#241 ‒ Living intentionally, valuing time, prioritizing relationships, and more keys to a rich life | Ric Elias (Part 2) | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive,” Peter Attia continues his conversation with Ric Elias, the co-founder and CEO of Red Ventures. They discuss a wide range of topics, including parenting, relationships, the importance of struggles, and living with true intentionality. Ric shares his experience of being on flight 1549, also known as the miracle on the Hudson, and how it shaped his perspective on life. The podcast aims to translate the science of longevity into something accessible for everyone.

Main Takeaways

Parenting and Relationships

• Rick learned a valuable lesson about parenting from his mother, likening it to a tug of war that you eventually lose.
• Emptying the nest is a beautiful thing.
• Creating experiences with people you love is a way to create memories.
• Friendships really matter in life, and memorable moments really matter.
• The summit allowed for the guard to be down from everybody, no matter who you are to the outside world.

Living with Intentionality

• Looking forward versus looking backward ties to age, and it’s important to focus on the present and future.
• Aging is of our spirit, not of our bodies or mind, and it’s about which mirror we’re using: the rear view mirror or the windshield.
• Staying in the arena and downshifting can help you stay relevant and connected.
• The transition from fluid to crystallized intelligence can bring comfort in accepting aging.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

• Giving away billions of dollars intelligently is not easy and takes time.
• Investing in under-resourced kids in primary and secondary school but not giving them a path to citizenship and making them taxpayers does not make sense.
• Starting with a job and training into it is key to solving the diversity challenge.
• Bringing an entrepreneurial spirit and real business savvy to philanthropy is important.

Personal Growth and Mindset

• The importance of having a positive relationship with oneself.
• Guilt as a useless emotion and the power of self-forgiveness.
• Happiness and wealth are not necessarily coupled, it depends on individual perception.
• Re-evaluating the race you’re running in life is important.
• Impacting others positively can come from small actions and feeling at peace inside.

Work and Flexibility

• The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the way we work and highlighted the importance of flexibility.
• Remote work offers flexibility and freedom, which many people enjoy.
• Productivity can be measured in some functions, and remote work can be as productive or more so than in-office work.
• Hybrid work, where employees come in sometimes and work remotely sometimes, may be a healthier way to gain expertise for jobs that require collaboration and experiential learning.
• Work should evolve to prioritize what requires people to be together versus what does not, allowing for even more flexibility depending on career and proficiency level.

Summary

Parenting and Relationships

Rick Elias shares insights on parenting, emphasizing the importance of creating experiences and memories with loved ones. He reflects on the beauty of emptying the nest and the significance of friendships in life. Rick also discusses the evolving relationship with adult children, transitioning from being a parent to becoming a coach and advisor.

Living with Intentionality

Rick and Peter delve into the concept of living with true intentionality, focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past. They explore the idea of aging as a state of mind and the importance of staying relevant and connected. The transition from fluid to crystallized intelligence is highlighted as a way to embrace and accept the aging process.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Rick Elias shares his experiences and insights on philanthropy, emphasizing the need for intelligent and impactful giving. He discusses the importance of investing in under-resourced individuals, providing them with opportunities and pathways to success. Rick also highlights the role of entrepreneurship and business savvy in making a meaningful social impact.

Personal Growth and Mindset

Rick and Peter explore the importance of personal growth and mindset in living a fulfilling life. They discuss the power of self-forgiveness, letting go of guilt, and cultivating a positive relationship with oneself. The connection between happiness and wealth is examined, emphasizing the need to re-evaluate one’s priorities and find peace within.

Work and Flexibility

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way we work, highlighting the importance of flexibility. Rick and Peter discuss the advantages of remote work and its potential for productivity. They explore the concept of hybrid work, finding a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. The evolving nature of work and the need for prioritization and adaptability are also examined.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ric Elias and Peter Attia delve into various aspects of life, including parenting, relationships, living with intentionality, philanthropy, personal growth, and work. Through their insightful conversation, they provide valuable lessons and perspectives on how to live a rich and fulfilling life. By prioritizing relationships, staying true to oneself, and embracing challenges, listeners are encouraged to approach life with intention and make the most of their time.