Both Content & Restless
It will be no surprise to you to know that I’m a fan of the well-lived life. A life where you give more than you take, where you love and are loved in return, and where you do the hard things that unlock your own greatness. A life where you get to be the best version of who you are.
It’s easy enough to rally people to that vision with sweeping statements, emphatic calls to boldness, a motivational quote or three, and general rah-rah-ness. I’ve done some of that “motivation” myself.
Everything’s more complicated when you get into the details, and I find the struggle is often in the fine adjustments rather than in the big steps.
It can be obvious when there’s a gap, a clear gap, between the person you are now and the person you know you can be. With a gap like that, the tension can pull you forward. You don’t have to listen too carefully, and you’ll hear the call to cross the threshold and start the journey. C’mon! Get cracking!
What can be harder is when the gap is smaller, and less obvious. You’re comfortable enough. You’re successful enough. You’re safe enough.
You can spin the story that you’re content; and what’s more, the story is mostly true.
But, if you’re like me, you can feel there’s something brittle in that story, a splinter. You know you’re content, but you also feel the restlessness.
There’s still work to be done, a chasm to leap, and a level to up, a new person to be. There’s still something to risk.
This dance, this tension between appreciating what you have and who you are and what’s right there in front of you … and that restlessness to keep searching for what’s next and who you want to be.
We unlock our greatness by working on the hard things.
📕 My Guest: Jay Papasan
Jay Papasan is the best-selling author of The One Thing, which has sold over 3 million copies and appeared on numerous bestseller lists. Jay's career trajectory has been a series of evolutions, from working in publishing at HarperCollins, to freelance writing, to finding a deep expression of his mission to create impact working in collaboration with Gary Keller. Jay's journey exemplifies the courage and (useful) restlessness to pursue a calling and make a difference in the world.
🎧 Beware Your Shadow Career: A Conversation with Jay Papasan
Jay reads two pages from Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield.
In our conversation, we discuss:
The Journey from Amateur to Professional
The transformational journey from operating as an amateur to embracing the mindset and discipline of a professional. Jay shares insights from his personal experience, highlighting the internal odyssey that accompanies this transition, often marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and a deep commitment to one’s craft.
The Importance of Identifying and Pursuing One's True Calling
The significance of recognizing and pursuing one's true calling, as opposed to settling for "shadow careers'' that might offer comfort but ultimately steer one away from fulfilling their potential. Engaging in self-reflection to uncover your genuine passions and goals.
Navigating the Tensions Between Personal Values
The interplay and sometimes the tension between personal values such as family, impact, and abundance. Jay shares his own process of prioritizing these values and how he navigates decisions where these values may conflict, providing a nuanced perspective on living a life aligned with one's core beliefs.
The Role of Discipline and Sacrifice in Achieving Greatness
The role of discipline and sacrifice in the pursuit of greatness. Whether it's about writing daily, overcoming resistance, or making tough choices that align with one’s long-term goals, the message is clear: greatness requires a relentless dedication to doing the hard work.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Success
The power of collaboration in achieving significant milestones. Through sharing stories of partnership and collective effort, Jay highlights how joining forces with others can amplify impact, bring diverse ideas to fruition, and navigate the path toward professional success and personal fulfillment.
Read the Interview
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