The Discipline Expert: The 4 Surprising & Easy Habits ALL High Achievers Have! (Based On 2,000 Years Of Research) - Ryan Holiday
Aug 24, 2023
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Ryan Holiday, bestselling author and Stoicism expert, delves into how ancient philosophy can reshape modern life. He shares his transformative experience with Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations' and defines discipline as the pathway to true freedom. Discussion topics include the importance of setting personal goals, embracing struggles, and mastering self-discipline for emotional stability. Holiday emphasizes that our actions define us and critiques the impact of social media on mental well-being, advocating for mindful engagement and the pursuit of wisdom through reading.
Focus on what is within your control to find inner peace and make better use of resources.
Engage in physically difficult activities to cultivate resilience, self-discipline, and overcome obstacles.
Finding meaning in life comes from serving others and making positive contributions to the collective.
Practice reflection and evaluation through journaling and regularly reviewing actions and goals for personal growth and success.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Focus on what's in your control
One of the main teachings of Stoicism is to focus on what is within our control. We often waste time and energy on things that are beyond our control, leading to frustration and anxiety. By shifting our attention to what we can control, we can make better use of our resources and find more inner peace.
Key Point 2: Cultivate a daily practice of stillness and reflection
Taking long walks or spending time near water, such as a fountain or the ocean, can have a calming and grounding effect. It allows us to slow down, be present, and gain clarity. This practice of stillness and reflection helps us to find inspiration, reduce stress, and make better choices in our lives.
Key Point 3: Challenge yourself every day
To develop discipline and personal growth, it is important to do something physically difficult every day. This can range from engaging in a challenging physical activity or workout to pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones. By embracing challenges, we cultivate resilience, self-discipline, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
Key Point 4: Make contributions to the greater good
Finding meaning and purpose in life often comes from serving others and making positive contributions to the collective. It is about leaving a legacy of impact and making a difference in the lives of others. By focusing on the common good, we can find fulfillment and a sense of purpose in our lives.
Key Point 5: Embrace the awareness of mortality
A key practice in stoicism is memento mori, the remembrance of our mortality. This awareness of our limited time on Earth helps us to prioritize what truly matters and live with urgency. By acknowledging the finitude of life, we are prompted to make the most of our time and not take it for granted.
The Power of Reflection and Evaluation
Reflection and evaluation are essential for personal growth and success. By holding ourselves accountable and regularly reviewing our actions and goals, we can make necessary adjustments to stay on the right path. This can be achieved through practices like journaling, quarterly meetings with a coach or advisor, or simply taking long walks to think. It is important to embrace discomfort and be willing to do the necessary work to reflect, evaluate, and adjust in order to reach our desired outcomes.
The Transformative Power of Writing
Writing is a powerful tool for clarifying our thoughts and ideas. It forces us to articulate our thinking and helps us understand what we truly believe. Whether it's writing for personal growth, proposing a project, or expressing complex ideas, the act of writing allows us to figure out the best way to communicate and organize our thoughts. Writing also provides structure and a plan, enabling us to effectively convey our message. It may be challenging, but writing is a valuable practice that can transform our lives and shape our understanding of the world.
How can a 2,000 year old philosophy change your life in 2023?
In this new episode Steven sits down with the bestselling author Ryan Holiday. Ryan is best known for promoting the timeless life philosophy of Stoicism through his books, ‘Ego Is The Enemy’, ‘The Obstacle Is The Way’, ‘Courage Is Calling’ and ‘Discipline Is Destiny’, as well as hosting ’The Daily Stoic’ podcast.
In this conversation Ryan and Steven discuss topics, such as:
How researching Stoicism has made Ryan a better person
Ryan’s definition of Stoicism
How Stoicism provides a guide to the big questions of life
The ways an ancient philosophy can be applied to the modern world
How 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius changed Ryan's life
The timeless questions of the human experience
How Stoicism helps people to navigate in a world of problems
The 4 cardinal virtues of Stoicism
How Ryan has viewed Stoicism differently over his life
The different meanings of discipline
How discipline can lead to freedom
What is true freedom
How exercise creates control over the mind
The importance of keeping commitments to yourself
You are what you do
How to set the correct goals
Setting the definitions of your own success
How taking care of yourself physically sets you up to thrive emotionally
Why we need struggles and difficulty in life
Why we need to confront our ego
How human nature hasn't changed over the course of history
Reading as a way of living multiple lives
What Ryan thinks is the meaning of life
The key pieces of wisdom that cross time and cultures
You can purchase Ryan’s most recent book, ‘The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids’, here: https://amzn.to/3KRHG9C
