How to Become the Best Version of Yourself | Steven Kotler on Conversations with Tom

Do you feel as if you have plateaued in life and are finding it difficult to grow beyond your current state? Do you want to unlock your full potential within, achieve peak performance, and truly become your optimal self? On this episode of Conversations with Tom, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, award-winning journalist and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective Steven Kotler joins Tom Bilyeu to discuss such matters and more as they explore how you can set forth a plan to overcoming your limitations and truly unlock your best-optimal self.
They discuss what the habit of inferiority is, the powerful philosophy of Nietzsche, the skills needed to master peak performance, the importance of setting goals, the beauty of overcoming hard things, where wisdom truly comes from, how to avoid calcification of your imagination, why you sometimes need to think inside the box, the connection between creativity and your mood, and much more.
Pre-order Steven’s latest book, ‘The Art of Impossible’: stevenkotler.samcart.com/prod...
SHOW NOTES:
Inferiority | Steven breaks down what the habit of inferiority is. [0:16]
Nietzsche | Steven discusses the philosophy of becoming extraordinary. [2:50]
Superman | Steven discusses how Nietzsche defined becoming your best version. [6:33]
Skills | Steven discusses what we must master to achieve peak performance. [8:52]
Art | Steven reveals why he believes peak performance is more of an art than a science. [11:19]
Hard-Wired | Steven reveals why biology, not personality, scales. [15:58]
Flow | Steven reveals the five key flow triggers to pursuing your optimal self. [21:27]
Goals | Steven reveals the power of setting goals and how to approach them. [28:50]
Hard Things | Steven reveals why we are hard-wired to overcome difficult things. [30:18]
Handling Criticism | Steven reveals how he overcomes adversity and push-back. [35:09]
Direction | Steven shares how to not get knocked away from your conviction. [39:17]
Development | Steven shares what’s special about his early years in life. [44:14]
Growing | Steven shares how as we grow older, who we are becomes clearer. [49:46]
Wisdom | Steven discusses what wisdom and genius truly is and how to attain it. [52:33]
Imagination | Steven reveals how to avoid the calcification of imagination. [56:25]
Disagreement | Steven shares how he approaches criticism within his team. [58:40]
Journey | Steven shares his journey to finding his purpose. [1:01:03]
Art | Steven shares some of the craziest performance art he’s experienced. [1:03:30]
Inside The Box | Steven discusses how you can hack your own creativity. [1:18:20]
Creativity | Steven reveals the connection between your mood and creativity. [1:14:23]
Substances | Steven reveals if substances can expand your mind and creativity. [1:20:40]
Connect | Steven shares how you can connect and continue to follow him. [1:29:59]
QUOTES:
“Man is something to overcome. What have you done today to overcome him?” [7:22]
“Goal setting is both about driving motivation and filtering reality. Our goals filter our reality. When you don’t have goals set properly, you will not notice the opportunities, like you literally won’t see them…”[41:16]
“When you’re young, your potential is infinite. You can be anything really. You could be Einstein. You might be DiMaggio..” [51:38]
FOLLOW STEVEN:
Website: artofimpossible.com
Website: stevenkotler.com
Website: passionrecipe.com
Twitter: steven_kotler
Facebook: KotlerSteven/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-kotler-4305b110/
Instagram: kotler.steven

[@TomBilyeu]

Here are the topics discussed in this video: Inferiority | Steven breaks down what the habit of inferiority is. [0:16] Nietzsche | Steven discusses the philosophy of becoming extraordinary. [2:50] Superman | Steven discusses how Nietzsche defined becoming your best version. [6:33] Skills | Steven discusses what we must master to achieve peak performance. [8:52] Art | Steven reveals why he believes peak performance is more of an art than a science. [11:19] Hard-Wired | Steven reveals why biology, not personality, scales. [15:58] Flow | Steven reveals the five key flow triggers to pursuing your optimal self. [21:27] Goals | Steven reveals the power of setting goals and how to approach them. [28:50] Hard Things | Steven reveals why we are hard-wired to overcome difficult things. [30:18] Handling Criticism | Steven reveals how he overcomes adversity and push-back. [35:09] Direction | Steven shares how to not get knocked away from your conviction. [39:17] Development | Steven shares what’s special about his early years in life. [44:14] Growing | Steven shares how as we grow older, who we are becomes clearer. [49:46] Wisdom | Steven discusses what wisdom and genius truly is and how to attain it. [52:33] Imagination | Steven reveals how to avoid the calcification of imagination. [56:25] Disagreement | Steven shares how he approaches criticism within his team. [58:40] Journey | Steven shares his journey to finding his purpose. [1:01:03] Art | Steven shares some of the craziest performance art he’s experienced. [1:03:30] Inside The Box | Steven discusses how you can hack your own creativity. [1:18:20] Creativity | Steven reveals the connection between your mood and creativity. [1:14:23] Substances | Steven reveals if substances can expand your mind and creativity. [1:20:40] Connect | Steven shares how you can connect and continue to follow him. [1:29:59] QUOTES: “Man is something to overcome. What have you done today to overcome him?” [7:22] “Goal setting is both about driving motivation and filtering reality. Our goals filter our reality. When you don’t have goals set properly, you will not notice the opportunities, like you literally won’t see them…”[41:16] “When you’re young, your potential is infinite. You can be anything really. You could be Einstein. You might be DiMaggio..” [51:38]

[@benob6746]

Audio is shit.. Literally can't hear it..

[@peacedog315]

I have a question. I interrupt all the time I cannot shut up sometimes and stop trying to be the happiest person in the room all the time. Which in its subtleties is controlling and narcissistic. Do you know why Steven was sitting up off his chair several times throughout?? I love the questions you ask sometimes and your guests are heavy. But it becomes draining to shift focus from you to what they are trying to explain. edit. Or, take a page out of Stevens book here and look at what is happening physiologically when you (ask someone to change focus) interrupt. Focus costs a lot, up to 25% of our energy during any given moment. Us having to change focus from him to you to back to him is jankin people up. Peace.

[@tp123]

Hey tom can u increase volume of video during recording. I had to go to red zone while hearing on my heaspjones although KZbin had highest volume and when an ad comes in betweeb it blasts my eara

[@VanessaAirEmpath]

So passionate about life and here you are looking like a God. Hey you should read Three magic words by US Andersen since I am here and our Universe is responding to you both. Love you Tom! Sending you blessings!

[@kristageorge7906]

Recording was very quiet and I struggled to hear it

[@YaniqCampbell]

The 5 key flow triggers: Curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, mastery

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

KOBE- WE MISS YOU 😔 I REMEMBERING KOBE :kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6mmdGt5qt2amK8

[@LieLikesMusic]

The ads just exploded my ears because of the low audio. Other than that, this is GOLD.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

KOBE- WE MISS YOU 😔 I REMEMBERING KOBE :kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6mmdGt5qt2amK8

[@aeid99]

I love when he brings in well read guests! What a difference in the quality of an interview when they can back up their arguments. 🙏🏼

[@peacedog315]

Seems like arguments dont it, with all the interuptions .

[@alexanderberhane436]

It's always a pleasure to hear Steven Kotler talk!

[@GodfreyMasters]

Great stuff, wish I could hear it tho. Please up the audio levels here.

[@2wheelhooligan649]

I can hear it perfect might be your device!

[@GT-xp6bx]

It's indeed very low

[@trhaverstock]

@@GT-xp6bx it is low volume, I have headphones really cranked to hear

[@GT-xp6bx]

@@trhaverstock I just clicked on another video. You're very patient.

[@megannifranklynschool]

All ok here x

[@yogeshkulkarni]

Jottings: - Theme: The Art of Impossible - Takes effort to up-level from well-set mediocre-inferiority level - Nietzsche's steps for superhumanness [UberMensch] (becoming very best version of yourself) - Biology (physical+neural) scales; Personality (psychology) doesn't. - Focus-Attention needs energy so body does no prefer spending that. - But if you have motivation, passion (or even fear) you get Focus for free!! - Curiosity is cultivatable, spend a bit more time. Turn into Passion. - Have High-Hard-Goals: feasible, actionable but hard. - You go where you look. - Geniuses are prolific (even most of it may be crap) - Calcification of imagination with age. - Surround with smart people who disagree with you. - In-side the box is safer, less possibilities, constraints, better for creativity. Free-style inside.

[@dianelamorticella6053]

Kotler, OMG, such a badass!!! I love this guy!

[@jphorgan1507]

As always Tom, brilliant interview . The way you know when to let someone talk and when to jump in is remarkable . Kotler is a special dude

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@OfCourseICan]

Started listening to this interview 3 days for the first 10 minutes, and downloaded the book on Audible. Man what a fucking Masterpiece. I should get royalties for referring the book onto so many friends. Thanks so much to you both. I am back listening to the interview now.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@TheDhammaHub]

Genes express themselves in a given environment. The good thing is, we can have a choice there to a degree! Choosing the surroundings that best match our genetic predisposition can be a huge bonus

[@jaysonkstone]

Yessir

[@alexanderberhane436]

Lots of respect to Tom.

[@philpower_]

This has changed my life. Thank you, Tom and Steven. 🙏

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@MikeEnergy_]

Tom is so good at interviews ! Actually let's them talk!

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@lilamnbdh967]

Thank you so much Tom for sharing this conversation . You’re so fantastic , God bless you 🙏!!

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@ReynaSingh]

Keep up the good work Tom 🙏

[@NathanSander777]

The first 3 minutes is so on point. I’m locked in! Thanks Tom.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

powerful :kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@rachelkatenoble]

Love hearing the life stories in between too

[@andreav3663]

The kind of conversation we can all use more of. Loved it.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@andreafuzzi9484]

my gosh!someone may love you from up above

[@susanhopkins5909]

Really interesting conversation! Kotler has so much to say and his mind is working in overdrive, but wish he hadn’t cut Tom off so much. Tom handled it well.

[@chaseseegars1823]

Blown away Tom! You´ve gotten so much better as an interviewer. I feel like your the tide lifting all of us impactivists. Stay Legendary.

[@MotivationalStormvideos]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5O9lmx9ga6ho8U

[@dalesevdini4432]

I have learned loads from both of you over the years. I went a long time not playing chess, and I suck again. I am 39. I am told that people are at their peak between the age of 25-35 and then decline in skill. Well, I want to prove that wrong. I plan on becoming a chessmaster well pass the age of 35, I am already four years pass that point, so I have my challenges before me.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@JohnSmith-ml5dn]

Godspeed brother

[@josephpalmer6844]

Couldn’t hear this over my car driving! Fantastic other than that!

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@windwhisper7874]

I love your podcast, but please check the sound level during commercials. Thank you :)

[@arnieperez49]

Turn the volume up please or speak closer to the mic.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@benjaminholladay5556]

I can’t get enough of your content and your brain my kindred spirit!!!!

[@romellyarde907]

I like this guy's reasoning on genetic, talent and motivation and being taxed paid accordingly with focus and flow. We basically have to work within our realm or we can burn out and fail by default.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@danielleaugustine2241]

This was unbelievably engaging- beginning with the neuroscience and biology of motivation to the personal stories and the hard-won wisdom. Just wow- and GWAR! 😂 I literally took pages of notes on this interview and l cannot wait to check out more of Kotler's content. l deeply appreciated this conversation as I am often searching out tools and practical helps for moving forward with goals (despite diagnosed learning/attention difficulties) and this discussion was so incredibly helpful. My brain feels like its on fire right now (in the best way, lol). ☺ Thank you Tom for the wonderful and thought provoking dialogue with yet another fantastic guest.

[@GaryFerrao]

I wouldn't have said that the audio is to low, if it wasn't for that the ads are too loud!~ My neighbours got surprised.

[@tobias_thestrategist]

Such amazing content as always. We’re true fans.

[@prettybird8942]

I wish I could hear this. Love this channel and know there were a ton of knowledge nuggets to place in my pocket. Next post I hope.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@kat9587]

This is life changing - thank you both 🙏🏻

[@mitchellwagner2690]

Love your stuff Tom, big fan 🔥🔥

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@joyenjoy6280]

Thanks Tom

[@DomTheK9]

thank you

[@AhmetKaan]

*"Never ever give up, until you become proud of yourself."*

[@wowser44]

This!

[@magicmike2246]

been hearing him on some other podcasts. good stuff!

[@pasemes]

Sick video, but the audio is a bit low

[@jonahbert111]

Link to an external speaker.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@successbyfire1875]

Great interview,....the pains of life build strength and resilience. AND THEN, THERE'S MORE OF US TO GIVE AND GROW!!!

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

This talk is amazing! What an incredible conversation, I look forward to try the ideas and put them into action. Just some phrases can be game changers - "Flow follows Focus", I will definitely try this one right now. So let's focus :)

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@esh8400]

I Like Steven Kotler!

[@GorillaStrengthEquipment]

Looking forward to listening to this!! Keep up the work. -David Dennis

[@GorillaStrengthEquipment]

@Tom Bilyeu ahhh, no.... you appear to be a spam account trying to collect cell numbers.... but at least you are out hussling!!!

[@creativecompanion]

Please increase volume. Thanks!

[@JaredJacobsonLaw]

Another book sold by Tom! Thx man need ur own book list in my notes 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TarikGotJokes]

Yes audio is a major issue

[@lancesolomons7581]

Brilliant lightning.

[@pennycrotty252]

LOVE~LOVE your shows Tom!!!!! Listen to them all~ so} not sure what's going on with this one ~ audio super off! Can't listen

[@Brendanmuema]

This is going to be interesting and I cannot wait to take note 📝 😄😄

[@idealistichouse]

@tombilyue makes amazing introductions.. 😍💛🇵🇭

[@mars1783]

Thank you so much, Tom and Steven, this gives me continual inspiration to progress, N Protect my Ideas n CAPABILITIES AND LEARN EITHER or ALL SKILLS OF.... OF CITY, CURIOUSITY, ..... QUIP WHIP

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@iamitabonita7034]

Learning about self love

[@healthywildfree]

Steven Kotler is a legend... Check out his Neurohacker Collective content! So good. He's a big fan of Qualia nootropics also!

[@cleanerclimate278]

1:19:30 oof! Big props - Dr Andrew Huberman. Love that dude too!

[@katiep2676]

Please adjust the volume Tom

[@sorayah248]

I LOVE that he says (responsibly) that this is assuming we are beyond having our basic needs. Otherwise, he'd be just another privileged person championing "if I can do it, you can too" in a tone-deaf way in a world already quite tone-deaf.

[@Oskar-S-]

Please make this a podcast on spotify our audiobook

[@divinelee3971]

I don't know who needs to hear this but stop saving all your money. Venture into Investing some, if you really want financial freedom.

[@divinelee3971]

Investing for today is priceless because tomorrow isn't promised, trading bit-coins,gold,silver and crypto secures a better tomorrow

[@fionaclinton8064]

Beautifully said,I tell this to my folks everyday.its good to save money but most people don't understand how the market moves and tend to mislead in facts like this and always depend on money in the bank.

[@divinelee3971]

@@kaylithompson4481 If you think you're too busy to trade or learn how to trade, just know I have some friends who Invest in a platform where experts devote their time and help them trade and generate a good ROI

[@divinelee3971]

My personal portfolio/Investment manger, Mrs Vanessa E Burke, after a whole week of research,she runs an investment platform where you don't have to undergo any stress in the trades, she manages my trading account which I opened with a capital of $3000 and now I have grown my portfolio up to over $6500, a huge success.

[@paulalexander616]

It's not how much money you keep, but how much money you make, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.

[@lynnhoffmann3273]

The Center on the Developing Child @ Harvard University has studied this as well. Just saw it yesterday oddly enough. Soo amazing how the wiring of the brain biology is adaptable to neg and pos. And can be either dabilitating or the opposive.

[@salon264]

Please turn up the volume 🙏😍 can’t hear

[@cathymullane4451]

I'd love to get a redi on the audio can't hear it so well and from l was able to gather its a powerful interview.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@aaronwright5641]

I've watched a lot of these videos and this one is in my top 5. Great guest!

[@trevorndhlovu7834]

"We are all wired for peak performance and designed for extra-ordinary."Steven Kotler

[@JehanneMarie]

Please invite Jordan PETERSON! Please!!!! Two people Who listen to others. What an ITW it would be!

[@lynnhoffmann3273]

This content is amazing, not to detract just commenting on that drug to be clear

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@smithieboy10]

I can't hear much, the volume is too low

[@thevectorvolume6424]

😍😍😍

[@Breakingtheglasswall]

Volume is better on itunes

[@marcelomontoto7504]

The audio is low.

[@DJSTOEK]

💘

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@EvanPT]

Seemed interesting, too bad we can’t hear it

[@Infinite_exhilaration]

Max volume and listen intently :)

[@Infinite_exhilaration]

@Tom Bilyeu No thank you Bot

[@yesyesyay8452]

Am I an idiot who always ends up buying the book after watching Tom Bilyeu?

[@Chaz.hands.]

If you put what you learn into action you definitely are not an idiot!

[@rkenseth]

This video was recorded way to low! Can't hear it very well. Oh well I'll pass on it, don't want to hold my laptop to my ear!

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@thelotus6201]

Horrible audio, can't hear a thing. Time to have a chat with the new sound guy :)

[@MykeeRamen]

""Turn words into money." ... "BUY SOME UNDERWEAR!!"

[@ardenmariemccray7700]

It was so interesting, but every time I would get into it an add would pop up, it became so very frustrating.

[@murrik]

11-25% motivation by setting your high hard goals right

[@craigbrace465]

Audio???

[@SetMeFree]

Compress that audio or turn the gain up. I need my iPhone screaming when I’m shuffling around in the morning

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@fannihuszar5776]

I CAN'T HEAR ANYTHING 😭😭

[@melissasmuse]

I can barely here you talking. Up the volume! :)

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@liberty-yr9us]

So hard to hear! Used to find these valuable but am starting to pass on them. Frustrating to watch these now as audio is so low and muffled- even though my devices and car stereo is set at highest volume possible.

[@anjalijoshi8579]

Can't hear content properly

[@treycaldwell4118]

Can barely hear it.

[@cholakicha]

01:20:00

[@GerhardReus]

What sucks is that we are going to get sick and die, no? And then doing hard shit is leaning into that truth, no?

[@mars1783]

I APOLLO 13 .... apologize, I work within and with my "Beautiful. Mind??? Haha.... love love love all is LOVE.... AND WELLNESSES

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ-XioKobcZ2mMk

[@TheDahc1]

The volume to this video is SO LOW

[@kelvinolg]

ah.. he said passionrecipe.com for the interactive pdf

[@ShitJustGotReel]

Fuck man audio's terrible, can't hear it in my car with the volume maxed out ☹️

[@rista0rile0ricky]

Sound is so bad 😤😤

[@lynnhoffmann3273]

Ok soCarbadopa Levadopa also increases sexual prowess. My 80 year old dad started chasing down 24 year olds who were IV using strippers. It was that bad of an addiction. You can see where problems with this can pile up. This was insane for our family so just be careful to notice these symptoms.

[@keithglasby3996]

Love your shows get tired of you cusing though

[@robdaytona5930]

The audio is so low I can hardly hear it on my pc speaker... not all of us use headphones, please make sure your audio is the correct level, we can all turn down volumne but we can't turn it up past max, and max its like little mice chatting here.. terrrible.. bad bad bad. Ruined the entire video experience, and I so love your videos Tom, how did this get past your vast production team (these days) ???

[@robdaytona5930]

@Tom Bilyeu Thank you!

[@kathleenhillier6765]

Yeah Industrial is a specktical! Look for White Collar Sideshow they still play chainsaws.

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

powerful :kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@SkreltNL]

The New York illuminati's? Didnt know Tom was part of that club

[@bageshwaradhamanubhavreact12]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ivn3uVr6tmnZo

[@powerpath659]

This guy social skills are off openly calling people narcissist from the industry

[@rawstarmusic]

1.5 hours is to long! 40min is max. It’s possible to talk and talk but it isn’t right. Do you agree

[@tamima9844]

Hmm I appreciate Steven's research but this conversation went nowhere. He impulsively says things and when he is asked to explain, he changes the subject or says that's not what he really meant..... I have seen this with almost all of his interviews. Anyways, not a negative Nelly but this convo went nowhere

[@reneesiahpush2955]

What??