Motivation Archives

Prioritize and Execute (from Jocko’s Extreme Ownership)

There are times when it feels like everything goes wrong at once, and that there is no way to accomplish everything at the same time. In these situations, a leader has to be able to calmly take stock of the situation, decide what needs to happen first, and carry it out; this Law of Combat is called Prioritize and Execute. Trying to address several issues at the same time is overwhelming and inefficient. Most likely, you are only dividing your attention and won’t be able to tackle any of them effectively. Instead — even when it feels like five fires

5 Lessons on Underdog Success From Lawrence of Arabia

Who was Lawrence of Arabia? How did he manage to defeat the powerful Turks with his untrained band of nomads? Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence) was a British officer and archaeologist who led various military activities in Arabia during the First World War. Learn what Lawrence of Arabia can teach us about winning as an underdog.

The Greatest Lesson From Chemotherapy Pioneer Jay Freireich

Who is Jay Freireich? And what can this doctor and researcher teach us about making use of so-called disadvantages? Emil “Jay” Freireich is a doctor who pioneered chemotherapy as a treatment for childhood leukemia. However, he may never have persevered in the face of criticism and threats of being fired if he hadn’t had such a traumatic childhood. We’ll cover how trauma can be an advantage and what you can learn from Jay Freireich’s success.

You’re Missing the Point of the David and Goliath Story: Here’s Why

For thousands of years, the Biblical David and Goliath story has given hope to underdogs inspired by David’s miraculous victory against the giant Goliath, with only a rock, sling, and stick at his disposal. The odds were against David…or were they? In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell argues that we misunderstand the David and Goliath story particularly and underdog victories in general. Keep reading to learn why you’ve been getting the moral of this story wrong, and what the real takeaways are.

3 Common Desirable Difficulties That Make You Better

What are desirable difficulties? Are all difficulties desirable? Desirable difficulties are so-called disadvantages that can actually be strong advantages. They build resilience and make you seek surprising strengths despite having the difficulties. We’ll cover three desirable difficulties — disability, tragedy, and having nothing — and look at why these difficulties may make you stronger than you would have been without them.

Rule 1: Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back

In 12 Rules for Life, Rule #1 is “Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back.” What does this mean? Do you stand up straight physically? Or is this more of a metaphor for being confident? It turns out Jordan Peterson’s Rule 1 means both. We’ll discuss what he meant by stand up straight, and how your physical posture affects your mental state.

Rule 12: Pet a Cat When You Encounter One

In 12 Rules for Life, Rule #12 is “Pet A Cat When You Encounter One On The Street.” What does Jordan Peterson even mean here? Like most of Jordan Peterson’s 12 rules, this is more of a metaphor for how to live life. In summary, life is tough. It hurts at times. This pain gives life meaning. Take time to enjoy the little pleasures in life. Pet a cat when you see one on the street. We’ll cover Rule 12 in Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life in much more detail.

Rule 6: Set Your House In Perfect Order Before You Criticize The World

In 12 Rules for Life, Rule #6 is “Set Your House In Perfect Order Before You Criticize The World.” What does this mean? Why would you need to care about your own affairs before you lash out at the world? In essence, the idea is that you need to take responsibility over your own misfortunes. Don’t blame the world. Always look first at what you can fix. Care about fixing that to the very best of your power.

Rule 7: Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient

In 12 Rules for Life, Rule #7 is “Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient.” What does this mean? How does Jordan Peterson define “meaningful,” and how does he define “expedient?” In essence, you should stop doing what you know you shouldn’t be doing. Do what you know provides your life meaning.