Inspiring year you’ve had! I love the variety of your updates and musings. This stuck out to me:
“Some talk about ambition but flinch at the real work: the boring hours of deep work, the uncomfortable self-examination, the ruthless culling of comfortable distractions. They chase the exciting parts of success while avoiding the unglamorous foundation it requires.”
I’m finding the same with my friends, older and newer. I find myself not desiring being around the ones who have what I consider problematic habits despite their ambition. This could be something like endless scrolling or not seriously examining their beliefs as they hit middle age. This could just be a lack of critical thinking. But I don’t want to coddle them anymore and keep my mouth shut. It is better, imo, to distance from someone who doesn’t inspire me to live in a disciplined way to achieve lasting success. Most people are actually allergic to what it takes to cultivate a life of depth. But then I ask, isn’t it my responsibility to set a positive example?
Finally, I would question the need to publish on twitter or LinkedIn. I don’t think you need those platforms for an audience and they will serve as a distraction from producing longform content. But just my rambling thoughts. I would recommend Cal Newport to you given what you discuss. He also talks about writing and audience building and advises against thinking you need a large Twitter presence because short form content is bad for creators like us.
The balance between pushing people and stepping back is such a tricky one. I’ve wrestled with it too, wondering if speaking up might help or if it’s better to just focus on leading by example. Over time, I’ve found that setting the example often speaks louder than words, though it’s not always easy to let go of the urge to nudge others along. Some people don't want to be pushed, even if they may say otherwise. The Last Dance Episdoe 7 (I think) has a powerful moment with MJ where he confronts this too.
Appreciate you bringing this up - it’s such an important reflection.
I am so glad you are publishing 1 long piece per month with a bunch of links to your blog! This is how I will follow you.
Curious to hear more about your dissolving friendships - what was your thought process there? How did you feel when you identified the issues in your relationships? Are these slow fades or hard cuts?
I'm also curious to read more about your thoughts on longevity. I have only a cursory intro to it as you know with Outlive, so will be following both your work and travels related to longevity.
Thanks so much, Ved! It's a long-term process, and hearing encouragement like this makes it even more motivating to keep at it. I really appreciate you following along, and I’m looking forward to sharing more soon!
Inspiring year you’ve had! I love the variety of your updates and musings. This stuck out to me:
“Some talk about ambition but flinch at the real work: the boring hours of deep work, the uncomfortable self-examination, the ruthless culling of comfortable distractions. They chase the exciting parts of success while avoiding the unglamorous foundation it requires.”
I’m finding the same with my friends, older and newer. I find myself not desiring being around the ones who have what I consider problematic habits despite their ambition. This could be something like endless scrolling or not seriously examining their beliefs as they hit middle age. This could just be a lack of critical thinking. But I don’t want to coddle them anymore and keep my mouth shut. It is better, imo, to distance from someone who doesn’t inspire me to live in a disciplined way to achieve lasting success. Most people are actually allergic to what it takes to cultivate a life of depth. But then I ask, isn’t it my responsibility to set a positive example?
Finally, I would question the need to publish on twitter or LinkedIn. I don’t think you need those platforms for an audience and they will serve as a distraction from producing longform content. But just my rambling thoughts. I would recommend Cal Newport to you given what you discuss. He also talks about writing and audience building and advises against thinking you need a large Twitter presence because short form content is bad for creators like us.
The balance between pushing people and stepping back is such a tricky one. I’ve wrestled with it too, wondering if speaking up might help or if it’s better to just focus on leading by example. Over time, I’ve found that setting the example often speaks louder than words, though it’s not always easy to let go of the urge to nudge others along. Some people don't want to be pushed, even if they may say otherwise. The Last Dance Episdoe 7 (I think) has a powerful moment with MJ where he confronts this too.
Appreciate you bringing this up - it’s such an important reflection.
Your pictures are so stunning!
Also, wow at your meditations. I can barely do 10 minutes. Would love to read about your journey with it some day.
I'm in Singapore and surely the government would love your Benjamin Button proposal. Here's rooting for your adoption! :)
I am so glad you are publishing 1 long piece per month with a bunch of links to your blog! This is how I will follow you.
Curious to hear more about your dissolving friendships - what was your thought process there? How did you feel when you identified the issues in your relationships? Are these slow fades or hard cuts?
I'm also curious to read more about your thoughts on longevity. I have only a cursory intro to it as you know with Outlive, so will be following both your work and travels related to longevity.
Thanks, Lily! Thanks, Lily! I’m so glad the monthly blog idea resonates with you. I’m excited to see how it evolves over time.
The shifts have been gradual for the most part - just realizing over time that some relationships don’t align with where I’m headed.
Btw, I do have a longevity-focused newsletter if you're keen on following along: https://vitalshift.beehiiv.com/subscribe
You are going to kill it man - happy belated birthday
I think your writing's only going to get better and the outcomes you want will come - it's just a matter of time
Thanks so much, Ved! It's a long-term process, and hearing encouragement like this makes it even more motivating to keep at it. I really appreciate you following along, and I’m looking forward to sharing more soon!
Great read! Thanks for posting.