Q&A with Tim Ferriss — How to Live with Urgency

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• Constant motion or constant productivity can hinder oblique thinking, which is necessary for seeing a problem with fresh eyes and making unique decisions (3s).
• Constantly being close to a problem can make it difficult to zoom out and gain a broader perspective (24s).
• Having a little distance from a problem is necessary to consider doing something before others do it, allowing for unique and highly leveraged decisions (37s).

Q&A format and ground rules. (1m2s)

• The group size is considered ideal, not too big and not too small. (1m2s)
• Scott's headset is complimented on its taste. (1m7s)
• The Q&A session will be conducted in a conversational manner, going around the group and allowing people to ask their questions. (1m16s)
• Participants can ask their pre-submitted questions or something else entirely, whichever they prefer. (1m22s)
• Sarah is invited to start the Q&A session. (1m28s)

My shift in perspective on parenting and fatherhood. (1m30s)

• A significant change in perspective occurred in the past two years, specifically regarding parenting and fatherhood, which was previously not considered due to concerns about being a good parent. (2m5s)
• The decision to become a parent was seen as a forever decision, and there was a lack of evidence to support being a good dad, leading to hesitation in making this significant choice. (2m8s)
• Becoming a parent is considered a self-interested decision, as it involves choosing to bring children into the world and wanting to provide the best possible circumstances for them to flourish. (2m35s)
• Friends having children and spending time with them led to reassessments, with many friends suggesting that being a great dad is a possibility, which helped to shift the perspective. (2m54s)
• A question often applied to other challenges, "Why has anyone less capable, less intelligent, or less resourced ever figured this out and done a pretty good job?" was finally applied to parenting, leading to a reevaluation of capabilities. (3m25s)
• The next great chapter and adventure seems to be parenting, but there are still personal matters to figure out, such as finding a partner and building a family. (3m52s)
• The current focus is on finding a partner, with the possibility of a girlfriend, wife, or mother of the children, although it is acknowledged that this path is not necessarily required. (4m0s)

New creative directions: games, comics, animation. (4m18s)

• Andrew asks about exploring new creative directions, given that 10 years have passed since the podcast started, and inquires about plans for the next 10 years of life (4m32s).
• The response is that long-term goals are not typically well-planned, as hitting them reliably might indicate being too comfortable, and there are many unpredictable elements (5m11s).
• The plan time horizon tends to be 6 to 12 months, with the assumption that doing well over that period will open doors that could not have been predicted or foreseen ahead of time (5m53s).
• Examples of this approach include the first book and the podcast, which brought unexpected opportunities that could not have been imagined 3 years later (6m17s).
• The focus is on doing well in the short term, which can lead to new and unforeseen opportunities (6m38s).

Identity diversification. (6m42s)

• Exploring new areas outside of one's comfort zone can help prevent complacency and open up new possibilities, which is why there's a focus on trying new things that aren't bound by current identity (7m0s).
• Identity diversification can provide benefits, such as permission to try new things and explore new realms of possibilities that may not have been considered before (7m29s).
• Being constrained to a specific identity, such as being a business author, can limit one's potential and creativity (7m52s).
• The success of "The 4-Hour Work Week" provided a "grace period" to try new things, including writing "The 4-Hour Body," which proved that experimentation outside of one's comfort zone is possible (8m5s).
• Experimenting with new areas, such as games, NFTs, and comics, can help stimulate creativity and energy (8m52s).
• Revisiting past interests, such as illustration and comic book art, can help reinvigorate energy and creativity (10m20s).
• Looking back at what activated energy and creativity in the past can help inform future pursuits and interests (10m32s).
• Animation and creative writing are also areas of interest and exploration, with the goal of taking pressure off and allowing for creative freedom (10m42s).
• Using satire and humor, such as with the project "Cock Punch," can help take pressure off and allow for creative experimentation (11m3s).
• The idea of playing with different projects and ideas without taking them too seriously can help alleviate performance anxiety and insecurity, as seen in the creation of fantasy art masterpieces and a new book project (11m11s).
• The new book project involves changing variables, such as considering self-publishing, presenting the book serially, and having a private community provide feedback and refine the content over time (11m37s).
• This approach allows for testing and refining the book with a small audience before polishing and publishing it, which could result in a unique and interesting outcome (12m23s).
• The goal is to find projects that help build or deepen relationships and acquire skills that can transcend the project itself, such as the Cay Foundation's fundraising efforts through NFTs (12m57s).
• The NFT project, despite falling out of favor, provided valuable learning experiences, including working with a small team of creatives and collaborating with artists from Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering (13m43s).
• The success of this project has given confidence to take on more ambitious or different projects, such as animation, and apply the lessons learned to new endeavors (14m17s).
• The approach to thinking through projects involves considering how they can help build relationships, acquire skills, and lead to new and interesting outcomes (14m33s).

Simple pleasures: outdoor activities, meditation, archery. (14m45s)

• Simple things in life bring joy, and one can experience uninterrupted periods of joy by returning to basics, such as spending time in nature, exercising, and getting enough sunlight, which triggers a hormonal cascade with various benefits (14m53s).
• Having a consistent daily routine that includes time for physical activity, such as spending time with a dog, and focused work without distractions can help increase productivity and overall well-being (15m40s).
• Allocating specific time for work and avoiding distractions, especially in urban environments, can help accomplish more and feel better about it (15m51s).
• Engaging in immersive activities, such as writing a book or practicing archery, can bring joy and help diversify one's identity, reducing the impact of potential setbacks in other areas (16m52s).
• Practicing archery has been a consistent and enjoyable activity, although it's essential to avoid overdoing it and take regular breaks to avoid injury (17m9s).
• Starting the day with meditation, followed by physical activities like archery and cold plunges, can set a positive tone for the rest of the day (17m49s).
• On an annual level, the most important thing for joy and well-being is finding activities that facilitate the forgetting of oneself, as joy is often an emergent experience of self-forgetting, whereas the pursuit of happiness can sometimes become an obsessive focus on the self (18m18s).
• To maintain a sense of urgency and prioritize relationships, it's helpful to block out time with a small group of friends who are reliably enjoyable to be around, ideally doing something active like skiing, hiking, or other activities. (18m51s)
• Each year, it's beneficial to look back and identify the relationships that are most enlivening and then schedule time with those people in group environments. (19m3s)
• Having a short list of people to prioritize allows for more focused and meaningful interactions, and activities like group outings can help facilitate these connections. (19m19s)
• When feeling out of sorts, it's essential to revisit the basics, such as getting enough morning light, exercise, and having a dialed-in diet, as these factors can significantly impact one's sense of urgency and well-being. (19m56s)
• Being in environments that promote unhealthy habits, such as frequent alcohol consumption, can hinder one's sense of urgency and overall well-being, making it crucial to be mindful of these factors. (20m10s)
• Removing emergency breaks and focusing on the fundamental aspects of one's life can help facilitate a sense of urgency and living in the present moment. (20m22s)

Using AI to keep questioning fresh and relevant. (20m41s)

• Approaches to questioning can be categorized into different settings, such as asking oneself, others, or a group, and these can be considered different species of questions (21m29s).
• To keep questions fresh, one can use AI tools like ChatGBT to generate new questions by asking how different interviewers, such as James Lipton or Terry Gross, would interview a guest (22m31s).
• This approach can provide new and interesting questions that one may not have thought of before, and can help to avoid getting stuck in a rut of asking the same questions (22m11s).
• Saving questions that one likes in a note-taking system, such as Evernote or Notion, can also be helpful in keeping a running list of questions to draw from (23m49s).
• Questions can come from anywhere, including novels, magazines, or other sources, and can be saved and used as inspiration for future questions (24m1s).
• Consistent questions, such as those found in the 5-minute journal, can also be helpful in achieving a desired result and can be used as a guideline for questioning (24m26s).
• Using different interview styles, such as those of Charlie Rose or Lex Fridman, can also provide new and interesting questions to ask (23m10s).

Breaking through periods of feeling unsuccessful. (24m51s)

• The question of how to break through and get out of a rut is discussed, referencing successful people who have gone through long periods of being unsuccessful or rejected before achieving success (25m10s).
• The importance of taking a break and having distance from a problem is highlighted, as constant motion and productivity can be the enemy of oblique thinking and making unique decisions (27m1s).
• The value of having a little bit of distance and stillness is emphasized, allowing for fresh eyes and unique perspectives on problems and situations (27m49s).
• The goal of being a "category of one" and avoiding competition in professional life is mentioned, with a preference for activities like archery that are compartmentalized and time-bound (28m8s).
• The importance of questioning ambition and building in periods of distance and reflection is discussed, particularly in the context of podcasting and other professional pursuits (28m38s).
• The concept of beliefs as thoughts that are taken to be true is introduced, referencing Byron Katie, and the importance of examining and understanding one's belief structure is highlighted (28m52s).
• The idea that making the implicit explicit and understanding one's belief structure can provide optionality and direction in life is discussed (29m11s).
• It's essential to examine and challenge one's explicit beliefs, as they can be limiting and not necessarily true, and this process is not limited to people in the top 1% of 1% (29m15s).
• The world will continue to function even if one slows down or takes a break, and in many cases, people will be better off without the constant noise and distractions from social media and news (29m33s).
• The feeling of needing to be constantly active and productive is not necessary for achieving success or making significant decisions, and there are examples of people who have achieved great things despite taking breaks or stepping back from the public eye (30m9s).
• People like Daniel de Lewis, who have mastered their craft, can afford to take time off and still have options and opportunities available to them (30m31s).
• It's crucial to focus on what brings joy and realign one's beliefs and actions to achieve that, and it's helpful to look at the antecedents to joy, such as losing the self or the dissolution of the self (32m20s).
• When faced with a question that seems impossible to answer, it can be helpful to reframe the question or look for the precursors to the desired outcome, rather than getting stuck on the original question (31m52s).
• It's essential to remember that it's okay to not have everything figured out, and it's helpful to be open to exploring different perspectives and approaches to achieve happiness and fulfillment (31m45s).

Exploring the fringes and growing personally over the past decade. (32m56s)

• A listener expresses gratitude for the content and shares that they've been listening for nine years, appreciating the podcasts as a gym companion, and have observed a possible softening of edges in the personality and a hint of spirituality over time (32m58s).
• The listener asks if there's anything in particular that has helped soften the edges and if there's a different perspective on spirituality, to which the response is that there has been a softening in the last five years, possibly due to getting older, but also due to proactive efforts and life experiences (33m44s).
• Seeing dozens of close friends and podcast guests who are materially successful but dissatisfied has contributed to the softening, as it has shown that success does not resolve most issues (34m35s).
• Observing very wealthy people has also shown that they often build their wealth in a never-ending cycle, always wanting more, and that giving large amounts of money to children can actually harm them (35m32s).
• The realization that professional success and accumulating wealth may not solve all problems and may even harm children has raised questions about the purpose and goals of life (37m13s).
• Taking things less seriously can help in taking oneself less seriously, which can be beneficial in living with urgency and not getting too caught up in the idea of leaving a permanent legacy (37m29s).
• The idea of creating a permanent record of oneself that persists over time is somewhat silly, especially with the current information overload, but having myths or reasons to do things can be helpful and empowering (38m38s).
• Myths can be helpful in motivating people to succeed, even if they are not entirely true, and it's essential to pick a story that benefits rather than handicaps (39m19s).
• Recognizing the limits of one's knowledge and being open to the unknown can help in not taking oneself too seriously and being more open to new experiences and ideas (39m58s).
• Exploring the fringes of human knowledge and experience, including psychedelics and other unconventional areas, can help broaden one's perspective and understanding (40m8s).
• Having friends die or experience serious health issues can help put things into perspective and highlight the importance of living in the present and not getting too caught up in worries about the future or past (40m52s).
• Focusing on the present and not getting too caught up in worries about things that are outside of one's control can help in living with urgency and making the most of the time available (41m31s).
• Life is short, and even if one reaches old age, it's still not long, and this realization can come from experiencing the loss of friends and acquaintances to unexpected events like car accidents (41m36s).
• The process of softening and becoming more compassionate can come from exploring different modalities to metabolize past traumas, such as childhood abuse (41m56s).
• Cultivating compassion for oneself is essential, as it's challenging to genuinely express compassion for others without first developing self-compassion (42m35s).
• Developing compassion for oneself can have downstream benefits, including a general softening, and is a crucial homework assignment for many people (42m50s).
• Recognizing the importance of self-compassion can lead to a greater ability to express compassion for others, and this realization can be a valuable takeaway for personal growth (42m47s).

Longevity protocols and handling grief. (43m25s)

• The concept of grief is a natural part of the human condition and should not be avoided, but rather acknowledged and processed in a healthy manner (44m51s).
• The stripping away of religion from modern secular society has led to a lack of cultural milestones and rituals to help people cope with grief and other significant life events (45m30s).
• In some cases, religious or cultural protocols can provide a sense of structure and closure for people dealing with grief, but in modern society, individuals are often left to create their own rituals and coping mechanisms (46m16s).
• The challenges of dealing with grief reflect broader societal challenges, and the book "On Grief and Grieving" is a commonly recommended resource for those struggling with grief (47m23s).
• When it comes to longevity protocols, it's difficult to stay up-to-date due to the large amount of misinformation and influencers promoting questionable products or services (47m34s).
• Some people may find it helpful to establish their own personal rituals or protocols for dealing with grief, such as a set mourning period or specific activities to help process their emotions (46m22s).
• The lack of clear cultural guidelines for dealing with grief can leave individuals feeling unmoored and unsure of how to navigate their emotions (47m3s).
• It's essential to approach grief with a sense of curiosity and openness, rather than trying to avoid or suppress emotions (45m5s).
• The topic of grief serves as a microcosm for broader societal challenges, highlighting the need for more open and honest discussions about death, loss, and the human experience (47m12s).
• When it comes to health and wellness information, it's difficult to separate fact from fiction without a reliable source, and for specific information, Peter Attia is a trustworthy expert who focuses on healthspan and has a high degree of credibility (47m58s).
• Peter Attia is reliable because he has repeatedly turned down lucrative business offers if he doesn't feel 100% comfortable supporting the conclusions and claims, and he has a strong track record of prioritizing accuracy over financial gain (48m33s).
• The basics of health and wellness are often the most effective and reliable approaches, and it's best to be cautious of bleeding-edge treatments or supplements that may have unknown long-term effects (48m51s).
• Staying away from the bleeding edge of health and wellness trends is often a good idea, as some treatments or supplements may have unintended consequences, such as infertility or other health problems (49m24s).
• It's essential to consider the potential downsides of any health or wellness approach and to prioritize minimizing harm rather than just trying to maximize benefits (50m9s).
• One effective way to approach health and wellness is to focus on subtracting things that might be harmful rather than just adding new supplements or treatments, such as minimizing exposure to plastics and phthalates (50m29s).
• Simple changes like using glass instead of plastic, using water filtration, and exercising regularly can have a significant impact on overall health and wellness (50m43s).
• Exercise, particularly zone two weight training, is essential for overall health and wellness, and it's often the most consistent mood elevator (51m30s).
• In addition to exercise, other tools like cold exposure can also have a significant impact on mood and overall health (51m49s).
• Certain medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro may be beneficial for individuals on the verge of being diabetic or diabetic, but they are not without risks and trade-offs, as there are no biological free lunches (51m57s).
• When considering the use of such medications, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, especially in life-or-death situations where weight loss is necessary (52m27s).
• For general longevity, it's recommended to focus on established methods that have been proven effective over time, such as taking creatine, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet (52m37s).
• One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is overeating, and it's essential to be mindful of this habit to achieve overall well-being (52m47s).
• The importance of considering the potential risks and trade-offs of any medication or lifestyle choice cannot be overstated, as it's crucial to be aware of the potential consequences of one's decisions (52m10s).

Coping with the loss of a pet. (53m14s)

• The person lost their 14-year-old cat two months prior and found ways to cope with the loss, having spent a lot of time with the cat in a small apartment over the years (53m20s).
• They decided to bury the cat on their land instead of cremating her, digging a four-foot deep hole themselves to ensure environmental considerations and prevent animals from accessing the body (53m36s).
• The burial process was a way for them to think about nature and the cat's return to the earth through biodegradation (53m54s).
• They also observed a period of mourning by wearing black for a couple of days (54m8s).
• The person found comfort in a meme about a gravestone from a hundred years ago, which described a pet as being enough of a human to provide comfort in times of stress and sadness (54m14s).
• This process helped them cope with the loss of their pet, acknowledging that although the cat was not human, she provided comfort and support (54m21s).

Ecstatic creativity à la Rick Rubin and CØCKPUNCH. (54m35s)

• Rick Rubin's book "The Creative Act" discusses the concept of the ecstatic, a feeling of warrant in the body that serves as a great creative compass to recognize when searching for a breakthrough in creative projects (54m59s).
• This feeling can be described as a quickening, an extreme comfortable focus, and a calm but intense focus that is energy-giving, allowing one to navigate through creative work (56m26s).
• To pick up the signal of the ecstatic, it's essential to clear the decks by avoiding excessive stimulants, such as too much coffee, to minimize false positives and negatives (56m55s).
• Paying attention to physiology and being aware of how one's body reacts to different activities can help identify the ecstatic feeling, which may not come naturally to analytical individuals (57m36s).
• The ecstatic feeling can be thought of as an energetic scent trail, guiding one through the creative process, and it's not about knowing with certainty that a specific project will lead to a breakthrough, but rather following the trail and adjusting along the way (58m18s).
• The process of creating something new can be compared to driving across the country at night with headlights on, where one can't see the destination but can navigate by seeing far enough in front to adjust and move forward (58m34s).
• A project that initially seemed like a dead end turned out to be a huge success, and the energy from that project was applied to other projects, resulting in no regrets (58m54s).
• The Lord of the Rings has had a significant impact on fantasy and has been a cultural phenomenon, with its hero's journey being a notable aspect (59m44s).
• The concept of a hero's journey, as seen in the Lord of the Rings and other stories, can be applied to Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) by a good Dungeon Master, who weaves adventures that incorporate elements of the hero's journey (1h0m42s).
• D&D does not have a singular figure like Frodo carrying the ring, but a good Dungeon Master can create a sense of the hero's journey in their adventures (1h0m15s).
• The idea of a singular hero in a story is not always clear-cut, and the circumstances of the players and the module can affect the outcome of the adventure (1h1m11s).
• A character named Tyroon, the son, is a central figure in a potential story, and the dynamic between Tyroon and his father could be the core of a movie or other project (1h1m31s).
• The story of Tyroon and his father has the potential to be exciting and go off the rails quickly, with many challenges to solve (1h2m52s).
• The concept of Legends of Varata, a potential project, has been explored through recent art on Instagram, and the story could be developed into a movie or other format (1h1m23s).
• The ability to work with concept artists, storyboard, and provide feedback, as well as having a directorial sense, would be essential in bringing a project like Legends of Varata to life (1h2m15s).
• Creating a $100 million animated film from an NFT project is a challenging but exciting goal, requiring several steps to be figured out in between (1h3m11s).
• The success of Arcane, a Netflix series created by League of Legends and Riot Games, serves as an inspiration and example of what can be achieved with a large budget for an animated project (1h3m30s).
• Arcane is highly recommended to watch, showcasing an impressive and unconventional approach to animation, with a YouTube series also available that documents the making of the show (1h3m37s).

Physiological awareness and self-regulation. (1h4m0s)

• The concept of reflecting on the last 10 years of one's life and identifying a common theme or thread that has contributed to personal growth and positive changes is discussed (1h4m32s).
• One individual shares that their underlying theme over the last decade has been developing high patience with themselves and others, which has led to increased compassion and empathy (1h4m45s).
• Another person notes that they struggle with patience and have been working on developing it, but their own through line over the last 10 years has been cultivating awareness to self-regulate their physiological responses (1h5m41s).
• This person explains that they have a hypervigilant system, which can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system and intense physiological responses to minor stimuli (1h6m5s).
• To manage this, they have been using various tools such as meditation, psychedelics, therapy, and reading books like "Awareness" by Anthony De Mello to increase their awareness and better regulate their responses (1h7m30s).
• The goal of this increased awareness is to be able to recognize and address physiological responses in the moment, rather than getting caught up in negative thought patterns or stories (1h7m40s).
• A person was introduced to Henry Shum, a Zen meditation master, by Kevin Rose, and Henry has been a guest on the podcast twice, teaching a particular school of Zen in the United States. (1h7m54s)
• Henry developed an app called "The Way" which was initially invested in, and now it's built out and available to try, with a recommended usage of 10 minutes a day, twice a day. (1h8m22s)
• Using the app has helped in developing an awareness of how physiology drives thoughts and emotions, and paying attention to it has led to a decrease in reactive responses in challenging conversations. (1h9m3s)
• The project of the last 10 years has been to develop an awareness and appreciation of how much physiology drives everything, and to pay more attention to it, rather than just focusing on thoughts. (1h9m13s)
• Noting and acknowledging physiological responses, rather than trying to suppress them, can help in reducing their intensity and engaging in less reactive ways. (1h9m2s)

Finding career relevance in an AI-transformed landscape. (1h9m45s)

• A 47-year-old man with a 5-year-old daughter is seeking a career change as he doesn't love his current job and wants to find something that lights him up, just like he wishes for his daughter to find her passion (1h9m47s).
• He has six months off to think about his next move and is considering various options, including architectural and house design, but is concerned that AI might take over this field in the next five years (1h10m49s).
• He is looking for questions to ask himself or things to do to find his passion and is open to learning new things (1h11m12s).
• The concern about AI taking over certain career paths is common, but it's difficult to predict which paths will be affected, and it's easy to become paralyzed by uncertainty (1h11m59s).
• Certain career paths, such as logo design, might be more likely to be consumed by AI, but it's essential to focus on the present and the quickening of technological advancements rather than speculating about AI's impact (1h12m43s).
• There is no one "right" path, and everyone is making it up as they go along, so it's a trial-and-error process to find what works (1h12m55s).
• Architectural design might not be entirely consumed by AI, as there are open questions about the technology, such as whether people will want to engage with AI-generated content that lacks human involvement (1h13m15s).
• People may still prefer handmade or unique products and services, such as artwork or bespoke shoes, over cheaper alternatives produced by AI, indicating a market for human-created goods and services (1h13m52s).
• In the future, professionals like architects might work with AI tools, paying a monthly fee for their services, to augment their work and increase efficiency, rather than relying solely on human employees (1h14m30s).
• The ability to adapt and be confident in one's ability to learn and figure things out will be a valuable skill in a rapidly changing world, including one with AI (1h15m19s).
• Considering worst-case scenarios and having a plan in place can help alleviate fears and provide a sense of security, allowing for more room to experiment and take risks (1h15m43s).
• Having a safety net, such as savings and a methodical plan for handling costs, can provide more freedom to experiment and try new things, even in the face of uncertainty (1h15m51s).
• Conducting a "fear-setting" exercise, as described in the 4-Hour Work Week, can help individuals prepare for and mitigate potential worst-case scenarios, and gain a clearer understanding of their priorities and values (1h16m32s).
• Even if a career or profession is disrupted by AI, the experience and skills gained in that field can still be valuable and provide a sense of fulfillment, and it may not be regrettable to have pursued it (1h17m6s).
• Putting worst-case scenarios down on paper and brainstorming ways to decrease their likelihood and mitigate their impact can be a helpful exercise in preparing for uncertainty (1h17m21s).
• To overcome being stuck, it's essential to make some money, even if it means doing something in your current industry that you may not enjoy, as a worst-case scenario to make ends meet and figure out the next move (1h17m42s).
• Consulting for people in a specific industry, such as restaurants, can be a temporary solution to make a living while planning the next step (1h17m49s).
• Doing the fear-setting exercise can help individuals get unstuck and move forward (1h18m3s).
• It's crucial to realize that very few moves are fatal, which can help alleviate anxiety and encourage taking action (1h18m8s).

Parting thoughts. (1h18m21s)

• The session has been ongoing for a while, and it's time to conclude as the host needs to get some food after having a limited diet of mixed nuts and sweet potato fries throughout the day (1h18m21s).
• The host acknowledges that their current diet may not be ideal for achieving a long lifespan, such as living to be 150 (1h18m35s).
• The host expresses gratitude for meeting and spending time with the audience, including some familiar faces who were present earlier (1h18m44s).
• The host wishes the audience a wonderful evening and a great weekend (1h18m52s).
• The host thanks the audience for being part of the experiment (1h18m56s).