Run the Numbers

Haunting Agitation: Channeling Ambition for Ultra Success with Dr. Julie Gurner

Sep 19, 2024

Dr. Julie Gurner, an author and expert on ambition and self-talk, joins the conversation to share insights into how top performers channel their drive. She introduces the concept of 'haunting agitation,' a hunger that fuels success and offers strategies for overcoming negative self-talk. Dr. Gurner emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, explaining how saying no can enhance focus and personal freedom. The discussion also highlights the critical difference between being motivated and going 'all in' for exponential growth, reshaping the way we think about ambition.

01:03:04

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Episode guests

Julie Gurner

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The conversation highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation over traditional credentials, emphasizing that driven individuals often outperform their more conventionally qualified peers.

Dr. Gurner discusses the impact of self-talk, noting that positive reframing can enhance performance while negative dialogue may hinder creativity and decision-making.

The episode underscores the need to say no to distractions, advising that filtering opportunities helps maintain focus on core ambitions and priorities.

Deep dives

The Value of PSDs

The concept of PSDs, defined as individuals who are 'poor, smart, and have a deep desire to become rich,' emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation over traditional credentials such as advanced business degrees. This approach highlights the belief that those who have faced significant struggles and possess an unyielding ambition often outperform their more conventionally qualified counterparts in the business world. The discussion draws on historical examples, suggesting that hiring motivated individuals with a relentless drive can lead to exceptional results and company momentum. This perspective encourages organizations to seek out talent fueled by passion and determination, rather than solely focusing on technical qualifications.

Balance Drive with Self-Compassion

01:29

Value the Driven Over the Credentialed

01:06

Intro

5min

Navigating Ambition and Self-Talk

2min

Reframing Self-Talk and Ambition

10min

Mastering Annual Planning and the Business Mindset

4min

The Balance of Ambition and Relationships

22min

Overcoming the Sunk Cost Fallacy

18min

The Power of Saying No: Embracing Boundaries for Personal Freedom

2min

In this episode, CJ sits down with Dr. Julie Gurner, the author behind the Substack Ultra Successful, to explore how top CEOs, CFOs, and entrepreneurs manage their ambition, goals, and self-talk. They examine if being hard on yourself necessary for success and Dr. Gurner shares helpful reframes that can be used to overcome negative self-talk. The conversation delves into the concept of “haunting agitation,” a term she uses to describe the hunger and ambition driving high performers. Building on this, she introduces the idea of empirical guardrails to keep one’s ambition in check. Dr. Gurner also breaks down the difference between “motivated” individuals and those who go “all in,” explaining how full commitment can lead to exponential growth. They touch on the surprising power of seemingly “boring” and discuss what the “build in public” movement gets wrong. Lastly, they talk about the art of saying no to opportunities that, while tempting, may distract you from your core focus. Tune in for expert advice on channeling your drive toward meaningful success.

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@cjgustafson222 (CJ)

@DrGurner (Dr. Julie Gurner)

SUBSTACK:

mostlymetrics.com (Mostly metrics)

drgurner.substack.com (Ultra Successful)

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TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:56) Sponsor - Mercury | NetSuite(05:28) Overcoming Negative Self-Talk(08:51) Reframing Fear as Excitement(13:26) Haunting Agitation(16:59) Sponsor - Maxio | Leapfin | Planful(20:06) Being in Your Business Versus on Your Business(23:58) The Impact of Haunting Agitation on Relationships(26:51) Moving Goal Posts and Setting up Metrics(30:52) Hitting the Goal Versus the Feeling of Forward Momentum(32:09) Alan Greenberg’s PSDs and What That Means(35:15) The Motivated Versus the All-in(41:02) Hangups for Motivated People(43:02) The Sunk Cost Fallacy(45:23) The Worst-Case Scenario Question(48:02) “Protecting Downside” Versus Having a Plan B(49:12) The Rewards of Going All-in(52:02) The Strategic Advantage of Boring(55:48) What the “Build in Public” Movement Gets Wrong(57:13) The Art of Saying No to Good Opportunities(59:28) Overcoming People Pleasing(01:02:03) Wrap

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Run the Numbers

Haunting Agitation: Channeling Ambition for Ultra Success with Dr. Julie Gurner

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Value of PSDs

The Impact of Self-Talk and Mental Frameworks

Ambition as a Haunting Agitation

The Power of Going All-In

Mastering the Art of Saying No

Balance Drive with Self-Compassion

Value the Driven Over the Credentialed

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts