Podcast Summary
The reward in completing a project can surpass the joy of sharing it: Creating a project can be an unpleasurable experience, but the satisfaction from completing it and eventually sharing it is what makes it worthwhile.
Learning from this conversation with Kelly Corrigan on the Rich Roll podcast is the idea that sometimes, the process of creating and completing a project can be more rewarding than the act of sharing it with others. Corrigan, a bestselling author known for her personal and candid writing style, shares that she often finds writing to be an unpleasurable experience, but the satisfaction she derives from completing a piece and eventually sharing it with the world is what makes it worthwhile. This notion of delaying the reward of sharing a project until it's completed resonates with Corrigan's belief that the process of creating is an essential part of the experience. Additionally, the podcast episode features sponsors On, a high-performance apparel brand, and Birch, a mattress company, both offering exclusive discounts for listeners.
Discovering New Voices at The Nantucket Project: The Nantucket Project curates a diverse range of speakers, balancing well-known and lesser-known individuals, to foster authentic and participatory conversations, reaching thousands with new ideas and perspectives.
The Nantucket Project, an ideas festival, curates an eclectic mix of well-known and unknown speakers to engage in meaningful conversations. Host Kelly Corrigan shared her experience attending the event and was inspired by the charismatic people she met, leading to an insightful interview on the podcast. The event, which has been running for nine years, has reached thousands of people, and the guest selection process is based on instinct and recommendations. The goal is to discover new voices and provide value to attendees by balancing both well-known and lesser-known speakers. The event's unique atmosphere fosters participatory and authentic conversations, creating an enriching experience for all involved.
Unexpected opportunities lead to meaningful experiences and relationships: Embrace unexpected invitations and opportunities, they can lead to personal and professional growth and long-term relationships.
Sometimes the most unexpected opportunities can lead to the most meaningful experiences and relationships. This was the case for the speaker, who was unexpectedly invited to give the talk of her life at the Nantucket Project. Initially offended, she eventually accepted the challenge and delivered a talk that became the best of her career. This encounter led to a long-term relationship with the organization and its founders, Tom and Neil Phillips. Tom, a man who operates on gut feelings, saw potential in the speaker and offered her the position of creative director despite her living in California. The Nantucket Project, known for its heart and integrity, offers a unique and immersive experience for speakers and attendees alike, fostering meaningful connections over important topics. The founders, who went to college to play football, have since built a business focused on helping people connect in a collegial and meaningful way. The speaker's experience highlights the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and the impact they can have on personal and professional growth.
Connecting through shared experiences and discussions: The Neighborhood Project brings people together through small group discussions of Tim Ferriss Show content, fostering genuine human connection and community understanding.
The Neighborhood Project, an initiative by The Tim Ferriss Show, offers a meaningful way to connect with others and build relationships through shared experiences and discussions. This program, which hosts small groups to watch and discuss content from the show, provides a platform for people to engage in intellectual and heartfelt conversations, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Despite our increasing reliance on technology, the need for genuine human connection remains strong. The Neighborhood Project serves as an effective solution, bringing people together in a safe and inclusive space to explore topics, learn from one another, and form lasting bonds. With over 70 projects currently running in 26 or 27 states, this initiative is making a significant impact on individuals' lives by offering a much-needed antidote to isolation and disconnection.
The power of vulnerability and connection: Embrace vulnerability to build deeper connections, create safe spaces for open conversations, and find validation in sharing ordinary stories.
Vulnerability and connection are essential for a fulfilling and authentic life. The speaker shares her experience of realizing that she thought she knew someone based on surface-level interactions, but truly understanding someone requires deeper, vulnerable conversations. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for people to open up and be vulnerable, which is sadly lacking in today's world. The speaker also reflects on the power of sharing ordinary stories and connecting with others through their shared experiences. She discusses her own writing and the validation she feels when her work resonates with readers, despite her initial fears that her stories might be too ordinary. Ultimately, the speaker encourages embracing the mundanity of life and using it as a source of connection and relatability.
The power of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling: Authentic conversations and stories can deeply resonate, inspire, and provide meaning to people's lives.
The power of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling can resonate deeply with people and give meaning to their own lives. The NFL coach's response to being included in a list of inspiring individuals was a testament to the impact of authentic writing. The Soulboom podcast, Feel Better, Live More, and The Conversation are examples of groundbreaking series that explore existential questions, health, and important issues through raw and honest conversations. The essay about the importance of small moments in life, as exemplified by a child singing in the shower, highlights the significance of appreciating the everyday deposits that build strong connections and foundations.
Staying present in challenging moments: Recognizing frustration and returning to the present helps maintain clarity and stay connected to what truly matters.
Holding onto the clarity and gratitude in the face of life's challenges is a difficult but essential part of growth. The author shares her experience of feeling fully present in a moment of loss, but struggling to maintain that clarity in daily life. She learned from a mindfulness teacher that recognizing moments of frustration and returning to the present can help us stay connected to what truly matters. The book "Tell Me More" explores the importance of this and other lessons for navigating life's complexities. Through stories of her own experiences and encounters with various teachers and thinkers, the author offers insights on how to live a more mindful and intentional life.
Reflecting on the complexities of loss and emotion: Life's uncertainties and losses can bring complex emotions, but it's important to remember they're a natural part of life and don't define us forever.
Life's uncertainties and losses can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and grief, which can make us feel small and powerless. But it's important to remember that these emotions are a natural part of the human experience, and they don't define us forever. The speaker in this text reflects on her own experiences of loss and the way they've changed her perspective on life. She acknowledges the complexities of the human mind and heart, and the way they can hold multiple thoughts and emotions at once. Ultimately, she finds comfort in the idea that life is unpredictable and impermanent, and that it's okay to experience a range of emotions, even if they seem contradictory or incongruous. It's a reminder that we're all just doing the best we can with the minds and hearts we have, and that's enough.
Daily life experiences and worries: Mindfully observe daily life experiences without judgment, respect personal habits and routines, and find balance between challenges and emotions.
The seemingly mundane experiences and worries we face in daily life, such as a child not following rules or not being able to sleep, can be just as impactful on our emotions as more substantial issues. It's easy to get lost in the small details and pressure ourselves to find meaning or solve problems, but sometimes it's important to practice mindfulness and take a step back to observe these experiences without judgment. Additionally, we all have unique habits and routines that shape our daily lives and can influence our productivity and creativity. It's important to recognize and respect these patterns, even if they don't align with societal expectations or ideals. Ultimately, it's essential to find a balance between engaging with life's challenges and allowing ourselves to experience the full range of emotions, both big and small.
Embracing vulnerability in writing and life: Being open and vulnerable in writing and life can lead to a sense of freedom and clarity. Seek feedback from trusted sources to gain perspective and learn.
Being open, honest, and vulnerable in writing can be liberating, even when facing criticism or feedback. The speaker shares her experience of writing a book and receiving honest feedback from her editor, which initially discouraged her but ultimately helped her realize the vastness of the world and the insignificance of her own concerns. She also mentions how she used to cope with anxiety by imagining flying around and observing different people's lives, which helped her put things into perspective and feel liberated. The speaker encourages embracing vulnerability and not holding back in sharing one's thoughts, as it can lead to a sense of freedom and clarity. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of seeking clarity and knowledge from trusted sources, such as experts and informative podcasts like "The Proof."
Understanding Self-Obsession and the Importance of Unconditional Love: Recognizing self-obsession can lead to liberation, while unconditional love brings immense joy and encourages personal growth.
People are primarily focused on themselves, and everyone is preoccupied with their own concerns. This self-obsession can be observed in various aspects of life, including personal appearances and daily routines. However, recognizing this fact can bring a sense of liberation and help us prioritize what truly matters. Another important takeaway is the value of unconditional love and support from significant figures in our lives. The presence of such individuals can bring immense joy and a feeling of having someone on our side. They appreciate us for who we are and encourage us to be our best selves, without the need for external validation. Moreover, the discussion highlights the impact of parents on their children's lives. The anecdotes shared illustrate the profound influence that loving, supportive, and present parents can have on their children's self-esteem and personal growth. In essence, understanding the self-centered nature of humans and embracing the importance of unconditional love and support from loved ones can lead to a more fulfilling and liberated life.
The impact of significant relationships: Support from a significant person can lead to personal and professional growth, leaving a profound absence when lost, and inspiring us to seek deeper connections.
The unwavering support and belief from a significant person in our lives can have a profound impact on our personal and professional growth. This relationship can provide joy, validation, and empower us to pursue our passions. As a parent, we may strive to replicate these qualities for our own children, but recognize that our experiences and the dynamics of our relationships may differ based on our gender and the nature of our parent-child bond. The loss of such a person can leave a profound absence, and their memory can inform our reflections on human connection and inspire us to seek deeper relationships. The speaker's upcoming book explores this theme through the use of phrases and words that bridge the gap and help us navigate and strengthen our connections with others.
Apologizing and acknowledging mistakes deepen connections: Admitting wrongdoing and apologizing sincerely can heal relationships and foster respect. Embracing uncertainty and being open to the unknown can lead to unexpected rewards and growth.
Acknowledging our mistakes and apologizing sincerely to others can lead to deeper connections and understanding. This simple act of admitting wrongdoing and agreeing on what is right and wrong can help heal relationships and foster mutual respect. However, it can be challenging for some people to do so, as it may involve relinquishing control and accepting the consequences of our actions. Another important lesson is the value of uncertainty and the importance of being open to the unknown. As illustrated in the story of Mary Hope, the journey to achieving a long-desired goal can be filled with uncertainty and disappointment. Yet, embracing the unknown and trusting that things will work out can ultimately lead to unexpected rewards and growth.
Understand children as unique individuals: Encourage curiosity and open-ended dialogue instead of imposing solutions to foster healthy growth and independence in children.
Parents should strive to understand their children as unique individuals rather than extensions of themselves. This perspective allows children to develop autonomy and problem-solving skills, fostering healthy growth and independence. Instead of imposing solutions, parents should encourage curiosity and open-ended dialogue, enabling their children to discover their own paths to understanding and resolution. This approach not only respects the child's individuality but also avoids the potential disappointment or frustration that comes from unmet expectations. As the speaker learned from her friend and therapist, asking "tell me more" and staying curious can lead to profound realizations and growth for both the parent and the child.
Effective Listening: Patience and Presence: Slow down and fully engage with speakers, ask thoughtful questions, and consider their perspective to build strong relationships and show love and support.
Effective listening involves being patient and present in the moment. This means slowing down and fully engaging with the speaker, asking thoughtful questions, and considering their perspective. Even if it's not our nature, taking the time to truly listen can make a big difference in building strong relationships and showing love and support. The speaker shares an example of her attempts to practice this with her teenage daughter, and how she tries to apply this approach in her role as a lacrosse coach. However, she acknowledges that it can be challenging to know how our actions are perceived by our loved ones, especially teenagers who may be more focused on their own lives. Despite this uncertainty, the speaker believes that the effort to connect and show care is worth it, and that small gestures like following up on conversations or offering advice can make a meaningful impact.
Negotiating the Meaning of Our Stories: Remember that the meaning of our stories is negotiable and not set in stone. Don't get stuck in victim stories, be present in the current moment, and reevaluate the meaning of our stories as we grow and evolve.
We all have stories that shape our identities, but it's important to remember that the meaning of those stories is negotiable and not set in stone. The speaker shares her experiences of navigating her public persona while respecting her children's privacy, and how she learned to move onward from difficult experiences like divorce. She emphasizes the importance of not getting stuck in victim stories and being present in the current moment, even when facing challenges or changes. The speaker also touches on the desire for a consistent narrative in life, but acknowledges that not every part of our past defines who we are in the present. Ultimately, it's up to us to reevaluate and redefine the meaning of our stories as we grow and evolve.
Embracing the messiness of our stories: Authentic storytelling includes acknowledging failures and dead ends, providing deeper meaning and self-understanding
Sharing the messy, non-linear aspects of our stories is important and can provide deeper meaning and beauty. The speaker, a writer and storyteller, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the dead ends and failures in our lives, rather than presenting a sanitized, linear narrative. This authenticity can lead to clarity and self-understanding, both for the storyteller and the audience. However, there is a perceived pressure to provide a definitive, uplifting story, often referred to as "civic uplift." This pressure can make it difficult to share the full complexity of our experiences. The speaker encourages embracing the messiness and considering the importance of sharing it, even if it doesn't fit neatly into a traditional narrative arc.
Share unique perspectives through storytelling: Being vulnerable and honest in storytelling connects us with others and inspires them to see their own journeys through a new lens.
The most valuable thing we can offer the world is not just repeating what we've done before, but finding a unique perspective on our experiences and sharing it through storytelling. By being vulnerable and honest, we can connect with others and help them see their own journeys through our personal lens. This requires mindfulness and presence, which is a skill that can be developed in all of us. When we approach life with the belief that everyone is interesting and worth getting to know, the world opens up with endless possibilities. Through storytelling, we can inspire, empower, and leave a lasting impact on others.
The benefits of monotasking and being present: Monotasking allows for full focus and relief, but setting healthy tech boundaries is crucial for the next generation.
In today's fast-paced world, multitasking has become the norm, but true presence and focus can be achieved through monotasking. Monotasking means giving your full attention to one task at a time, which can be challenging but rewarding. The speaker shares her personal experience of trying to be more present in her daily activities, such as making tea or cooking pasta, and the relief she feels when she focuses on just one thing. However, she expresses concern about her children's relationship with technology and the impact it has on their ability to focus and be present. She shares her struggles with setting boundaries around technology use and the importance of modeling healthy technology habits for her children. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of being present and focused in our daily lives and the challenges of setting healthy boundaries around technology use, especially for the next generation.
Mindful use of technology for deeper connections: Curate tech feeds for inspiration, share experiences and thoughts, understand app design, set boundaries, prioritize purpose and deeper work, and focus to think deeply.
Technology, particularly social media, can be addictive and detrimental to our attention spans and relationships if not used mindfully. The speaker should encourage intentional use of technology, such as curating feeds with inspiring content, and encourage more meaningful interactions through sharing experiences and thoughts rather than just selfies. The speaker also mentions the importance of understanding the design of these apps, which are engineered to keep users engaged, and the power of setting boundaries to minimize distractions. Additionally, there's a cultural shift towards prioritizing purpose and deeper work over material wealth, but it's important to balance this with the ability to focus and think deeply, which can be challenging in a world filled with constant distractions.
The rise of long-form content and deep storytelling: People crave meaningful connections and stories, leading to the success of long-form content platforms like podcasts and Medium. Authors aim to create worthwhile content, providing identification and emotion, and satisfying readers' thought process.
There's a persistent need for deep, thoughtful storytelling in today's world, which is being met through the rise of long-form content such as podcasts and Medium. The feeling of slow progress when shifting from productivity to creative projects can be disheartening, but the success of these platforms shows that people still crave meaningful connections and stories. Authors strive to create works that are worth every minute of readers' time, providing identification and emotion, and serving as a satisfying finish to their thought process. By putting content where the audience already is, platforms like Medium make it easier for thoughtful pieces to reach and resonate with readers.
Writing for someone in mind: Writing for someone in mind can deepen connection and motivation, but may lead to self-editing and circumspect writing. Engaging in other tasks can help overcome writer's block.
Writers often write with specific people in mind, including their readers, loved ones, or even fictional characters. This can be both freeing and paralyzing, as it adds a layer of personal significance to the writing process. For some writers, like Elizabeth Gilbert, this sense of writing for someone else can deepen their connection to that person, even if they are no longer alive. However, it can also lead to self-editing and circumspect writing, which may not serve the authentic expression of the writer's intentions. Gilbert shared that she often thinks about people who are important to her while writing, and that this can be a source of motivation and satisfaction. When she gets stuck in the writing process, she puts her work aside and engages in other tasks until she feels inspired to return to her writing. Ultimately, the act of writing for others, whether real or imagined, can add meaning and depth to the writing experience.
Sharing and discussing writing brings joy and connection: Writing consistently, embracing the process, and developing a unique voice are key to success. Find joy in sharing and discussing work with others.
Writing is a challenging and rewarding process filled with failure and self-doubt, but also unique gifts and personal growth. Many writers, including the speaker, find joy in the sharing and discussing of their work after it's completed, as it provides a sense of validation and connection with others. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of writing consistently and developing one's unique voice and style. The speaker admires other writers for their abilities, but recognizes that everyone brings something unique to the literary world. To aspiring writers, the speaker advises starting with the act of writing itself and embracing the process, rather than focusing too much on external validation or comparisons to others.
Write authentically, resonate with who you are: Read work out loud, practice consistently, listen to feedback, write authentically without trying to sound smarter
Finding and developing an authentic voice in writing is a crucial yet challenging process. Many people aspire to write, but fewer actually take steps towards it. For those who do, it's essential to write in a way that resonates with who you are. The speaker suggests reading your work out loud to ensure it sounds like something you would say. Additionally, consistent writing practices, such as journaling or voice memos, can help capture ideas and find inspiration. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of listening carefully to feedback and reactions to your writing, as it can provide valuable insights and validation. Ultimately, the goal is to write authentically, without trying to sound smarter or more articulate than you are, as this can be more challenging than it seems.
The Infinite Potential of Consciousness: Communicate thoughts directly and embrace the infinite potential of consciousness. Check out Corrigan Kelly's book and TED talk, and support the podcast.
Consciousness, like a seed, holds infinite potential and can adapt to different environments. This idea was discussed in the podcast with guest Guru Singh. The importance of directly communicating your thoughts to those around us, such as author Corrigan Kelly, was also emphasized. Be sure to check out her book "Tell Me More" and her TED talk. Additionally, support the podcast by subscribing, rating, and sharing on social media. Upcoming events include a live event with Paul Hawken and the launch of SriMu's plant-based cheese line. Remember, "Live a little, love a lot. Peace. Plants. Namaste." (231 words)