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

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Nov 19, 2023

Guest

Paul Millerd

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!

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ADVICE

Sabbatical Exploration

Explore a pathless path, even with constraints, by taking a three-month sabbatical.
This allows you to reconnect with yourself and explore new possibilities.

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ADVICE

Micro-Explorations

If a sabbatical is impossible, take a few hours during a workday to explore your interests.
Engage in childhood activities and reflect on your feelings about work.

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ADVICE

Path Expert Conversations

Connect with others who have taken unconventional paths.
Ask thoughtful questions and learn from their experiences.

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

Reimagining the Career Path

04:58 • 11min

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Reclaiming Time for Self-Discovery

16:05 • 9min

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Exploring New Career Paths and Financial Success in Creativity

25:08 • 4min

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Exploring Flexible Living Strategies for Financial Stability

29:19 • 1min

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The Journey of Taking a Year Off

30:42 • 16min

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Pursuing Passion Over Profession: A Journey of Reinvention

46:40 • 4min

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Embracing Unconventional Paths

51:09 • 14min

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Wanting

The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life

Luke Burgis

In 'Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life,' Luke Burgis delves into the concept of mimetic desire, which is the tendency to imitate the desires of others. Drawing on the work of René Girard, Burgis explains how our desires are mediated by models and how this can lead to rivalry, conflict, and unfulfilling pursuits. The book distinguishes between 'thin' desires, which are superficial and mimetic, and 'thick' desires, which are deeper and more lasting. Burgis provides tactics for identifying and transforming these desires, such as creating a hierarchy of values, finding sources of wisdom that withstand mimesis, and practicing empathy. The book aims to help readers gain control over their desires and find more meaning in their lives by making intentional choices rather than blindly following mimetic forces.

The Pathless Path

Imagining a New Story for Work and Life

Paul Millerd

The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd chronicles his journey from being a high-achieving consultant to embarking on a path of self-discovery and creating a life based on personal values and freedom. The book explores the history of work, the concept of the 'default path' versus the 'pathless path,' and offers practical advice on how to navigate uncertainty, redefine success, and find meaning in one's life. Millerd shares his experiences of living in different countries, facing existential crises, and developing principles that guide him towards a more fulfilling life. The book is an invitation to readers to question their current path and consider a more unconventional, yet meaningful, way of living.

The great work of your life

Stephen Cope

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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Where to find Lenny:

• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com

• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan

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

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In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) Paul’s background

(04:33) An explanation of the “default path”

(06:32) Questions to help clarify which path you are on

(07:35) Paul’s thoughts on “remixing your path”

(09:57) An explanation of the “pathless path”

(12:06) Examples of the pathless path

(13:54) Why meaning is hard to find and sustain on a traditional career path

(16:05) A case for the three-month sabbatical

(18:16) A mindfulness and self-reflection exercise

(20:18) Why Paul recommends three months

(22:28) Advice to founders on offering sabbaticals

(23:40) Other tactics for self-discovery

(27:08) The variability of income in self-employed roles

(29:12) Methods for staying afloat after leaving your job

(30:42) Tips for reframing your thoughts around money

(33:19) Why betting on yourself usually works out

(34:46) The importance of setting aside time for creative pursuits

(36:22) How to dip your toes in and find your path

(37:53) Lenny’s personal journey

(39:27) Advice on dealing with the naysayers

(40:22) How to acknowledge and tame your fears

(44:52) The “ship, quit, and learn” framework

(46:39) Why the pathless path is one of constant reinvention

(51:27) Paul’s response to criticism

(58:02) First steps for getting started on your journey

(55:42) Lightning round

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Referenced:

• The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story for Work and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Pathless-Path-Imagining-Story-Work/dp/B09QF6Q421

• David Autor on X: https://twitter.com/davidautor

• Tim Ferriss’s blog: https://tim.blog/

• Why you should define your fears instead of your goals | Tim Ferriss: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J6jAC6XxAI

• How Lenny Rachitsky Got 531,000 Substack Subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZem1NYfpM

• The Lindy effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindy_effect

• StrategyU: https://strategyu.co/

• David Deming’s website: https://www.daviddeming.com/nyt-columns

• The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Work-Your-Life-Journey/dp/0553386077

• Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life: https://www.amazon.com/Wanting-Power-Mimetic-Desire-Everyday/dp/1250262488

• Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain: https://www.hbo.com/movies/roadrunner-a-film-about-anthony-bourdain

• Nuna travel stroller: https://nunababy.com/usa/trvl-easy-fold-compact-stroller

• Build Your Own Chatbot with OpenAI GPT-3 and Streamlit: https://medium.com/@avra42/build-your-own-chatbot-with-openai-gpt-3-and-streamlit-6f1330876846

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Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.

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Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.

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