Episode 6: Pat Flynn on How to Be Better at (Almost) Everything
Dec 21, 2018
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Pat Flynn, a generalist, discusses the advantages of generalism vs specialization, starting a side hustle, prioritization for success, their personal life, and their journey from atheism to Catholicism.
The philosophy of generalism emphasizes the importance of acquiring a diverse set of skills and combining them for unique and powerful results.
The rule of 80% highlights the principle that most people do not need to be 100% at anything, encouraging individuals to focus on areas that require improvement.
The principle of integration over isolation encourages individuals to think beyond specialization and consider how different skills can complement each other for greater success.
Deep dives
The Journey into Generalism
The speaker, Seth, shares his introduction of Pat Flynn and his book, How to Be Better at Almost Everything. The book discusses the philosophy of generalism, acquiring a diverse set of skills and combining them for unique and powerful results. Pat Flynn shares his personal experience of realizing the benefits of being a generalist and how it has led to his success in various areas of his life. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring a range of skills rather than focusing on being the best in the world at one thing.
The Rule of 80%
The rule of 80% highlights the principle that most people do not need to be 100% at anything. Rather, reaching a level of competency around 80% is often sufficient for success. This principle encourages individuals to focus on areas that require improvement instead of constantly honing skills they are already good at. By recognizing that perfection is not necessary, individuals can prioritize their efforts and avoid wasting time and energy on unnecessary pursuits.
Integration over Isolation
The principle of integration over isolation emphasizes the importance of combining skills rather than concentrating on isolated areas of expertise. By integrating skills, individuals can create unique value propositions and stand out in their fields. This principle encourages people to think beyond specialization and consider how different skills can complement each other, leading to greater success and differentiation.
The Journey into Christianity
The speaker shares a personal journey in which he transitioned from atheism to becoming a Catholic. He discusses his initial exposure to atheistic philosophies and thinkers that influenced his worldview. Through deeper exploration and study, he began questioning his atheistic beliefs and was led to reconsider the existence of God. His journey involved an exploration of various philosophers, including Aristotle and Aquinas, leading him to embrace Christianity and Catholicism.
The Journey from Anti-Religious to Embracing Aquinas' Philosophy
The podcast episode explores the host's journey from initially being anti-religious to appreciating and absorbing the philosophy of Aquinas while ignoring his Catholicism. The ability to engage thinkers and ideas without fully committing to their worldview is seen as both positive and negative. However, the host eventually accepts the possibility of God's existence and the need to explore Christianity.
From Religious Pluralism to Embracing Catholicism
The podcast delves into the host's shift from religious pluralism to considering the truth of Christianity and its compatibility with the philosophical arguments for God's existence. The idea of Jesus as a wise spiritual teacher is challenged, and the historical evidence for Jesus' crucifixion, burial, empty tomb, and resurrection is presented. The host's search for the early Church's beliefs leads to an acceptance of Catholicism, reinforced by a profound experience during the celebration of the Eucharist.
[Make sure and listen to the podcast episode with Pat, and don’t forget to scroll down for details on how to WIN a copy of the book!] Pat Flynn is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, and that fact alone is sufficient proof of the potency of his philosophy–after all, such a response is exactly what one would expect from a person pursuing a lifestyle of generalism. So what is generalism? It’s...
