Digest

Will Compton, a former NFL player, shares his perspective on the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life. He expresses his gratitude for having children after his career, as it has given him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices athletes make. Compton also discusses the constant comparison and competition among athletes, from trying to make the team to striving for bigger contracts. He acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, highlighting the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life. Bert Kreischer, a comedian, challenges the principles of stoicism, arguing that it can feel like a luxury for those who don't have to constantly say "yes" to opportunities. He shares his own experiences with the pressure to perform and the impact of negative comments on his self-worth. Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation. The conversation concludes with a lively debate about the merits of stoicism, with Kreischer expressing his skepticism and Holiday offering insights into the philosophy's practical applications. Compton also reflects on his own parenting style, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being. The conversation highlights the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, and the enduring impact of parental figures on our lives.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Kindergarten Graduation

This Chapter introduces the podcast hosts, Will Compton and Bert Kreischer, and discusses the significance of kindergarten graduation. Compton shares his own memories of the event and how it was a big deal for him and his family. He also expresses his frustration with "rich dads" who seem to excel at fatherhood, while he feels he didn't "kill it" as a dad.

00:02:07

NFL Career and Family Priorities

This Chapter explores the hypothetical scenario of Will Compton returning to the NFL. He discusses whether he would consider playing another season, even if it meant moving his family to New England. Compton reflects on his current priorities, emphasizing the importance of family life and his young daughter. He shares his perspective on the challenges faced by athletes who have to balance their careers with family commitments.

00:43:52

Stoicism and Authenticity

This Chapter delves into a discussion about stoicism, with Bert Kreischer expressing his skepticism and Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, offering insights into the philosophy's principles. Kreischer challenges the idea of saying "no" to opportunities, arguing that it can feel like a luxury for those who don't have to constantly say "yes." Holiday explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation.

00:53:42

The Power of Saying "No" and Fatherhood

This Chapter explores the concept of saying "no" and its implications for personal growth and authenticity. Compton shares his own experiences with the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life and the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being. He also reflects on his own parenting style, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic. The conversation highlights the complexities of fatherhood and the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life?

  Will Compton, a former NFL player, shares his perspective on the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life. He expresses his gratitude for having children after his career, as it has given him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices athletes make. Compton also discusses the constant comparison and competition among athletes, from trying to make the team to striving for bigger contracts. He acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, highlighting the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life.

• What are the core principles of stoicism?

  Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation.

• How can stoicism be applied to modern life?

  Holiday suggests that stoicism can be a valuable framework for dealing with the difficulties of life. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within one's power to change, rather than dwelling on external circumstances. He also encourages individuals to cultivate virtues such as courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom.

• What are some of the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world where external validation is so prevalent?

  Bert Kreischer, a comedian, shares his own experiences with the pressure to perform and the impact of negative comments on his self-worth. He discusses the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with criticism or the temptation to conform to external expectations.

• How can individuals find a balance between ambition and personal priorities?

  Compton and Kreischer both discuss the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities. Compton highlights the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life, while Kreischer emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting external validation dictate one's actions.

• What are some practical ways to practice stoicism?

  Holiday suggests that stoicism can be practiced through a variety of methods, including journaling, meditation, and focusing on one's values. He also encourages individuals to develop a sense of gratitude and to focus on what is within their power to change.

• How can individuals overcome the temptation to seek external validation?

  Holiday and Kreischer both emphasize the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation. They encourage individuals to focus on their own goals and values, rather than seeking approval from others.

• What are some of the benefits of practicing stoicism?

  Holiday suggests that stoicism can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and resilience. He believes that by controlling one's emotions and responses to events, individuals can live more fulfilling lives.

• How can individuals find a balance between being present in the moment and planning for the future?

  Compton and Kreischer both discuss the importance of finding a balance between being present in the moment and planning for the future. Compton emphasizes the importance of family life and his young daughter, while Kreischer highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting external validation dictate one's actions.

• How does Will Compton's mother's life impact his parenting style?

  Compton reflects on his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic, and how these qualities have shaped his own parenting style. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being.

Show Notes