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What exists outside of our Comfort Zone?
The path to infinite potential. Though uncomfortable, we must learn to embrace the discomfort in order to grow.
What does Seneca say about shaping our life?
If you shape your life according to nature, you will never be poor; if according to people’s opinions, you will never be rich.
What mantra comes from Louise Hay?
“I love and accept myself completely” while looking into your eyes in the mirror.
What does Seneca say about a disposition to good?
Work with stubbornness and strong discipline until our will power to do the right thing leads to a disposition of doing the right thing.
What does Stoic philosophy say about man’s ideal state?
Man’s ideal state is realized when he has fulfilled the purpose for which he is born. Self-actualization.
What does Stoic philosophy say about changing behavior?
To change behavior, first, we need to catch ourselves doing it. One practical way of doing this is by journaling criticism (of others and myself), gossip, complaining, comparing, impatience, holding my breath, getting frustrated, etc. Anything that is part of “My NOs”.
What does Stoic philosophy say about harshness?
We should appropriately correct our weaknesses without self-criticism, just a nice firm look in the eye and a smile as we embody more and more of our ideals while burning out the dross that clouds the silver.
What does Stoic philosophy say about difficulties?
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that things are difficult”
What mode should we strive to live in?
Beta mode. Meaning, get a little better every single day.
What are the 3 universal fundamentals?
- Eat
- Move
- Sleep
What are the unique fundamentals for me?
- Learn
- Build
- Lead
Where does regret and other negative emotions stem from?
The difference between what we are capable of and what we are doing right now. When we find that we are not meeting our potential, the best thing to do is to meet our potential by noting it and moving on.
What does Marcus Aurelius say about time?
“Your time has a limit set to it. Use it, then to advance your enlightenment; or it will be gone, and never in your power again.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about living each day?
“To live each day as though one’s last, never flustered, never apathetic, never attitudinizing - here is the perfection of character.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about visions of a lifetime?
“Never confuse yourself by visions of an entire lifetime at once… remember that it is not the weight of the future or the past that is pressing upon you, but ever that of the present alone.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about retiring within ourselves?
“Men seek for seclusion in the wilderness, by the seashore, or in the mountains - a dream you have cherished too fondly yourself. But such fancies are wholly unworthy of a philosopher, since at any moment you choose you can retire within yourself. Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat that in his own soul; above all, he possesses resources in himself, which he need only contemplate to secure immediate ease of mind - the ease that is but another word for a well-ordered spirit. Avail yourself often, then, of this retirement and so continually renew yourself.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say is within our power?
“Cultivate these, then, for they are wholly within your power: sincerity and dignity; industriousness, and sobriety. Avoid grumbling, be frugal, considerate, and frank; be temperate in manner and speech; carry yourself with authority.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about anger?
“How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say can be taken from a man?
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about your power?
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
What does Rumi say about irritation?
“If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?”
What does Rumi say about security?
“You can believe so much in you and your internal strength that things or others will be seen as mere pleasant but superfluous adjuncts to your life”
What is WOOP?
- Wish (what do you want?)
- Outcome (what benefits will the wish bring to you?)
- Obstacles (what obstacles will you face?)
- Plan (how will I handle obstacles? If X happens, then I will do Y.)
Where is WOOP useful?
Everything from micro to macro goals. WOOP the day, the year, a meeting, anything and everything.
How can we do the impossible?
Break it down into bite-sized pieces.
Which parts of the day do we have the most control over?
The bookends, our AM and PM.
What’s the most important thing I can do ?
This minute, this hour, this day, this week, this month, this year, in 5 years, in a lifetime.
How can we calculate Motivation?
Motivation = (Energy * Expectation * Value) / (Impulse * Delay).
Energy: eat, move sleep
Expectation: how feasible is the goal?
Value: how much value are we going to get?
Impulse: how much impulsivity do we have - can we focus our attention?
Delay: how far off is the goal?
We want to maximize the numerator and minimize the denominator.
What properties should our goals have?
Goals should be challenging, feasible and meaningful.
How do dominoes relate to achieving our goals?
Think about what needs to happen sequentially for that goal to happen. Start with the tiniest domino possible. Ruthlessly prioritize the next domino - don’t skip ahead.
How can we maintain motivation?
Make progress. We feel good when we’re making progress. Have a clear goal and make progress consistently day in and day out.
How should we approach “off days”?
Learn to play poorly well. Rather than have an off day where you screw up and let the whole day spiral, fail gracefully. Set up scaffolding where you can’t fall down too far. Don’t let your kryptonite destroy you.
What is our kryptonite?
Kryptonite is the thing(s) that slows us down. Alcohol, binge eating, etc. The things that we have no reason to continue, habits that we need to eliminate.
What should we do for each year?
Pick a theme and live it every single day. Pick a mantra on who you want to be and what your intention is.
What is smokeybot?
The idea that we should be both the tortoise and the hare. Move fast and move slow. We need to oscillate, can’t be on all the time (like the hare tried to do), but we can’t be off all the time either (like the tortoise). Be on and then be off. Train recovery and become good at it.
What does it mean to be an experimenter?
Look at every moment as a way to get more data on how to live optimally. Feast on success. Don’t beat yourself up on failure, instead take a neutral approach: “needs work.”
What is the rehearsal method for reflection?
Rather than brood over a past event, rehearse what could have gone better. Instead of replaying the (poor) past, rehearse what you could have done better and imprint that growth opportunity on your mind.
Look at everything as a batch of data that you can use to improve just a bit more.
What should we strive to do?
Create an unending string of extraordinary years.
What is Activation Energy?
The point at which an outcome occurs, e.g. boiling point of water. Are you simmering or are you boiling? Flip the switch and go all in. Approach life with the same intensity as a man whose face is forced underwater. Do or do not.
What does it mean to be Antifragile?
When life hits you hard, if you’re
Fragile: you break
Resilient: withstand, but eventually you break
Antifragile: get stronger
“Wind extinguishes a candle but feeds a fire”
What does Confucius say about preaching?
“He does not preach what he practises till he has practised what he preaches.”
What does Confucius say about recognition?
“He does not mind being in office; all he minds about is whether he has qualities that entitle him to office. He does not mind failing to get recognition; he is too busy doing the things that entitle him to recognition”
What does Confucius say about learning?
“In the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within!”
“Even when walking in a party of no more than three I can always be certain of learning from those I am with. There will be good qualities that I can select for imitation and bad ones that will teach me what requires correction in myself.”
What does Confucius say about faults?
“In vain I have looked for a single man capable of seeing his own faults and bringing the charge home against himself.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about dharma?
“It is better to strive in one’s own dharma than to succeed in the dharma of another. Nothing is ever lost in following one’s own dharma. But competition in another’s dharma breeds fear and insecurity.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about duties?
“It is better to perform one’s own duties imperfectly than to master the duties of another. By fulfilling the obligations he is born with, a person never comes to grief. No one should abandon duties because he sees defects in them. Every action, every activity, is surrounded by defects as a fire is surrounded by smoke.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about seeing truly?
“He alone sees truly who sees the Lord the same in every creature… seeing the same Lord everywhere, he does not harm himself or others.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about the power of our will?
“Reshape yourself through the power of your will. Those who have conquered themselves live in peace, alike in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, praise and blame. To such people a clod of dirt, a stone, and gold are the same. Because they are impartial, they rise to great heights.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about results and non-attachment?
“The awakened sages call a person wise when all his undertakings are free from anxiety about results.”
“Abandon all attachments to the results of action and attain supreme peace.”
What does the Bhagavad Gita say about results and non-attachment?
“On his path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about the color of the soul?
“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”
What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?
- Life is full of suffering
- The cause of suffering is selfish desire
- Suffering can be relieved.
- The relief of suffering can be achieved by following the eightfold path.
What is the Eightfold Path of Buddhism?
- Right Views
- Right Resolve
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
What does The Dhammapada say about life?
“Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think”
What does The Dhammapada say about the armies in our mind?
“More than those who hate you, more than all your enemies, an undisciplined mind does greater harm.”
What does The Dhammapada say about how we smell?
“Like a lovely flower full of color but lacking in fragrance, are the words of those who do not practice what they teach.”
What does The Dhammapada say about walking alone?
“If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone. There is no companionship with the immature.”
What does Rumi say about walking alone?
“Stay with friends who support you in these. Talk with them about the sacred texts, and how you are doing, and how they are doing, and keep your practices together.”
What does Seneca say about walking alone?
“Retire into yourself as much as possible. Associate with people who are likely to improve you. Welcome those whom you are capable of improving. The process is a mutual one. People learn as they teach.”
What does The Dhammapada say about being solid as a rock?
“As a solid rock cannot be moved by the wind, the wise are not shaken by praise or blame.”
What does The Dhammapada say about self-mastery?
“One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand men on the battlefield.”
What does Rumi say about the lion?
“The lion who breaks the enemy’s ranks is a minor hero compared to the lion who overcomes himself”
What does The Dhammapada say about little by little?
“Little by little a person becomes evil, as a water pot is filled by drops of water… Little by little a person becomes good, as a water pot is filled by drops of water.”
What does The Dhammapada say about purity?
“Make your mind pure as a silversmith blows away impurities of silver, little by little, instant by instant.”
What does The Dhammapada say about doing it?
“If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart”
What does Epictetus say about our experience?
“Men are disturbed not by the things which happen, but by the opinions about the things.”
What does Epictetus say about irritation?
“Remember that it is not he who reviles you or strikes you, who insults you, but it is your opinion about these things as being insulting. When then a man irritates you, you must know that it is your own opinion which has irritated you. Therefore especially try not to be carried away by the appearance. For if you once gain time and delay, you will easily master yourself.”
What does Epictetus say about things that happen?
“Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”
What does Marcus Aurelius say about things that happen?
“O world, I am in tune with every note of thy great harmony. For me nothing is early, nothing late, if it be timely for thee. O Nature, all that thy seasons yield is fruit for me.”
What does Epictetus say about reporting our faults?
“If a man has reported you, that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make any defense to what has been told you: but reply, The man did not know the rest of my faults, for he would not have mentioned these only.”
What does Epictetus say about preaching?
“For even sheep do not vomit up their grass and show to the shepherds how much they have eaten; but when they have internally digested the pasture, they produce externally wool and milk. Do you also show not your theorems to the uninstructed, but show the acts which come from their digestion.”
What is Flexibility?
Structure + Spontaneity = Flexibility
What should we do when we miss the mark?
Keep shooting
How should we think about things that seem impossible?
They’re actually just really hard. If you couldn’t fail, what is one thing you would do?
What should we focus on instead of the outcome?
Focus on the process. Perfect the process. Rather than worrying about doing well enough for a given outcome, focus on doing perfect alone.
Once you release the arrow, the outcome is out of your control. Focus on the process, let the outcome be what it is. This is the art of acquiescence. Whatever is, is. Accept what it is.
What should we do when something goes sideways?
Give yourself 60 seconds to whine about it. Then, whining over. Think about a solution to your problem. Find one tiny thing you can do right now that will move yourself forward. Relentless solution focus. Relentless.
What standards should we hold ourselves to?
Hold ourselves to heroic high standards, but with kindness and warmth.
What is Grit?
Intense Passion + Intense Perseverance = Grit.
What is Achievement?
Talent X Effort = Skill. Skill X Effort = Achievement. Effort counts twice. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.
What are the four components of success?
Passion = Compass Passion, persistent passion (not fireworks passion) Practice = Do the work every single day. Design your life around your passion. Purpose = Make it about something bigger than you. Hope = Believe that you have the power to make your future better than your present.
What are the stats on thoughts?
70k thoughts per day, 80-90% are useless. Learn how to stop thinking by breathing. Put attention on your body. Immerse yourself in the present moment.
What happens without pressure?
No pressure, no diamonds.
What should we look for in our current situation?
See if you’re sitting on acres of diamonds. What funny rocks do you have in your own backyard that might be priceless? Opportunities come dressed in work clothes.
What is Grateful Flow?
Take a deep breath. Look and notice around you. Take a moment to be grateful for everything around you.
What is Celebratory Love?
See someone who is awesome and celebrate with them. Also known as gratitude’s generous cousin. Appreciate someone else’s good fortune. “May your happiness and good fortune continue.” Celebrate the positive stuff in your relationship.
What is Compassionate Love?
Opening up for someone else’s pain.
What is Love?
Love is about micro-moments of positivity.
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about enthusiasm?
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
“Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due to the triumph of enthusiasm.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about trust?
“Trust thyself”
What does Socrates say about knowing?
“Know thyself”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about being Godlike?
“And truly it demands something godlike in him who cast off the common motives of humanity and ventured to trust himself for a taskmaster”
What does Nietzsche say about wolf and man?
“They have turned the wolf into a dog and man himself into man’s best-domesticated animal”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about leading?
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about cowards and God?
“God will not have his work made manifest by cowards.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about fear?
“Always, always, always, always, always do what you are afraid to do.”
“Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about thoughts?
“Good thoughts are no better than good dreams, unless they be executed!”
What does Henry David Thoreau say about castles?
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about good luck?
“Good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose.”
“There is only one way in which you can ‘change your luck’ and that is by altering your thoughts.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about beautiful compensations?
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about reaping a destiny?
“Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.”
What does Aristotle say about what we are?
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit”
What does Thomas Edison say about habits?
“The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn’t like to do.”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about nature’s compensation?
“Cause and effect, means and ends, seed and fruit, cannot be severed; for the effect already blooms in the cause, the end preexists the means, the fruit in the seed”
What does Ralph Waldo Emerson say about envy and imitation?
“Envy is ignorance. Imitation is suicide.”
How should we reframe fear?
Reframe fear as excitement rather than trying to calm down. Instead of stop, press go. Simply say “I am excited” when your races before a big event.
What is Emotional Stamina?
Bounce back from challenges and setbacks quickly. “I don’t feel good, but I’m going to keep up with the protocol.”
What is Stockdale Paradox?
Confidence in inevitable success. Humble embrace of reality that it isn’t going to happen immediately or be easy, but it will eventually happen.
What’s the idea behind sharpening the saw?
Renewal. Rather than thinking that you’re way too busy to slow down and in the middle of work, like a person sawing a tree, instead, slow down and think about how you can be more efficient, e.g. sharpening the saw.
What is The Maze?
A mental loop about someone that has annoyed you. You get trapped in it. To get out of it, practice active love:
- Notice that you’re off. Get excited about detecting the negativity.
- Deep breathe, move energy from the mental maze to the heart.
- Think about some awesome things about the person.
- Beam them love.
What is Hope? What are the three parts?
Our future will be better than our present. Three parts:
- Goal
- Agency (belief that we have the power to do it)
- Persistence
What does it mean to have self-compassion?
Self-kindness, talk to yourself like you would a dear friend or child. Notice that we have a common humanity, we’re never alone. Be mindful, notice negative self-talk and label it.
What should we remember for journaling?
Do it daily. Reflect on hopes and dreams. Visualize success. Reflect on the steps we’re taking to ensure success.
What is Deep Work?
Creative time blocks where we focus on one thing deeply.
What is High Quality Work?
High Quality Work = Time Spent x Intensity of Focus
What is Multitasking?
Impossible. Instead, your brain does task switching and you pay a high cost.
What is Attention Residue?
Some of your attention hangs on to your last task.
How should we think about mental energy?
Match mental energy to the task. When are you at your best creatively? Use that time to create.
What is one way to think about Family?
“I’m the only person in the world that can be a great husband to my wife and a great father to my children”
What is OMMS?
Obstacles Make Me Stronger. The heroes mantra. Be immune to obstacles. Chant OMMS with a fierce determination in your soul and a smile on your face.
What is Hardaholic?
Making things harder than they are. Instead, think “What if it was easy to ___?”
