Navigating Life and Work Decisions

Oct 10, 2024

Lecture Notes on Life and Work Decisions

Introduction

  • Discussing how to make good life decisions that endure over time.

Kimberly's Journey

  • Grew up in a small town, dreamed of moving to a big city.
  • Worked long hours at a law firm, feeling intense pressure.
  • Found interest in yoga, attended a yoga training retreat.
  • Realized she was unhappy and felt her job was killing her soul.

Warren's Experience

  • Grew up with difficult family circumstances, worked hard to succeed.
  • Graduated from a good university and landed a prestigious government job.
  • Attended a music festival; lyrics from a Radiohead song prompted self-reflection.
  • Questions that arose: "Are you there?" and "Are you happy?"

Climbing Mode

  • Defined as the phase of pursuing success and career advancement.
  • Advantages: growth, learning, opportunity, challenge.
  • Downsides: potential burnout, self-reliance, and ego trips.

Discover Mode

  • Importance of identifying the right ladder to climb before starting the climb.
  • Encouraged to reflect on personal values, interests, and strengths.
  • Emphasis on the iterative process of trying new things and learning.

Life Entrepreneurs

  • Coined term by the speaker and Christopher Gergen.
  • Idea of applying entrepreneurship principles to life decisions and living.
  • Encourages living with a sense of vision, adventure, and ownership.

Common Traps in Living and Working

  1. Comparative Ethic

    • Comparing oneself to others leads to misery.
    • Teddy Roosevelt's quote: "Comparison is the thief of joy."

  2. Conformity

    • Pressure to follow societal and peer expectations.
    • Resulting in "excellent sheep" who follow conventional paths.

  3. Prestige Magnet

    • Desire for recognition and approval can skew personal aspirations.
    • Leads to chasing achievements over authenticity.

  4. Regret

    • Insights from Bronnie Ware's work with palliative care patients.
    • Top regret: "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself."

The Buckets of a Good Life

  • Based on Jonathan Fields' work:
    1. Vitality Bucket: health and wellness.
    2. Connection Bucket: quality of relationships.
    3. Contribution Bucket: adding value to others and serving.
  • Importance of maintaining balance among these buckets.

Pervasive Service

  • Encouragement to find daily opportunities to serve others.
  • Contributes to a fulfilling life and community engagement.

Conclusion

  • Both Kimberly and Warren found fulfillment through discovering their true passions.
  • Importance of transitioning from climbing mode to discover mode.
  • Encouragement to reflect on personal values before making significant life decisions.
  • Final thought: Begin with discover mode to ensure meaningful life choices.