This phenomenon—winning or losing something in your mind before you win or lose it in reality—is what tennis player and coach W. Timothy Gallwey first called “the Inner Game” in his book The Inner Game of Tennis. Gallwey wrote the book in the 1970s when people viewed sport as a purely physical matter. Athletes focused on their muscles, not their mindsets. Today, we know that psychology is in fact of the utmost importance.
Somewhere I saw a great interview with Gallwey. (Try TouYube?) Some of the insights from his work—for example, that psychology is critical to success in sports—now seem obvious. But 50 years ago, this was not only “not obvious” but was literally unheard of. (Insert my peewee-baseball story from the late 70s. *shudder*) There’s a lot more worth gleaning from Gallwey’s work. Positive thinking doesn’t work! Worse, it’s a hinderance as bad as negative thinking. *gasp* This insight is also 50-years old, but from my conversations with athletes, it doesn’t appear that it’s percolated as thoroughly.
Without failures I would not be here. I learned most of what I know today through them. Maybe it was my partner, or the equipment was not proper, or the training—especially the mental training, which is the most important thing—were not good enough. With success, you don’t always know why you succeed, but when you fail, it’s clear what you did wrong. Then you can make changes and learn.
Another factor to consider is that this was a study in “lean” adults, and it is possible that results would be different if the investigators included people who actually need to lose weight.
Some times I read stuff that is really disappointing. (This is one such case, don’t bother clicking through.) Attia’s content is almost entirely really good… no idea what happened here.
My BMI is currently above 33. Say what you will about BMI—but, please don’t, I know what you’re considering telling me—but I am over-weight. I should drop 20 pounds. Then drop another 20 pounds… and guess what. I still wouldn’t be down to a BMI where they’d let me into the study Attia was writing about. What— why would you do a weight-loss study on people whose weight is, (according to BMI,) normal?? Face palm.
Here’s what I know about alternate day fasting: It really works if you are fat, (like me.) Presuming your body can metabolize fat—caution, the average western diet down-regulates that ability to near zero… But presuming your body can metabolize fat, a day of not eating is pleasant. I’m serious. And then the second morning, 40+ hours of not eating, I’m actually hungry. Meanwhile, my body just used up thousands of calories of fat. Then I simply go back to eating. Anyway. That’s my experience.
I have a sequence of daily prompts for myself. The other morning it was, “Am I an energy-giver or -taker”. (There’s more to each prompt.) I thought about the prompt—as I do with each one, every morning—and something new occurred to me related to this prompt…
Whether I’m an energy-giver or -taker depends on what mood I’m in! There seem to be at least 3 moods. OVER-REVVING: Too many ideas, or a new/big idea, on my mind. Interacting with me in this mood really drains people. There’s just too much information flowing from me, and it’s too fast for anyone to follow—energy-taker! DEPRESSED: I know well what this mood is like. I’m no fun to be around… soul-crushing for others to be around me in this mood—energy-taker! …and finally, TRANQUIL: This is the state to be in. It’s also the state where I have the energy and space to be sufficiently aware of the people I Interact with. Only in this state can I listen.
Sure, “3 moods” is an over-simplification, of course. But it feels like a simple and useful pre-flight check: “About to interact? Which mood am I in? …and how can I shift to tranquil if that’s not where I am.”
Don’t expect anything to happen. Just wait. This waiting is a deep acceptance of the moment as such. Nietzsche called it amor fati — unquestioning love of whatever has fated you to be here. You reach a point where you’re just sitting there, asking, “What is this?” — but with no interest in an answer. The longing for an answer compromises the potency of the question. Can you be satisfied to rest in this puzzlement, this perplexity, in a deeply focused and embodied way? Just waiting without any expectations?
Don’t expect anything to happen. Just wait. This waiting is a deep acceptance of the moment as such. Nietzsche called it amor fati — unquestioning love of whatever has fated you to be here. You reach a point where you’re just sitting there, asking, “What is this?” — but with no interest in an answer. The longing for an answer compromises the potency of the question. Can you be satisfied to rest in this puzzlement, this perplexity, in a deeply focused and embodied way? Just waiting without any expectations?
That’s a quote presented by Maria Popova within a much larger post… which you should totally go read. There’s a stillness, and perhaps even tranquility, which I very much hope you’ve experienced. I’ve mastered the walking meditation which is perambulation. But the fully engaged sense of simpy being, when there’s no sense of expectation, is still a surprise when I manage to get far enough out of my own way.
How can preparation and spontaneity be balanced in podcasting to foster engaging conversations?
A technology leader reflects on lessons from public speaking and podcasting.
The podcast forced me to listen. Don’t get distracted. Really engage and ask questions. You know, my deal with myself was: Don’t allow your voice to be heard more than 15% of the show, because they’re tuning in for the guest.
~ Danny Attias (11:06)
The discussion centers on balancing preparation and spontaneity in podcasting and public speaking. Danny describes his approach to speaking engagements, highlighting the challenges of monologuing versus participating in interactive formats. The conversation touches on the advantages of minimal preparation for fostering authentic dialogue and the difficulties of structuring scripted presentations, such as a TED Talk-inspired podcast episode.
Another focus is the theme of empathy, privilege, and imposter syndrome as critical lessons derived from podcast conversations. These themes inform the guest’s personal growth and leadership style. The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of podcast production, with Danny recounting experiences recording in person and navigating unexpected technical challenges. Reflections on sustaining creative energy and the decision to organize episodes by seasons further enrich the dialogue.
Takeaways
Preparation and spontaneity — striking a balance shapes the quality of podcast conversations.
Empathy in leadership — understanding others’ complex lives drives connection and impact.
Imposter syndrome — a universal challenge shared by even highly accomplished individuals.
Privilege as a tool — leveraging it to support and uplift others is crucial.
Podcasting as a learning tool — fosters listening skills and deeper engagement.
Structuring episodes — themed or spontaneous formats impact energy and workflow.
Technical challenges — audio quality and setup often require creative problem-solving.
Seasonal production — managing creative energy by pre-recording episodes can reduce stress.
Resources
Saundership podcast — a podcast focused on leadership, empathy, and personal growth.
How do creative individuals balance personal growth, self-compassion, and the challenges of isolation inherent in artistic endeavors like podcasting and acting?
Balancing the solitude of podcasting with the communal energy of acting is examined through personal anecdotes.
It’s really just being present and focusing only on that one thing, and I think it’s kind of a meditative experience.
~ Tracy Bedford (20:07)
The conversation examines the personal journey of balancing creative pursuits like podcasting and acting with the emotional toll of isolation and perfectionism. Tracy and Craig discuss the challenges of sustaining creative momentum, especially when life’s demands and self-doubt intervene. Acting emerges as a counterbalance to the solitude of podcasting, offering communal support and immediate feedback.
A significant theme revolves around self-compassion and learning to accept one’s current state, whether in creative highs or lows. The importance of presence, mindfulness, and finding restorative activities—such as walking in nature, journaling, or engaging with a supportive community—is highlighted. The conversation underscores the value of self-reflection in nurturing both personal and artistic growth.
Takeaways
The interplay of creativity and community — how acting provides immediate connection and podcasting requires self-sufficiency.
The challenge of perfectionism — striving for high standards while learning to let go.
The role of solitude in creativity — distinguishing between being alone and feeling lonely.
The importance of presence — mindfulness as a means to enhance creative focus.
Therapy and self-compassion — tools for navigating personal and artistic challenges.
Recharge strategies — walks in nature, reading, and inspiring podcasts as restorative activities.
Resources
Tom Bilyeu — Podcaster known for discussing self-improvement and resilience.
Joel Osteen — Inspirational speaker whose messages were adapted in the conversation.
[…] it is not true that I am self-made. Like everyone, to get to where I am, I stood on the shoulders of giants. My life was built on a foundation of parents, coaches, and teachers; of kind souls who lent couches or gym back rooms where I could sleep; of mentors who shared wisdom and advice; of idols who motivated me from the pages of magazines (and, as my life grew, from personal interaction).