Stoic Strength Trainer

In the context of a consistent exercise practice you can over train. It's not likely, the body is highly adaptable and resilient, but it does happen. However, in the context of life beyond the gym you are likely overtraining almost every single day. In this episode we'll explore the consequences of trying to force change and what to do instead.  For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/

You probably know the importance of warming up before physical activity. And if you're really on the ball you know why it's important to do so. But do you know how to "warm up" your mind? And why it's even more important? In this episode learn how to prime your mind before starting each new task. With practice you'll create a routine to better ensure you make the excellent choice in the moment. To learn more about the research of Peter Gollwitzer click his name to be directed to a Google scholar page with many of his articles. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/

Skill is a matter of practice. But not just any practice. Deliberate practice. Intentional practice. Repetition isn't enough. You need to pay attention to the quality of practice. Practice is a skill in itself. In other words, are you aware what exactly you're practicing? For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ Two links mentioned in this episode: Episode 31: Be A Model Of Excellence Worthy Of Emulation (Gymchiridion 24) https://stoicstrength.com/podcast/episode-31-be-a-model-of-excellence-worthy-of-emulation-gymchiridion-24/ The Little Book Of Talent: 52 Tips For Improving Your Skills (Daniel Coyle) geni.us/LittleBookOfTalent* (*Affiliate link. See below.) *The link to the book, if you click through and buy, provides me a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the podcast. Cheers.

Henry Ford said, "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it." Leaving aside the general insult at the end he had it right. When we're conditioned to respond one way, perhaps poorly, it takes effort to think through the factors that make for the excellent choice. In this episode, we'll explore what some of those factors might be. We'll also consider why it's necessary to go through with the effort and how it pays off. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/Ofik_lTPyBc

When you have the confidence of your convictions you no longer need courage, you no longer need to endure criticism. It's like closing the door in the face of a bad winter storm. Now you're inside. You're comfortable, warm. You can peacefully go about your business. The storm can rage and, as far as your experience is concerned, it's not even happening. *Note: I mistakenly described the Solomon Asch experiment as "pick the longest line." Instead it actually was "match the target line length from three line lengths provided." The conclusions are still correct even with my error. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion, no email required) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/p9Wg2XxjDhU

There's an important difference between self-control and virtuous self-control. A parallel can be drawn between busy and productive. The former may lead to experiences and outcomes that you'd prefer not to create. Only the latter is consistent, on purpose, with what you want to create. One of the most important chapters in the book. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/MdAUlmEtB7k

James is an internationally recognized and respected thought leader, coach, and teacher. He's the developer of the critically acclaimed "Hypnosis Without Trance" approach to hypnosis which was my first introduction to his work.  We'll learn why James doesn't have a mission or purpose and what he does instead to organize his efforts. We'll hear about the principles, maps, and models he uses to navigate life's challenges. We'll also discover what skillset James considers vital to being effective in dealing with others and oneself. This and more in today's episode. To connect with James Tripp: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube James Tripp websites: Hypnosis Without Trance JamesTripp.co.uk Trippnosis.com JamesTripp.online Books* mentioned in the show: The Discerning Heart: The Developmental Psychology of Robert Kegan (Philip M. Lewis) The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable (Nassim Nicholas Taleb) Show Notes 5:08 Korey asks, "Do you have a purpose?" 8:09 An interesting word: nexialist. 9:54 Korey asks, "Do you think we have an inbuilt nature?" 13:04 Being raised as “you are what you are” and the consequences of that fixed mindset. 15:56 Korey asks, "Do you have maps and models that you use to guide your choices?" 17:45 An example of living with the model of “avoiding conformity” as a model. 20:03 How to think about your worldview (the wisdom of Stoicism) 24:06 Blindspots and how to become aware of them with “speculative semantic modelling.” 27:43 Why modelling is so powerful. 29:33 Why coaching is so valuable and a clarifying definition of coaching 31:34 Why coaching isn’t for everyone: the truth trap. 34:16 Robert Kegan’s theory of adult development 38:28 Thinking of your changing life circumstances as a different game 39:14 The idea that you can believe anything you choose to believe 42:14 The functionality of a belief or a metaphor 44:40 Is a metaphor true or false? 47:24 Ideas are tools to work with the way things are 49:20 Exploring life by changing perspectives is like changing glasses 53:00 The consequences of rigid thinking  55:27 It’s not about balance; it’s about a dynamic interplay of opposing forces 58:08 Some deep philosophy 1:00:09 Korey asks, "Do you have a skillset that you consider vital in all your roles?" 1:03:37 What James does mostly is based on this 1:04:26 The problem with the question, “How do I do that?” 1:05:55 The challenge in coaching for a change in perspective 1:06:54 An example using the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo 1:09:01 The example continues using direct and indirect hypnosis 1:11:04 James’s lack of sleep is becoming a factor 1:11:52 What James considers himself...and it’s not coach 1:13:54 The Be - Do - Have model and the source of your problems 1:16:03 What you need in order to do something 1:17:28 How to upgrade your ability to do 1:19:36 What people who get things done are doing differently 1:21:10 The world is dynamic and what that means for you 1:22:57 I introduce James to my conception of the difference between a “Thinking Choice” and “Enacted Choice” 1:24:34 What makes a choice "real" 1:26:08 Korey asks, "Do you have a time management system?" The surprising answer. 1:26:32 The difference between “generativity” and “productivity” 1:28:27 Organizing by time vs organizing by task 1:29:30 James uses the opposite of a To-Do list 1:32:20 How James rewards himself for sticking to his plan 1:33:27 What happens 99 times out of 100 as a result of organizing by time 1:34:48 Korey asks, "How do you deal with your own mistakes and failures?" 1:35:53 James relaying the advice of Nassim Nicholas Taleb (from the book The Black Swan) 1:36:46 Advice from improvisational theatre 1:38:39 What to do when you drift off your path 1:40:58 The deal James makes with his clients

"When you know who you are you know what to do." The reverse of that also makes sense. "When you know what you do you know who you are." Neither of these is an absolute truth but they're true enough to be practical. In today's chapter is a list of behaviours and concepts to help you decide. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion - no email required) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/dieqnLBSYNI

When you've decided on the most excellent action you can't let your uncertainty of outcome deter your taking that action. You may succeed; you may fail; you may attract harsh criticism. None of that is up to you. Events will unfold as they may. Regardless of the outcome there is no risk as far as your ability to make good use of the what happens. There is no risk to your ability to craft your character. In the essential matters there is no risk. For FREE Stoic Strength Training resources (including a Free PDF of The Gymchiridion--no email required) go to: https://stoicstrength.com/free-resources/ And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/0sm2EYhg-Xo

When you don't, or can't, accept reality as it is you're making life harder than it needs to be. Now you are mishandling the very materials you need to build the life you want. If life's a wrestling match, as many ancient Stoics suggested, then it's important to face the opponent you have and not the opponent you wish you had. For a free PDF of The Gymchiridion go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/NYpvwn8j3UI

Within the context of your relationships and roles you'll have responsibilities. And when you agree to one (e.g. the role) you've agreed to the other (i.e. the responsibilities). Be aware what you're getting yourself into. Ultimately, relationships are founded on agreements. It's your responsibility to uphold the agreements you have chosen to accept. Par for the course when you operate with excellence. In this episode I also go into some of the changes I've made to the podcast. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/oMk2V5aS76s

Achieving our goals takes effort. That effort is made easier when we've committed to staying the course regardless of the challenges we'll face. And there are always challenges. By imagining the possible challenges and obstacles beforehand we'll be much better prepared to deal with them. For a free PDF of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if your prefer video: https://youtu.be/dQDGPUEUX4M

Depending how you build your mental fortress (or sanctuary, refuge, gymnasium) you will more or less suffer abuse from the negative opinions of others. If you build it well it will be impregnable. But that will take dedicated practice and dedication. It's worth the effort. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/egB6nZ2EwEE

The Stoic sage operates with excellence in every moment. We aren't sages. There are no sages. Though we won't operate with excellence in every moment we can operate with excellence in any moment! And that opportunity is available in every moment of choice!! But not every moment is a moment of choice!!!?? Ah, the joys of diving deep into philosophic thinking. We look at the concept of fate, too. Just skim the surface, really. Come to think of it I do use a diving board analogy in the episode so these metaphors are appropriate. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/4U8OOQeWKf4

When we consider our own lives and the challenges we face we're so close, we're so involved, it makes it hard to see the obvious choices. But when we're presented with similar challenges in the lives of others it seems easier. We need to get some distance from our thinking. Today we look at how to get that distance and why it's so useful. Get ready for some tough love from the Third-Person Perspective. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/WT6Ea12AjAI

There's a price for everything. When we pay up front for what we want, through the discipline of our choices and effort, we become practiced and the price becomes easier to bear. When we choose to ignore the discipline and effort required we're choosing to pay in another way. We're deferring the up front cost. The price then becomes a heavier burden. In other words, discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tonnes. Learn the wisdom of paying the price up front. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://youtu.be/pImqb_uhqK0

"You help others the most by being a model of excellence worthy of emulation. A good end by unworthy means is never justified. Know your purpose and the means becomes self-evident. Then others learn just by seeing you in action." For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfT54BZGx5A https://youtu.be/QfT54BZGx5A

We are likely to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions. After all, we can't read minds. But by using the same criteria for ourselves we're going to be much more honest about how well we're living up to our own standards. And being consistent with our standard regardless of the circumstances or what others think is how we show others who we are. More importantly we'll be showing ourselves who we are. For a free PDF copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXL5H1_HZq8 https://youtu.be/oXL5H1_HZq8

As we strive to make ourselves better human beings (working out, eating healthy, calling it an early night because we need to get up for a run in the morning) we'll undoubtedly be on the receiving end of some opinions that aren't helpful. Be prepared. There's always a critic. *Note: The quote of Marcus Aurelius is actually 4.7. For a free copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com And if you prefer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyJc7upRR3w https://youtu.be/uyJc7upRR3w

We expect to have time to get our tasks done, to achieve our goals, to make things better. But when we consider that future we're taking for granted that we'll be in it and that we'll have the resources we have now or even more. Much better to take advantage of the opportunities we have today. Tomorrow things may be very different. For a free copy of The Gymchiridion: Everything You Need To Master Your Life You Will Learn In The Gym go to: http://gymmanual.com If you prefer video: https://youtu.be/AVGB8a-nXsI https://youtu.be/AVGB8a-nXsI