I have found you an argument; But I am not obliged to find you an understanding.
~ Samuel Johnson
slip:4a853.
Physical it’s not
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.
~ Shane Parrish from, The Inner Game: Why Trying Too Hard Can Be Counterproductive
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.
ɕ
Failures
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.
~ Reinhold Messner
slip:4a852.
Ya don’t say!
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.
~ Peter Attia from, Is alternate-day fasting superior to calorie restriction for fat loss in lean adults?
slip:4upeia1.
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.
ɕ
Moderation
True happiness springs from moderation.
~ Goethe
slip:4a851.
Tranquility
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.”
ɕ
Just sitting there
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?
~ Stephen Batchelor
slip:4a850.
Amor fati
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?
~ Stephen Batchelor
slip:4a850.
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.
ɕ
Preparation with Danny Attias
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.
Movers Mindset podcast — a podcast exploring movement, thinking, and personal stories.
Auphonic — an audio post-production tool for optimizing sound quality.
Seth Godin’s AltMBA — an intensive leadership and business workshop.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
Recharging with Tracy Bedford
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.
Rich Roll podcast — Mentioned as a motivational resource.
“Just Keep Swimming” — Reference to an uplifting mantra from Finding Nemo.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
Not self-made
[…] 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).
slip:4a849.
Brittle and prone to failure
Together, these approaches comprise “complexity.” They tend to make the economic system less resilient. At least temporarily, they pass fewer of the higher costs of energy products through to current citizens. As a result, the economy can temporarily withstand a higher price of energy. But the system tends to become brittle and prone to failure.
~ Gail Tverberg from, Spike in energy prices suggests that sharp changes are ahead
slip:4uousi1.
I don’t know whether to say you’ll be better, or worse, off—but I absolutely recommend reading everything Tverberg has ever written. I’ve a number, (nowhere near all of her stuff however,) of things quoted here on the blog; All those posts are tagged Gail Tverberg. History shows many examples, over thousands of years of recorded history, where economies, (empires, civilizations, and the people,) grew slowly and ended precipitously. There’s yet to be an example of a gradual decline. The open question is for how much longer—possibly very very much longer—can humanity continue to incline? (And to be clear, I don’t have an educated opinion about that question.)
ɕ
Weakness
Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.
slip:4a848.
What actually is the problem
Every obstacle that we normally think of as a problem to be fixed … every “flaw” in ourselves or others that we judge as something to be fixed … what if we can pause, find stillness, and get curious instead of trying to fix?
~ Leo Babauta from, Stillness & Curiosity
slip:4uzeeo1.
Any day that Babauta gets me thinking is a good day. (If that isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.) I’ve gotten pretty durn good at the “pause”, and the “find stillness”, parts. I also believe I have the “wait but why” curiosity bit figured out, since it has always been with me. It’s that “trying to fix” part upon which I’m perpetually stuck. And I get “particularly stuck”— “particularly stuck” aren’t the right words… if I could find the right words or word, I would use it instead. “Ensnared” is close. Or, have you ever gotten caught by a single thorn while out walking or hiking? That one thorn isn’t going to do too much damage if you stop quickly. In an instant, that one thorn becomes the laser focus of all of my attention. I really feel like I should be able to find the right word to fix that sentence.
Well, that’s curious.
ɕ
Competition
I would like to remove all competitions in outdoor sports. The competition is not the important thing. The important thing is to learn to behave with wild nature.
slip:4a847.
Pasteur’s Quadrant
The core idea of Pasteur’s Quadrant is that basic and applied research are not opposed, but orthogonal. Instead of a one-dimensional spectrum, with motion towards “basic” taking you further away from “applied”, and vice versa, he proposes a two-dimensional classification, with one axis being “inspired by the quest for fundamental understanding” and the other being “inspired by considerations of use”
~ Jason Crawford from, Pasteur’s quadrant
slip:4uropa1.
I’ve put a bit of thought into research. I’ve certainly considered the two properties of “research for understanding” and “research for application”. But I’ve never thought of them as two dimensions. Click through and check out the simple but illuminating quadrant graph.
And I’m immediately wondering: Can I think of a third dimension upon which to plot research? (Field-of-study comes to mind. Time; The thing being studied, is it something that happens in micro-time like particle physics, or macro-time like geology?) I’m also wondering: what other activities could be plotted in a quadrant? (Writing: insight versus length? Coaching: net change in performance versus time spent training?)
ɕ
Pleasure
Moderation is the pleasure of the wise.
~ Voltaire
slip:4a846.
Core temperature
Interestingly, regardless of exercise intensity, exercising in the cold has been shown to reduce and delay the typical [human growth hormone] response to exercise, leading to the speculation that the increase in core temperature may be the more important regulator of growth hormone release.
~ Brad Pilon from, Heat and Growth Hormone
slip:4ubawe4.
Human growth hormone is involved in a lot of the body’s signaling, and I was instantly curious about “hacking” exercise to raise core temperature… and then I remembered all the classic “boxers training in sweat suits”—drenched in sweat! It’s right in the name of the clothing. Boxes know a lot about training, muscle and getting into shape.
But then I got completely distracted reading the Wikipedia page. First off, I remember when we didn’t know what the actual shape of molecules were. Then along came mathematical modeling, protein folding… and I think there’s even a “folding at home” project where you can “donate” your computer’s free time to help figure out how proteins fold. Anyway, Human Growth Hormone seems to be solved. It has 192 (!?!) amino acids. The thing is enormous— except it’s actually not that big as far as proteins go. And the folded shape is as important as the chemical composition of each molecule. And you begin to realize the insane complexity of proteins that have hundreds of amino acids… And then you eat food and your body needs enzymes to disassemble these huge molecules into . . . sorry. I got excited. Ahem.
ɕ
Riches and power
To have what we want is riches; But to be able to do without it is power.
slip:4a845.
Accounting
Understanding an entity’s metabolism is fundamental to understanding its role within an ecosystem of competing entities and the selective pressures it is under. An entity with a successful metabolism survives and grows; one that fails in its metabolism is eliminated. Over time, through natural selection, an ecosystem becomes dominated by the entities with successful metabolism. Different entities can have different designs and make different choices, but the laws of nature decide which of them thrive.
~ Jason Crawford from, Organizational metabolism and the for-profit advantage
slip:4urooa1.
There’s good and evil, and moral and immoral. There are associations [in the most general sense of the word] of people working in a myriad of structures, trying to achieve many different goals which are good, evil, moral, and immoral. The first thing I had to get straight in my head was that the variety of the association doesn’t tell me anything about the goals, or the morals, of the people. Because it’s those people that matter.
People can use, or abuse, any structure. (Just like they can any tool. A structure of association isn’t magical; It’s a tool.) So what is the difference between “non-profit” and “for-profit”? …which tool is better at enabling people to work towards their goals?
ɕ