#19: Why Do Hard Things? Lessons From Dean Karnazes’s Memoir “A Runner’s High” (Part 2)

#19: Why Do Hard Things? Lessons From Dean Karnazes’s Memoir “A Runner’s High” (Part 2)

As one of the world’s toughest ultra-runners, Dean Karnazes knows a lot about doing hard things. The races he participates in are so grueling that they break his body and sometimes even his mind. Yet, he keeps doing them. Why? Why put himself through so much pain over and over again? Why can’t he take…

#18: The Inner Game of Discomfort. Lessons From Dean Karnazes’s Memoir “A Runner’s High” (Part 1)

#18: The Inner Game of Discomfort. Lessons From Dean Karnazes’s Memoir “A Runner’s High” (Part 1)

Dean Karnazes is one of the world’s most recognized ultra-marathoners. Named by TIME magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World,” Dean has an unbelievable track record. Among his accomplishments are: In his memoir A Runner’s High: My Life in Motion, he chronicles his return to the Western States 100-Mile Endurance…

#17: Staying Out of Your Comfort Zone. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 3)

#17: Staying Out of Your Comfort Zone. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 3)

Today’s article is the last part of my notes from Jesse Itzler’s book Living With a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet. It’s Jesse’s memoir in which he recounts December of 2010 when he lived and trained with David Goggins (here’s the first part of my notes from David’s book…

#16: Getting Things Done and Always Striving for More. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 2)

#16: Getting Things Done and Always Striving for More. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 2)

In his book Living With a SEAL: 31 Days Training With the Toughest Man on the Planet entrepreneur Jesse Itzler recounts 31 days he spent living and training with David Goggins (here’s the first part of my notes from David’s book Can’t Hurt Me). While for most readers David Goggins is of most interest in…

#15: Developing Mental and Physical Toughness. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 1)

#15: Developing Mental and Physical Toughness. Observations From “Living With a SEAL” by Jesse Itzler (Part 1)

Before becoming an icon of mental toughness and personal transformation, David Goggins kept to himself. Very few people knew about his accomplishments, his crazy workout routine, and unbelievable stories of mental resilience. Jesse Itzler, a multimillionaire entrepreneur, saw David for the first time during David’s first 100-mile run in San Diego (the one where Goggins…

#14: Becoming an Iconic Champion. Lessons From Rickson Gracie’s Autobiography “Breathe”

#14: Becoming an Iconic Champion. Lessons From Rickson Gracie’s Autobiography “Breathe”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most popular martial arts of modern times. It was developed in the 1920s by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., George, and Hélio Gracie. In 1958, Hélio Gracie fathered Rickson. Rickson went on to become the greatest BJJ practitioner of all time and an icon of this discipline….

#13: The Joys of Discomfort. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 4)

#13: The Joys of Discomfort. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 4)

Most people consider discomfort something bad. Few would consider it something useful. Very few would consider it something that can bring joy. If you’re reading this article, you’re in that crazy minority. And if you aren’t yet convinced that discomfort can bring fulfillment, today’s issue will convince you why. In the last part of my…

#12: How to Pursue Personal Excellence Like a  Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 3)

#12: How to Pursue Personal Excellence Like a Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 3)

For Stoics, a life well-lived was a life spent cultivating the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Their virtues are just as applicable in modern times, if not more. Wise, courageous, fair, and equanimous—what man wouldn’t want to be known for these qualities today? Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor:…

#11: How to Cultivate Self-Awareness Like a  Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 2)

#11: How to Cultivate Self-Awareness Like a Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 2)

In the second part of my notes from How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson we’ll talk about self-awareness. What does self-awareness have to do with discomfort? Much more than you think. If you aren’t aware of your thoughts, you don’t control your actions. You won’t…

#10: How to Deal With Strong Emotions Like a  Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 1)

#10: How to Deal With Strong Emotions Like a Stoic. Practical Stoic Wisdom From “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald Robertson (Part 1)

I rarely read books that I cover with highlights on almost every page. How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald Robertson is such a book. It’s not only thought-provoking but also recounts in a captivating way Marcus Aurelius’s life and how he practiced Stoic philosophy. You may…