E156 - Ryan Holiday: The Stoics Guide to High Performance

Ryan Holiday is an author, most well known for his philosophical insights in The Daily Stoic. For Jake, this conversation was “the single most exciting episode” they have recorded so far. They discuss everything Stoic, from ego to discipline and much more. Ryan shares how having a strong sense of who you are is crucial, having a set of key priorities will put you in the right direction, rather than following the flow of everyone else.

They discuss how we can spot ego within other people and how we can direct them through it. Ryan explains the importance of living a disciplined life, the benefits it offers, how we cannot put it upon other people and how you can instil it in your life.

Ryan’s latest book ‘Discipline is Destiny’ is out now: 

https://amzn.to/3DoHpYe

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**Introduction**

* The guest for this episode is Ryan Holiday, an author known for his philosophical insights in The Daily Stoic.
* Jake Humphrey, the host, expresses his excitement about the episode, calling it "the single most exciting episode" they have recorded so far.
* They discuss Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes self-control, resilience, and living in accordance with nature.

**Key Points**

1. **Ego and Self-Control:**
* Ryan emphasizes the importance of controlling one's ego and avoiding being driven by external validation.
* He explains how ego can manifest in our desire for attention, recognition, and status.
* The Stoics believed that true strength comes from within and is not dependent on external factors.

2. **The Power of Discipline:**
* Ryan discusses the significance of discipline in leading a fulfilling life.
* He highlights that discipline is not about deprivation or punishment but about cultivating self-mastery and achieving long-term goals.
* The Stoics viewed discipline as a means to develop inner strength and resilience.

3. **Living in the Present:**
* Ryan stresses the importance of living in the present moment and focusing on what is within our control.
* He explains that dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can lead to anxiety and unhappiness.
* The Stoics believed that by focusing on the present, we can find contentment and fulfillment.

4. **Stoic Practices:**
* Ryan shares some practical Stoic exercises and practices that listeners can incorporate into their daily lives.
* He suggests engaging in activities like meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises to cultivate self-awareness and resilience.
* These practices help individuals develop a Stoic mindset and navigate life's challenges more effectively.

5. **The Value of Balance:**
* Ryan emphasizes the importance of finding balance in life, avoiding extremes, and practicing moderation.
* He explains that the Stoics believed in seeking harmony and equilibrium in all aspects of life.
* This includes balancing work and leisure, pursuing personal goals while maintaining relationships, and practicing self-care alongside ambition.

6. **The Legacy of Stoicism:**
* Ryan highlights the enduring relevance of Stoicism and its influence on modern leaders and thinkers.
* He mentions examples of individuals like Queen Elizabeth II, General James Mattis, and others who embody Stoic principles in their lives.
* The Stoic philosophy continues to inspire and guide people in various fields, helping them navigate challenges and achieve personal growth.

**Conclusion**

* Ryan Holiday's insights into Stoicism provide valuable lessons for living a more fulfilling and resilient life.
* The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own values, cultivate self-discipline, and embrace the present moment.
* By adopting Stoic principles, individuals can overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and live with greater purpose and meaning.

**Navigating Ego and Cultivating Discipline: Insights from Ryan Holiday's Stoic Wisdom**

1. **Ego as a Barrier to Performance:**

- Ego is portrayed as a barrier that obstructs individuals from achieving peak performance and self-awareness.
- It hinders connection, happiness, and contentment.
- Ego takes people away from reality, which is essential for high performance.

2. **The Power of Self-Awareness:**

- Self-awareness is crucial in recognizing ego's presence within oneself and others.
- It allows individuals to direct and guide others through their ego effectively.

3. **The Importance of Discipline:**

- Discipline is highlighted as a vital aspect of achieving high performance.
- Living a disciplined life offers numerous benefits, including a sense of freedom and the ability to avoid the constant need for recognition.

4. **Managing Other People's Ego:**

- Steering clear of individuals with immense egos is advised as it often leads to their downfall.
- Recognizing that ego is a common human trait helps individuals focus on managing their own ego rather than dwelling on others'.
- Exploiting or directing people's ego through their desires and aspirations can be an effective strategy in managing their behavior.

5. **The Significance of Small, Consistent Actions:**

- World-class basics, such as cleaning one's desk and making one's bed, are emphasized as essential building blocks for high performance.
- These seemingly insignificant actions cumulatively contribute to the development of performance.

6. **Balancing Strictness and Kindness:**

- Being strict with oneself while maintaining kindness is a delicate balance that leads to self-improvement.
- Discipline should not be used as a weapon against others but rather as a tool for personal growth.
- Understanding that everyone has different goals and journeys promotes tolerance and compassion towards others.

7. **The Value of Memento Mori:**

- Memento mori, the practice of meditating on one's mortality, is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of time.
- It encourages individuals to make the most of the present moment and avoid wasting time on trivial matters.
- Time is viewed as a finite resource that should be spent wisely and purposefully.

8. **The Significance of Stoic Virtues:**

- Stoic virtues, such as courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, serve as guiding principles for navigating various life situations.
- These virtues remind individuals of the qualities required to face challenges and make sound decisions.

9. **The Importance of Perseverance:**

- The Stoics exemplified perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Despite personal tragedies and difficult circumstances, they maintained a sense of duty and responsibility towards others.
- Sticking around and persevering through challenges is considered a heroic and stoic act.

10. **Stoicism as a Practical Philosophy:**

- Stoicism is presented as a practical philosophy that offers tangible takeaways for daily life.
- It emphasizes the importance of journaling and self-reflection as tools for personal growth and self-improvement.
- Stoicism encourages individuals to embrace the present moment and find meaning in their everyday experiences.

# High Performance Podcast Episode Summary:

The episode features a captivating conversation between Jake Humphrey and Ryan Holiday, an acclaimed author known for his philosophical insights in "The Daily Stoic." Ryan emphasizes the significance of having a strong sense of self and a clear set of priorities to navigate life's challenges. He delves into the concept of ego, explaining how to recognize it in others and effectively guide them through it.

Ryan underscores the importance of living a disciplined life, highlighting its benefits and emphasizing that discipline cannot be imposed on others but must be instilled within oneself. He shares insights from his latest book, "Discipline is Destiny," which explores the profound impact of discipline on achieving success and fulfillment.

The discussion also touches upon the challenges of retraining in later life. Ryan's personal experience of successfully retraining as an accountant in his late forties serves as an inspiring example of overcoming self-doubt and embracing new opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, hard work, and faith in one's abilities, regardless of age or circumstances.

Furthermore, Ryan reflects on the impact of the High Performance Podcast, highlighting the consistency, hard work, and self-confidence exhibited by the guests. He emphasizes the value of focusing on controllable factors and letting go of those beyond one's control, a key takeaway that resonates with many listeners.

The episode concludes with a reminder to listeners to subscribe, follow, and share the podcast to spread its valuable insights and learnings. The host, Jake Humphrey, expresses gratitude to the production team and encourages listeners to continue chasing world-class basics, remaining humble, curious, and empathetic in their pursuit of high performance.