5min

Choosing the Right Career Path

15min

Conflicts, Intentions, and the Importance of Awareness

3min

David speaks with 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.

They talked about:

🔄 Switching from corporate to self-employment

🕊️ How freedom creates tension in work and life

📝 Staying productive without burning out

🚀 How to channel your ambition

🎲 Setting the right priorities

🥷🏽 Missionary mindset vs. mercenary mindset

📜Full transcript:

https://www.theknowledge.io/michaelashcroft-1/

📹 Watch on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/RpKIkAiLxrk

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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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