#1309 - Naval Ravikant

At a Glance

• The Hedonic Treadmill - “When I first got a new apartment, it was a nice apartment. After a while, I got used to it. I was like, ‘Oh okay, this is just an apartment. It’s just where I live.’ I’m used to it.’” The conversation starts with the concept of getting accustomed to things in life, and how we need to constantly experience new highs to feel motivated.

• Riding the Ferris Wheel of Life - “It’s like you get at the bottom, you’re like ‘I want to get to the top.’ This is so exciting. You ride it up, you get a little dopamine rush, and get a little serotonin. Then you ride it back down as that wears off. Then you need another high.” The concept of constantly seeking new highs in life is explained through the metaphor of riding a Ferris wheel.

• Finding Purpose - “What lights your fire now? What gets you motivated to do things and to act?” The conversation turns to finding purpose and motivation, with art being mentioned as something that brings joy and fulfillment.

• Creating Businesses as Play - “To me, creating businesses is play.” The guest shares his passion for creating businesses and investing in startups, not just for financial gain but because he enjoys the process and the people involved.

• The Importance of Luxury - “Art and learning are a luxury. These are not 100% or zero things. You can, in your life, start moving more and more towards that.” The guest emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal interests and passions in life, even if they seem like luxuries.

• Competing with Passion - *“I’m always working. But it looks like work to them, but it feels like play to me.” The host emphasizes the importance of passion and enjoyment in achieving success and outcompeting others.

What to Do

• Embracing Hedonic Adaptation - The concept of hedonic adaptation is key: getting accustomed to things, including luxuries and comforts, requires effort and intentionality. Recognize that the more you get used to something, the harder it becomes to feel excited about it again; take proactive steps to mix up your routine and introduce novelty.

• Finding Personal Motivation - Identify what sparks joy and motivation in yourself: for some, it’s art or creativity, while others find fulfillment in learning or playing. Make time for activities that bring you excitement and satisfaction, as these are essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and happiness.

• Combining Vocation and Avocation - Combine your work (vocation) with your passions (avocation): this can lead to greater fulfillment and motivation in one’s professional life. Consider how your work can be an expression of your interests and values, rather than just a means to earn a living.

• Prioritizing Play and Creativity - View work as play: recognize that when you’re doing something you love, it doesn’t feel like work; make time for activities that bring you joy and creativity. Don’t underestimate the value of taking breaks and engaging in leisure activities: these can help you recharge and maintain a sense of wonder and excitement.

• Focusing on Personal Growth - Prioritize personal growth and development over external validation or material possessions. Cultivate a growth mindset, embracing challenges and learning opportunities as chances to grow and improve.

What to Get

• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson - Amazon

Summary

The podcast episode delves into the concept of hedonic adaptation and how people become accustomed to things over time. The conversation begins with an anecdote about getting used to a new apartment, which eventually loses its novelty. This leads to a discussion on the Ferris wheel of life, where people experience highs (dopamine rushes) and lows as they navigate various aspects of their lives.

One of the most interesting points made in the episode is that art and creativity are essential for personal motivation and enjoyment. The speaker emphasizes that creating businesses can be a form of play, especially when it’s driven by passion for the product or people involved. As someone who has invested in numerous companies, he notes that his interest in investing lies in supporting entrepreneurs with innovative products.

The conversation also touches on the idea that people tend to become more discerning and picky about their interests as they grow older. The speaker reflects on how he would have eagerly accepted any business opportunity when he was younger, but now values experiences that spark joy and creativity. He encourages listeners to focus on what lights their fire and what activities bring them motivation and fulfillment.

One of the most relatable takeaways from this episode is the importance of finding a balance between work and play. The speaker shares his philosophy that people should aim to make their work feel like play, which allows them to maintain a sense of excitement and purpose throughout their lives. This approach also enables individuals to stay motivated and focused on their goals.

The conversation concludes with a call-to-action for listeners to reflect on what sparks their creativity and passion. The speaker invites everyone to apply the insights shared in this episode to their own lives, acknowledging that personal growth and development are lifelong processes. Overall, this podcast episode offers a refreshing perspective on hedonic adaptation, the importance of art and play in life, and the value of finding purpose-driven work.