Complacency

“The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability, but rather in our living below our capacities.” Benjamin E. Mays

Complacency is a bitch. It’s like a double-edged sword. The dictionary defines it as have an uncritical or smug sense of satisfaction with oneself or one’s personal achievements. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Perhaps there is. Complacency may be a cause of ignorance and can result in a slowing of progress. I think for that reason it may even take us towards stagnation. Why can’t we be pleased with our current achievement and ourselves? Firstly, I believe that a heavy focus or smugness with self is a cause for the majority of our suffering. Secondly, complacency is a major cause of human error. What are your thoughts and stories of complacency?

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Summary

Benjamin Spall is a writer and the founding editor of My Morning Routine. Originally from England, he moved to the United States two years ago for love (and married her).

He has written for outlets including The Huffington Post, 99U, The Next Web, and Thought Catalog. In this episode I chat to Ben about his book My Morning Routine: How Succesful People Start Every Day. (more…)

Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright

I loved this book. What an exciting and profoundly insightful read and one that is right up my alley. As I proceed on my journey in attempts to figuring life out and importantly trying to discover ways to dissolve suffering and regret to live with enduring deep happiness this book helps satisfy that itch.

Robert Wright has written a collaborative piece that combines the teachings and ideas of Buddhism with the science of psychology and science – particularly as it relates to evolutionary science, to highlight why Buddhism is true. (more…)

Today’s featured guest is Joshua Spodek. The topic is Environment.

Let the show begin.

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519 Time to Quit or Persevere?

“Think about all the time, brainpower, and social or political capital you continued to spend on some commitment only because you didn’t like the idea of quitting.” Steven D. Levitt

 This episode has been inspired by an article I wrote about how to know when it’s time to quit and when it’s time to persevere. In the first half, I talk about what it means to quit and persevere including how and why such tendencies may develop. In the second part, I share my thoughts and practical insight as to how to make this assessment so we can reduce wasted time/energy investments and continue to live intentionally and aligned with what is important. (more…)

The Common Grounds of Victimhood & Hate

Written & Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Belongingness – a deep and fundamental human emotion.

• Why? Survival and reproduction.

Humans are animals and as with many animal groups belonging to social groups provide protection. Although this is not as relevant nowadays because we can survive pretty well without being a part of a tribe, we still do desire to belong to a group or groups. The social bonds and relationships we form in our networks have been proven to have profound benefits to our overall wellbeing.

People that are lonely or don’t meet this need to belong will have difficulty forming a level of self-identity. Who we are plays a critical role in how we think, the decisions we make and how we behave. If we lack a solid sense of identity – who are we? It brings our level of significance, relevance and meaning in life to a lower level. This is not a good thing. (more…)

Summary

In this episode, I chat with Ron Carucci, author of Rising to Power and co-founder and managing partner of Navalent – a company dedicated to working with CEOs and executives pursuing transformational change for their organizations, leaders, and industries. In particular, we talk about his methodology for creating organisational excellence via the elements of identity, organisation and leadership. With constant reference to how this process can be beneficial at the individual level to ensure we live more meaningful and fulfilled lives.

Ron has a thirty-year track record helping some of the world’s most influential executives tackle challenges of strategy, organization and leadership.  (more…)

Today’s featured guest is Maureen Zappala. The topic is Imposter Syndrome.

Let the show begin.

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Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

“Grit is that ‘extra something’ that separates the most successful people from the rest. It’s the passion, perseverance, and stamina that we must channel to stick with our dreams until they become a reality.” Travis Bradberry

In this book Grit, the author, Angela Duckworth, argues that the key to success is not an innate talent or genius but rather a matter of grit. Duckworth describes that growing up her father would label her as having a lack of ‘genius.’ He often indicated that she might never amount to anything significant. In her lifetime she has proved him wrong. (more…)

Prosperity

Written & narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi

Recently I had a great conversation with Joan Sotkin on the podcast on the topic of prosperity (check it out here). Having reflected on our discussion I felt it was a good opportunity to share my perspectives and open up a similar dialogue in your life. When you think of this word, prosperity, what are the first thoughts that come to mind?

Many of us would immediately associate prosperity with wealth and material possessions. However, I believe prosperity or to be prosperous in life is more than a measure of the dollars in your bank or the wealth accumulation you achieve. There are other elements that also indicate one’s prosperity including the likes of health and happiness. (more…)