Intro
In this episode of “The Daily Stoic,” host Ryan Holiday interviews Nate Boyer, a Green Beret, former NFL player, and director of the movie MVP. They discuss Boyer’s life story, his work with MVP, and the challenges of transitioning from one career to another.
Main Takeaways
Nate Boyer’s Background and MVP
- Nate Boyer is a Green Beret, former NFL player, and director of the movie MVP, which is about the nonprofit he runs that helps transitioning vets and athletes.
- Boyer’s story is a reminder that if you deconstruct how something works, put yourself out there, and go after it, you can achieve it.
- Boyer’s organization, MVP, helps veterans and athletes transition back to civilian life.
- Boyer’s movie, MVP, can be streamed on Showtime and is a great watch.
The Art of Making Movies and Shows
- Hosting a Discovery Channel series is like a social experiment that is less scripted compared to others.
- Writers write the scripts after watching all the footage and picking what to show and not to show.
- The host is not always present during the big moments and only appears on the show for a few minutes at a time.
- Reality shows have nine cameras capturing different things happening at once, resulting in thousands of hours of footage.
- The art of making a movie or show is mind-blowing because you have a picture in your head of what you want it to be, and then you make it real, which turns out different than what you envisioned.
The Importance of Feedback and Improvement
- Getting actual feedback in life is hard, people are often intimidated and just want to tell you you did a good job.
- Specific feedback is important for improvement, asking what can be fixed is more helpful than just hearing praise.
- Nudging people towards disconfirmation instead of confirmation can lead to more helpful feedback.
- Getting notes from multiple people can help identify repeated issues and biases.
- Killing your darlings, or letting go of what you love the most, can be necessary for improvement.
The Struggles of Transitioning and Finding Purpose
- Athletes can struggle with feelings of emptiness and failure, even after achieving success.
- The movie explores the struggles of transitioning into reality after achieving success.
- The protagonist’s ending is anticlimactic, making it hard for the audience to empathize with him.
- The movie is about two parallel lives transitioning into reality and struggling with the reentry.
- The challenge of the movie is to make the parallel clear and relatable to the audience.
The Similarities Between Athletes and Soldiers
- Elite performance is elite performance, whether it’s in sports or the military.
- Professional athletes and soldiers have a lot in common, including discipline and rigorous training.
- The camaraderie and sense of belonging in the military is strong due to shared experiences and a common goal.
- The understanding that there are limited spots available in certain positions creates a sense of paranoia and motivates individuals to work harder.
The Mental and Physical Challenges of Ultra Running
- Ultra running may be more suited for older individuals due to the mental and physical aspects of the sport.
- Endurance and the ability to push through pain are key skills in ultra running.
- The mind plays a significant role in enduring pain and pushing through physical challenges.
- An exploratory mindset towards pain can help individuals push through and achieve their goals in ultra running.
- Embracing discomfort and pain can lead to self-actualization and understanding that it is normal in such physically demanding activities.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
- Commitment and patience are key factors in achieving goals.
- Trust the process, even if you’re inexperienced.
- Self-selection plays a big part in success.
- Persistence and hard work are necessary to achieve success.
- Technical skills are important, but the ability to learn, ask questions, form relationships, and believe in oneself are crucial.
Summary
Nate Boyer’s Journey and MVP
Nate Boyer’s background as a Green Beret and former NFL player gives him a unique perspective on the challenges veterans and athletes face when transitioning back to civilian life. His organization, MVP, provides support and resources for these individuals. Boyer’s movie, MVP, delves into these struggles and can be streamed on Showtime.
The Art of Making Movies and Shows
Boyer shares insights into the behind-the-scenes process of hosting a Discovery Channel series and the challenges of creating a movie or show. The amount of footage captured and the scriptwriting process are fascinating aspects of the industry.
The Importance of Feedback and Improvement
Boyer emphasizes the value of specific feedback for personal and professional growth. Encouraging disconfirmation and seeking feedback from multiple sources can lead to valuable insights. Letting go of cherished ideas or scenes can be necessary for improvement.
The Struggles of Transitioning and Finding Purpose
The movie MVP explores the emotional and psychological challenges athletes face when transitioning into reality after achieving success. The protagonist’s journey and the parallel lives showcased in the film aim to resonate with the audience and highlight the common struggles of veterans and athletes.
The Similarities Between Athletes and Soldiers
Boyer draws parallels between the discipline, training, and camaraderie found in professional sports and the military. Both fields require a relentless pursuit of excellence and a shared sense of purpose.
The Mental and Physical Challenges of Ultra Running
Boyer discusses the mental and physical aspects of ultra running, highlighting the importance of endurance, pain tolerance, and an exploratory mindset. Embracing discomfort and pushing through physical challenges are essential for success in this demanding sport.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
Boyer emphasizes the significance of commitment, patience, and persistence in achieving goals. Trusting the process, embracing self-selection, and believing in oneself are key factors in personal and professional success.
Conclusion
Nate Boyer’s interview provides valuable insights into the challenges of transitioning, the art of making movies, the importance of feedback, and the similarities between athletes and soldiers. His story and work with MVP serve as an inspiration for individuals striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
