Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

Redefining success, money, and belonging | Paul Millerd (The Pathless Path)

Nov 19, 2023

In this conversation, Paul Millerd, the author of "The Pathless Path," shares his journey from strategy consulting to embracing an unconventional career. He discusses the contrast between the "default path" and the "pathless path," encouraging listeners to seek personal fulfillment over societal expectations. Paul advocates for taking sabbaticals to rediscover oneself, explores the financial viability of creative careers, and emphasizes the importance of following one's passions. Get ready to rethink success and redefine what a fulfilling life looks like!

01:04:52

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Episode guests

Paul Millerd

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Quick takeaways

The pathless path encourages individuals to question societal expectations and explore their own desires and priorities.

Creating space for self-reflection and exploration, such as through a sabbatical, is crucial for embarking on the pathless path.

Fear is a common obstacle on the pathless path, but it can be managed through ongoing self-reflection and reframing fears around taking action.

Deep dives

Exploring the Default Path and Shifting Away

The default path is the dominant narrative about what one should do in life and work. It usually involves following societal expectations, such as getting a good job, making money, buying a house, and starting a family. However, many people feel unfulfilled and seek an alternative path. The pathless path offers a shift away from the default path, embracing discomfort and uncertainty. It encourages individuals to explore their own desires and priorities, questioning the scripts they have been following. This path allows for greater self-awareness and the discovery of activities that truly bring joy and aliveness.

Redefining Work and Finding Fulfillment

02:11

Ship Quit and Learn: Starting a Podcast

00:34

Creating Resources for Unconventional Paths and the Inner Game of Work

01:37

The Importance of Creativity and Exploration in Finding a Pathless Path

03:09

Intro

5min

Reimagining the Career Path

11min

Reclaiming Time for Self-Discovery

9min

Exploring New Career Paths and Financial Success in Creativity

4min

Exploring Flexible Living Strategies for Financial Stability

1min

The Journey of Taking a Year Off

16min

Pursuing Passion Over Profession: A Journey of Reinvention

4min

Embracing Unconventional Paths

14min

Paul Millerd spent several years working in strategy consulting and on the “default path” before deciding to walk away to work on his own in 2017. His book, The Pathless Path, chronicles his own journey and deep dive into the history of work and has been read by more than 40,000 people. His podcast, The Pathless Path Podcast, highlights conversations with others following unconventional paths. He also runs the online training business StrategyU, helping people learn the skills of consulting without having to work in the industry. In our conversation, Paul shares:

• An explanation of the “default path” and the “pathless path”

• Signs you may be stuck on the default path

• How to inch your way toward the pathless path

• Why Paul suggests everyone should take a three-month sabbatical

• Tips for embracing fear and betting on yourself

• How to work through the fear of losing money and prestige

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Find the full transcript at: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/redefining-success-money-and-belonging-paul-millerd-the-pathless-path/

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Where to find Paul Millerd:

• X: https://twitter.com/p_millerd

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmillerd/

• Website: https://pathlesspath.com/

• Newsletter: https://newsletter.pathlesspath.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofS_FvauuHc-x6mq7yz6nA

• Podcast: https://think-boundless.com/podcast/

• Email: paul@strategyu.com

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