The Daily Stoic – Do You Have This Ability? | Ask DS

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, the speaker discusses the importance of gaining psychological detachment and reflecting on our actions as effective leaders. He also explores the challenges of applying Stoic principles to relationships and writing. Additionally, the speaker recommends books and resources that can help individuals stand out in their fields and understand power dynamics. The episode also features a brief introduction to the “Sports Explains the World” podcast, which delves into the history and cultural significance of diving in soccer.

Main Takeaways

The Art of Reflection and Leadership

• Effective leaders have the ability to gain psychological detachment and reflect on their actions.
• Reacting emotionally or unthinkingly does not serve anyone well.
• All leaders need to cultivate time and space for reflection, stillness, discipline, less ego, and listening.
• The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge helps cultivate the art of making transitions, stepping back, gaining perspective, and making good rational and calm decisions.
• The challenge can be accessed for free by signing up for Daily Stoic Life.

Applying Stoic Principles to Relationships and Writing

• The speaker talks about his experience giving talks on Stoic philosophy to Marines at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California.
• The Q&A portion of the talk is focused on how to apply Stoic principles to relationships and writing.
• The speaker discusses the challenge of being indifferent to negative emotions without becoming selfish.
• The speaker acknowledges that writing can come from a place of ego but emphasizes that creating good work should be the ultimate goal, not popularity or recognition.
• The speaker encourages the audience to keep practicing their craft, whether it’s writing or something else.

Standing Out and Understanding Power Dynamics

• Elliot Ackerman is a Marine and author who has successfully transitioned from soldier to author.
• Ackerman’s mix of nonfiction and fiction is interesting and unique.
• Blue Ocean Strategy is a book that can help you stand out in your field.
• The speaker encourages defining yourself in opposition to others and finding what makes you unique.
• Nietzsche claims that humans have a will to power, which the speaker agrees with.
• The book “48 Laws of Power” is recommended by the speaker as it helps understand power dynamics.
• Some people have a will to power, and it’s important to understand how it works even as a defensive mechanism.

Emotional Intelligence and Communication

• Being calm and emotionally unavailable are not the same thing, and it’s important to acknowledge and validate other people’s emotions.
• It’s possible to be calm and still show empathy towards others.
• Communicating your emotions is important to avoid assumptions from others.

Coping with the Uncontrollable and Personal Growth

• It’s hard to focus on what you can control when there are things out of your control that are important to you.
• It’s okay to feel upset or bothered by things you can’t control.
• Don’t worry about reaching a completely zen state; it’s hard, especially when you’re young.

Introduction to “Sports Explains the World” Podcast

• The “Sports Explains the World” podcast brings surprising and wild sports stories beyond leagues and stats.
• Hosted by former NFL player, Brandon Williams, and journalist, Dan Rubenstein.
• Episode: “The Art of the Dive.”
• Discusses the history and cultural significance of diving in soccer.
• Features interviews with former professional soccer players and coaches.
• “It’s a game of deception, it’s a game of cunning, it’s a game of guile.” – Brandon Williams.

Summary

The Art of Reflection and Leadership

Effective leaders possess the ability to detach themselves psychologically from their actions and engage in introspection. Reacting impulsively or emotionally does not contribute to effective leadership. It is essential for leaders to create time and space for reflection, stillness, discipline, humility, and active listening. The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge provides a framework for cultivating the art of making transitions, gaining perspective, and making rational and calm decisions. This challenge is accessible through Daily Stoic Life, which offers free sign-up.

Applying Stoic Principles to Relationships and Writing

The speaker shares his experience of delivering talks on Stoic philosophy to Marines and engages in a Q&A session focused on the application of Stoic principles to relationships and writing. One of the challenges discussed is the need to remain indifferent to negative emotions without becoming self-centered. The speaker emphasizes that the ultimate goal of writing should be creating good work rather than seeking popularity or recognition. He encourages continuous practice in one’s craft, whether it be writing or any other discipline.

Standing Out and Understanding Power Dynamics

Elliot Ackerman, a Marine and author, successfully transitioned from soldier to writer, blending nonfiction and fiction in his work. The speaker recommends the book “Blue Ocean Strategy” as a resource for standing out in one’s field. He suggests defining oneself in opposition to others and discovering what makes one unique. The speaker aligns with Nietzsche’s belief in humans having a will to power and recommends “48 Laws of Power” for understanding power dynamics. It is important to comprehend the workings of power, even as a defensive mechanism.

Emotional Intelligence and Communication

The speaker clarifies that being calm does not equate to being emotionally unavailable. It is crucial to acknowledge and validate others’ emotions while maintaining a calm demeanor. The speaker emphasizes the significance of effective communication of one’s emotions to prevent misunderstandings and assumptions.

Coping with the Uncontrollable and Personal Growth

Navigating situations where important aspects are beyond one’s control can make it challenging to focus on what can be controlled. It is acceptable to feel upset or bothered by uncontrollable factors. The speaker reassures that achieving a completely zen state is difficult, especially for young individuals, and encourages personal growth through continuous practice and learning.

Introduction to “Sports Explains the World” Podcast

The “Sports Explains the World” podcast, hosted by former NFL player Brandon Williams and journalist Dan Rubenstein, goes beyond leagues and statistics to explore surprising and captivating sports stories. In the episode titled “The Art of the Dive,” they delve into the history and cultural significance of diving in soccer. The episode features interviews with former professional soccer players and coaches, providing insights into the game’s deception, cunning, and guile.

Conclusion

This episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast emphasizes the importance of reflection and detachment in effective leadership. It explores the application of Stoic principles to relationships and writing, encourages personal growth and standing out in one’s field, and delves into emotional intelligence and communication. Additionally, the episode introduces the “Sports Explains the World” podcast, which offers intriguing stories beyond traditional sports coverage. By incorporating these insights and resources, listeners can enhance their leadership abilities, personal growth, and understanding of various subjects.