117 Aubrey Marcus What Makes A Good Life

At a Glance

• Progressive Overload in Mind Training - “It’s this hilarious idea that I think progressive overload is king in every domain from strength training to mind training.” This quote highlights the importance of continuous improvement and challenging oneself, not just physically but also mentally.

• The Importance of Focus - “when someone is working incredibly hard and incredibly ruthlessly to try and sort out their own shit. And you have a very single sort of linear focus in terms of how all of these products align.” This quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear, cohesive vision and prioritizing one’s time and energy.

• Nootropics and Mental Performance - “And, yeah, when I need that extra little kick, it really does help. And, you know, I think that having someone who is in your position who is pushing a more holistic view of the mind, a more complete view of how we should progress as ourselves, I think it’s something that’s very worthwhile and I’m looking forward to seeing what you achieve over the coming years.” Aubrey shares his experience with nitropics and highlights the value of having a comprehensive understanding of mental performance.

• Focus on Personal Growth - “I’m just someone who’s trying to learn a little bit more today, that’ll make me a little bit better tomorrow.” Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

What to Do

• Progress incrementally, not exponentially - Aubrey Marks emphasizes the importance of progressive overload in both physical and mental training. He suggests starting with small, manageable goals and gradually increasing the weight or challenge to achieve significant progress.

• Focus on a single, cohesive unit - When working on multiple projects or pursuits, it’s essential to maintain a singular focus and ensure that each effort contributes to a unified vision. This approach helps prevent feeling scattered and allows for more efficient use of time and resources.

• Prioritize self-improvement - Aubrey stresses the importance of continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. He encourages listeners to prioritize self-improvement and strive to be a little better today than they were yesterday.

• Be ruthless in pursuing goals - To achieve significant progress, one must be willing to put in the necessary effort and make sacrifices. Aubrey advocates for being ruthlessly efficient in pursuit of one’s goals, even if it means challenging oneself or others.

Additional Takeaways

• The importance of having a clear vision and cohesive strategy when working on multiple projects or pursuits.

• The value of prioritizing self-improvement and continuous learning in personal and professional development.

• The need to be ruthless in pursuing goals and making sacrifices when necessary to achieve significant progress.

What to Get

• Own the Day, Own Your Life: Optimized Practices for Waking, Working, Learning, Eating, Training, Playing, Sleeping, and Sex by Aubrey Marcus - Amazon

• Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear - Amazon - Reference for quote about falling to the level of our systems, used to discuss habits and routines for a good life

• Alpha Brain - Amazon - To help with mental focus and productivity

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host welcomes Aubrey Marcus, CEO of Onit and a well-known podcaster and author. The conversation delves into what makes a good life, with Aubrey emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and growth. He discusses the concept of being true to oneself and living with integrity, rather than getting caught up in societal expectations or achievements. The idea of serving others from a place of abundance, rather than depletion, is highlighted as a key principle for personal growth and fulfillment.

The conversation also touches on the balance between self-care and service to others. Aubrey emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself first in order to be of true service to others. He uses the analogy of putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on an airplane to illustrate this point. The discussion also explores the idea of being honest with oneself and others, even when it may be uncomfortable, as a way to foster genuine connections and personal growth.

Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace their desires and pursue what brings them fulfillment, whether it be personal growth, meaningful relationships, or achieving specific goals. It emphasizes the importance of living authentically, being true to oneself, and leaving a positive impact on the world and those around you. The conversation between the host and Aubrey Marcus serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care, honesty, and service in order to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.