E21: Mental Health, Mistakes and My Apologies

Jan 14, 2019 51m 56s 15 insights
The host, Steven Bartlett, reflects on personal growth, business challenges (Social Chain's US expansion), and mental well-being. He shares deep, unfiltered thoughts from his diary, emphasizing the importance of human connection and self-awareness.
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize Gut Instinct

Trust your gut instinct, especially in hiring and relationships, as it often holds true knowledge and remembers past experiences that your logical mind might try to override.

2. Embrace Authentic Self

To achieve greatness and happiness, stop trying to be someone else and instead focus on being your authentic self, disregarding external opinions or expectations.

3. Reject Toxic Social Comparison

Avoid comparing your life to others, especially as portrayed on social media, because everyone’s timing is different, and comparison is a toxic pursuit that hinders personal growth and happiness.

4. Align Actions with Desired Self

Regularly ask yourself who you want to be and ensure your daily actions are consistent with that desired identity, especially when facing difficult choices.

5. Define Self by Reacting to Hard

Understand that your reaction to difficult situations defines who you are, and your ability to push through challenges is determined by how much you desire the outcome.

6. Prioritize Intrinsic Motivation

Focus on doing things for internal reasons (e.g., joy, genuine kindness) rather than extrinsic motivations (e.g., impressing others, seeking external validation), as intrinsic pursuits lead to greater happiness and less depression.

7. Reconnect with Core Human Needs

Improve mental well-being by spending more time with friends and family, engaging in daily exercise, and being out in nature, as these practices align with how humans evolved to live.

8. Embrace Temporary Nature of Moments

Recognize that all moments, both dark and bright, are temporary, which helps to weather difficult times and encourages living more in the present during joyful periods.

9. Practice Universal Kindness

Treat everyone as if they are going through an unknown struggle, as kindness can be the solution to many issues in the world.

10. Recognize Content’s Vulnerable Impact

Understand that all content you create can reach individuals in their most vulnerable moments, carrying a profound responsibility for its potential influence.

11. Apologize More Often

Prioritize saying ‘I’m sorry’ more often, even when you believe you’re not wrong, to repair relationships and acknowledge how your actions made someone feel, detaching from ego.

12. Practice Gratitude Regularly

Express ’thank you’ more frequently to foster better relationships and cultivate a grateful perspective on life, which can make experiences feel more positive.

13. Use Money to Help Others

Understand that money itself doesn’t bring happiness, but using it to help friends, family, and those in need can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness.

14. Seek Joy in Helping Others

Discover profound reward and fun in helping others, whether it’s colleagues, friends, or strangers, as this contributes significantly to personal fulfillment.

15. Prioritize Relationships for Happiness

Recognize that meaningful relationships, including romantic and family connections, are fundamental to happiness and should be prioritized in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.