"I Feel Numb.."
A discussion about finding fulfillment amid success and ambition. The speaker shares that despite growing success, they've become more emotionally numb, and identifies three key elements for good days: working out with liked people, eating with liked people, and writing something down.
Summary
The conversation explores the paradox of achieving success while experiencing emotional numbness. The speaker reflects on how increased ambition and success have led to feeling more disconnected or numb. When asked about Key Performance Indicators for one's soul, they share a personal framework based on reflection of their most memorable and enjoyable days. This framework consists of three simple but meaningful activities: exercising with people they enjoy, sharing meals with people they like, and engaging in writing. The speaker's goal has become maximizing consecutive days that include all three elements. The discussion then shifts to the inevitable reality of having bad days in business, with the speaker noting that most people experience days when they hate aspects of their work. However, they propose that surrounding oneself with genuinely liked people can significantly reduce the negative impact of these difficult days. Even when business challenges arise, having strong relationships with colleagues can transform the experience, making it possible to love the people you work with even when you hate what's happening in the business itself.
Key Insights
- The speaker reveals that increased ambition and success have paradoxically led to greater emotional numbness
- The speaker identifies three specific elements that made their most memorable days: working out with liked people, eating with liked people, and writing something down
- The speaker's primary goal has become maximizing consecutive days that include all three fulfilling elements rather than traditional success metrics
- The speaker observes that most business leaders experience days when they hate aspects of their business, as evidenced by nodding heads in the audience
- The speaker argues that surrounding yourself with people you genuinely like can remove much of the negative impact from difficult business situations
Topics
Full transcript available for MurmurCast members
Sign Up to Access