Podcast Summary
Recognizing the importance of living fully to reduce stress: Living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment can help reduce stress. Recognize the limited number of Mondays we have and use energy wisely to live fully.
Living life to the fullest and enjoying each moment can help reduce stress. Jody Wellman, a guest on the Slow Mo podcast, shared her expertise as an executive coach focused on helping individuals not waste their lives. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the limited number of Mondays we have and using our energy wisely. Mo Gawdat, the podcast host, expressed his own personal connection to this concept, having recently fallen in love and realizing the importance of living fully while still able. The conversation underscored the idea that when we truly enjoy life, we become less stressed. To help spread this message, Mo asked listeners to pre-order his upcoming book, Unstressable, to help it reach a wider audience.
Making the most of our finite time: Embrace living widely for pleasure and deeply for meaning, focus on Mondays for motivation, and prioritize love and connection to live intentionally.
Our time is finite, and it's essential to prioritize how we live our lives based on the understanding that we have a limited number of Mondays left. This perspective can help us focus on what truly matters and make the most of our time. The speaker emphasizes the importance of both living widely, which includes experiencing pleasure and fun, and living deeply, which involves finding meaning and purpose. The speaker also suggests that focusing on the number of Mondays we have left can help us make the most of our lives and make choices that align with our values and goals. Additionally, the speaker highlights the importance of love and connection in adding energy and vitality to our lives. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of living intentionally and making the most of the time we have.
Discovering Personal Joy and Contentment: Regularly disconnect to find joy, everyone's definition of joy is unique, and overfilling days with obligations can hinder experiencing true happiness
Finding joy and contentment in life is a deeply personal experience, and it's essential to tune in to our own needs and preferences rather than comparing ourselves to others. The speaker shared his unique approach to disconnecting and savoring life's simple pleasures, which involves taking regular silent retreats to unplug from devices and distractions. He emphasized that everyone's definition of joy is different, and it's crucial to recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all prescription for living a fulfilling life. The speaker also noted that overfilling our days with obligations and distractions can prevent us from fully engaging with the world around us and experiencing the joy that comes from meaningful connections and moments of stillness. Ultimately, the key is to prioritize our own happiness and find ways to intentionally slow down and pay attention to the world around us.
Intentional scheduling and creating breathing room: To live a fulfilling life, prioritize enjoyment and relaxation through intentional scheduling and creating breathing room, even in a productive world.
Living a fulfilling life requires intentional scheduling and creating breathing room. We often mistake our lives for being glamorous or great on their own, but in reality, we need to actively build in time for enjoyment and relaxation. This is especially important in a productive world where we may feel compelled to do too much and neglect the simple pleasures. As the speaker shared, even in a corporate career, one can reach a point of boredom and dissatisfaction. Transitions, though scary, can lead to great rewards, but fear of instability and financial obligations can hold us back. It's essential to remember our resourcefulness and creativity in navigating change and prioritizing our overall well-being.
The Fear of Living: The fear of living can prevent us from pursuing our desires and potential, often leading to a mediocre existence. It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and pursue a wider and deeper life.
The fear of living can be even more debilitating than the fear of death. This ancient fear is deeply rooted within us, and it prevents us from pursuing our desires and potential. We often settle for a mediocre existence, fearing change and the unknown. This fear can stem from a desire to maintain our identity or ego, or simply from being scared of the unknown. Our capacity to settle is astounding, and we often rely on magical thinking, believing that a situation will arise to shake things up for us. However, sometimes the thing that happens to us is not what we wish for. It takes courage to step out of our comfort zone and pursue a wider and deeper life, even if it means less money or esteem. The fear of living can be paralyzing, but it's important to remember that time is ticking and there's so much more in store for us. So, instead of settling for "okay enough," let's use that fear as motivation to take action, even if it's scary.
Living Fully and Avoiding Regrets: Embrace life's potential, don't let fear hold us back, and minimize regrets by taking action on dreams and ideas.
Life is short and full of potential, but it's easy to end up with regrets if we don't take action on our dreams and ideas. The speaker was deeply affected by her mother's death with a long list of unfulfilled dreams, and it made her realize the importance of living fully and not letting fear hold us back. She encourages us to avoid the regret of not trying and to remember that life is not a dress rehearsal. While the fear of death is a natural part of existence, the speaker believes in living on through the impact we have on others and the things we create. Ultimately, the goal should be to minimize regrets and make the most of the time we have.
Living Fully in the Present: Embrace life's present moments, focus on joy, and strive for an 'astonishingly alive' life, not just a good one.
Understanding our relationship with death and the limited time we have can motivate us to live more fully and joyfully in the present. The speaker discussed how creating art, starting companies, and even religious beliefs can serve as comforting beliefs about the afterlife or continuation of consciousness. However, the ultimate goal should be to focus on living well now, rather than worrying about how our lives will be evaluated in the future. The speaker emphasized the importance of injecting joy into our lives, even during difficult times, and not letting stress accumulate. The fear of a life left unlived can lead to anxiety, so it's essential to make the most of each moment and strive for an "astonishingly alive" life, not just a good one. The speaker's perspective is rooted in the belief that consciousness continues after death, but ultimately, the focus should be on living fully in the present.
Find joy in the little things: Make a list of activities that bring you joy and make time for them regularly to enhance your happiness
It's essential to identify what brings us joy and happiness in life, no matter how simple or seemingly insignificant it may be. Many people have lost touch with these things, and it's crucial to reconnect with them. This can be achieved through introspection and making a list of attainable activities that bring us pleasure. These activities can range from something as simple as sipping coffee on the porch and watching the wind move the trees to browsing through a bookstore or watching an old movie. The key is that these activities bring us a sense of joy and make us feel alive. It's important to remember that happiness is not about living a life that looks good on Instagram or comparing ourselves to others. Instead, it's about finding joy in the little things and making time for them in our daily lives. Research shows that this approach to happiness is more effective than trying to achieve grand goals or material possessions. So take some time to reflect on what brings you joy and make a commitment to incorporating those activities into your life regularly.
Appreciating small pleasures: Small pleasures like a cup of coffee or a quiet moment with a pet can bring significant happiness and well-being, despite hedonic adaptation. Prioritize and make time for these joys to enhance overall happiness.
The small, simple pleasures in life can bring significant happiness and well-being, even if they may seem insignificant compared to large purchases or experiences. The phenomenon of hedonic adaptation, or the way we naturally adapt to new things, can make us believe that the next purchase or experience will make us happier, but research shows that the consistent enjoyment of small things can provide more lasting happiness. For example, a cup of coffee or a quiet moment with a pet can bring joy and satisfaction. Even if we have larger goals or aspirations, it's important to appreciate and make time for these small pleasures in our daily lives. Additionally, reflecting on our mortality and the finite nature of life can help us prioritize and appreciate these simple joys even more.
Bringing nature indoors for improved well-being: Incorporating elements of nature and simple pleasures into daily life can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, improve mental health, and bring joy. Make intentional choices like playing bird sounds or creating favorite music playlists.
Incorporating elements of nature and simple pleasures into our daily lives can significantly improve our well-being. The speaker shares her personal experience of creating an indoor nature environment with fish tanks and simulated bird sounds, which brings her joy and a sense of being in nature. She also mentions the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of spending time in nature, including decreased heart rate and blood pressure, and improved mental health. The speaker encourages listeners to make small changes in their daily routines, such as asking Alexa to play bird sounds or creating a favorite music playlist, to bring more joy and mindfulness into their lives. She also shares the example of a woman who improved her mornings by creating a great playlist of music from her high school years. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our well-being and making intentional choices, even in small moments, to enhance our overall quality of life. Additionally, she references research on people who have had near-death experiences, who often report a reshuffling of priorities and a newfound appreciation for the simple things in life.
Embrace the preciousness of each moment: Recognize mortality, prioritize, eliminate draining activities, focus on joy and fulfillment, be productive and engaged, align with what matters
Recognizing our mortality and the limited time we have in life can help us prioritize and use our time more meaningfully. This can involve letting go of things that don't matter and focusing on what truly enriches us. One way to do this is by considering each moment as a precious resource, such as a heartbeat, and using it in the best way possible. This might involve eliminating activities that drain our energy and making more time for things that bring us joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, living life fully is about being productive and engaged, but in a way that aligns with what truly matters to us.
Prioritizing joy and fulfillment: Make a conscious effort to prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment, and make time for them regularly.
Identifying and prioritizing activities that make us feel truly alive is essential for personal growth and happiness. It's not always easy to recognize what brings us joy, and it may take some effort to make time for it consistently. The speaker shared a personal story about the importance of showing up for loved ones and creating meaningful experiences, no matter how small or unconventional they may seem. By being present and attentive, we can build stronger connections and create lasting memories. The speaker's experience with his daughter illustrates the power of showing up and being present, even if it requires some creativity and persistence. Ultimately, the key is to make a conscious effort to prioritize the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, and to make time for them regularly.
Creating joyful experiences: Prioritize joyful experiences, create opportunities, and make time for them to live a fulfilling life
Focusing on experiences that bring us joy and making time for them is essential for living a fulfilling life. Creating opportunities for these experiences, even if it means faking a business or reorganizing our schedules, can lead to profound happiness. The concept of a "joy list" can help us prioritize these experiences and make sure we're not missing out on the things that truly matter. Some experiences, like white water rafting or going on roller coasters, can be particularly enriching and should not be overlooked. It's important to remember that these experiences don't have to be grand or time-consuming; even the simplest pleasures can bring immense joy. So, take a moment to consider what makes you come alive and make a conscious effort to incorporate more of those experiences into your life.
Understanding our dreams and desires for a fulfilling life: Self-awareness of our needs and desires leads to greater satisfaction and happiness in various aspects of life
People, including the speaker, have dreams and desires that contrast with the structured lives we often lead. These dreams, such as traveling in a van around the world, involve spontaneity and recharging in one's own way. For introverts, this may mean recharging alone, as they are highly attuned to social and emotional signals and can become drained from extended social interaction. Understanding what makes us tick and how we can lead fulfilling lives, whether that means daily vitality or occasional deep meaning, is essential for living a livelier and more intentional life. This self-awareness can lead to greater satisfaction and happiness, whether in leadership roles, parenthood, or personal pursuits.
Living fully means honoring your unique values and experiences: Resist societal pressure to conform, evaluate 'dead zones' in life, focus on joy, and honor your unique experiences
Living fully means being true to your own values and experiences, rather than conforming to societal expectations or trends. Jodi and the speaker discuss how modern life, influenced by the Industrial Revolution and marketing, often pushes individuals towards a specific way of living, making other ways seem insignificant. However, it's essential to resist this pressure and evaluate all areas of life to identify "dead zones" where we may feel unfulfilled. Instead of focusing solely on work for meaning, try doing more of what brings joy and considering ways to address areas of life that lack vitality. Ultimately, living fully is about honoring your unique tuning and experiences.
Assessing personal growth prescriptions: Stay attuned to individual needs and desires, reassess interests and priorities, and cherish every moment as we grow and evolve.
Personal growth and self-discovery are ongoing processes. The prescriptions we receive may be helpful, but it's essential to assess if they align with our individual needs and desires. As we grow and evolve, our interests and priorities change, and it's crucial to stay attuned to what makes us feel alive. Loss and grief can serve as powerful motivators for us to reevaluate our lives and seek new experiences or connections. Ultimately, we are all on a unique journey, and the finality of death underscores the importance of living meaningfully and fully. The experience of loss, especially the loss of a loved one, can be a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and pursuing our passions.
Living Fully: Balancing Responsibility and Joy: Strive for balance between responsibility and joy, prioritize top sources of happiness, and consider life's challenges in the context of privilege.
We should strive to live our lives to the fullest, balancing the need to be responsible with the desire to experience joy. The speaker shares a personal story about raising a child and the tension between preparing for potential hardships and allowing him to fully enjoy life. This tension exists in all our lives, as we consider how to allocate resources and prioritize experiences. The speaker encourages us to live fully now, even if we don't have the means for extravagances like first class flights. Instead, focus on the small joys and prioritize the top sources of happiness in our lives. Ultimately, there is no perfect answer, but striving for a balance is key. Additionally, the speaker reminds us that not everyone has the same privileges and resources, and it's important to consider how to extend life and find joy despite challenges.
Finding joy in simple pleasures leads to greater productivity and well-being: Prioritizing joy and simple pleasures can increase productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Don't let the fear of missing out prevent you from appreciating the present moment.
Finding joy and savoring simple pleasures in life, even those that are seemingly insignificant or free, can lead to greater productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. This was emphasized through the example of children finding joy in the simplicity of their surroundings and the importance of appreciating the present moment, whether it's through a simple meal, a beautiful view, or even a photograph. The speaker also shared personal experiences of how taking time for joy and relaxation led to increased productivity and success in work. The fear of missing out on these joyful moments, which can be equal to or even surpass the fear of death, was also highlighted. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize joy in our lives and make time for it, no matter how busy or stressful life may be.
Take a moment to slow down: Slowing down can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. A few deep breaths, a short walk, or a brief moment of meditation can make a difference.
Even in the busiest of weeks, it's essential to take a moment to slow down. It may seem like a small thing, but the benefits can be significant. Slowing down can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. It doesn't have to be a long, elaborate process. A few deep breaths, a short walk, or a brief moment of meditation can make a difference. So, next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that taking a break, no matter how small, is a worthwhile investment in yourself. I encourage you all to prioritize this practice, and I'll be here to support you every step of the way. I appreciate your time and attention today, and I look forward to our next conversation.
