Summary

In 2010, Danny Dover assigned a deadline of May 25, 2017, to his life. He was tired of hearing about other people’s exciting lives and decided to jump-start his own by taking steps to actually live as if the end was in sight. He tattooed his deadline on his butt and made the sole purpose of his life to complete his Life List (a list of more than 150 life goals). While pursuing his list, he inadvertently became a minimalist in order to gain the necessary focus to create a more meaningful life. This seemingly small change in mindset (which he later detailed in the book The Minimalist Mindset) dramatically changed his life for the better.

As of 2017, Dover has completed his entire Life List (which included living alone in the wilderness for a month, traveling to nearly 100 countries, mountain climbing in Antarctica, becoming a best-selling author with his first book Search Engine Optimization Secrets and many other adventures). More importantly, though, he has a small group of deep friendships and is able to spend much of his time writing for an extraordinary community (https://www.lifelisted.com), and sharing life-changing experiences with others.

This is a really cool conversation with a very inspiring message. Enjoy!

Coaching

Key Take Outs

• Why are you happy? A better question to ask- “What have been some of your favorite life stories?”
• Depression and a way out – Ask for help and find something to focus on.
• Finding The “Why,” a purpose, a central focus – a key motivator.
• What are the obstacles that prevent action on creating and starting a Life List?
• Keep asking “why?”
• Tackling persistence. Small chunks. SMART Goals. Positive peer pressure.

Check out my downloadable “Challenge to Transformation” Goal Setting Workbook. 

• Lessons on tackling dissatisfaction in the experience of what we persue.
• Minimalism. What it is and how to find it.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Having goals and deadlines.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Focus on health.

What is the meaning of success?

Looking back and being proud of his life story.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Read Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

When you write a recommendation letter, write it yourself and have the person read, approve and sign it.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

Read more – particularly biographies.

Favourite Food

Pineapple on pizza

Favorite Leisure Activity

Tinkering

Favourite Book

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The Minimalist Mindset: The Practical Path to Making Your Passions a Priority and to Retaking Your Freedom by Danny Dover

Favourite Quote

“Everything that is important about you is revealed by how you play.”

Do we all have a why?

Yes, but it doesn’t need to be perfect, to begin with. Just find something to focus on.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Focus and minimalism.

How to find Danny Dover

• Website –Life Listed
• Twitter – @DannyDover
• Instagram – DannyDover
• LinkedIn – Danny Dover on LinkedIn
• Facebook – Danny Dover on Facebook

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching