You’re Not Lazy: How To Make Discipline Easy - Ryan Holiday

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Are you wondering about your purpose? Perhaps you have big dreams but you're not sure how to achieve them, or you're struggling to find time for your true passions amid a busy life and lots of responsibilities. Ryan Holiday is a philosopher who has built a career writing bestselling books - and now he spends his time doing what he loves, writing and raising his kids. In this eclectic conversation we talk about the importance of focusing on the journey, finding joy in hard work, and the productivity hacks that will help you unlock your true creative potential. I loved this conversation with Ryan - I hope you enjoy!
📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!
Amazon: geni.us/JFhDr5?...
Website: www.feelgoodproductivity.com/...
Season 7 Episode 12
00:00 Intro
01:49 The process of writing a book
06:27 Ryan's daily schedule
9:42 How having children changes your work
13:23 Are numbers in our control?
22:22 Focusing on the process
28:10 Obsessing over productivity
41:16 The importance of doing the thing
46:12 Can you really find joy in hard work?
58:51 What motivates Ryan to write?
01:04:14 Balancing fatherhood and ambition
01:11:39 Ryan's growth as a parent
01:16:22 Relationship advice
01:19:58 Fitness advice
01:22:09 How to manage your ego
01:32:11 The truth about publishing a book
01:38:00 Talking about the same ideas
01:42:48 Passive income
01:50:10 The power of taking risks
1:58:32 Productivity habits for the new year
🔗 CONNECT WITH RYAN
🎥 KZbin Channel - / @dailystoic
🐦 Twitter - / ryanholiday
📸 Instagram - ryanholiday...
💻 Website - dailystoic.com/
👥 Linkedin - / ryanholiday
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
📲 Join My Telegram Community - t.me/+bH5gLHty5kBiOGZk
🎥 KZbin Channel - / aliabdaal
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
💻 Website - aliabdaal.com
👥 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene - geni.us/6egSAkc
Good Inside by Dr Becky Kennedy - geni.us/BGa94MO
Notes From a Fellow Traveller by Derren Brown - geni.us/WMRAl
The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss - geni.us/ttooWj
📄SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - aliabdaal.com/podcast/
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
Deep Dive is the podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
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[@richardvandenberg]

"When you do something shameful for pleasure, the pleasure passes quickly but the shame endures. But when you do something hard for good the effort passes quickly but the good endures". That one hit me hard.

[@brad3529]

"You did it. We talked 3 years ago and now it's real." That's such a cool, rewarding opener.

[@CajunKoiAcademy]

The deep dives of all deep dives! The conversation felt so real and authentic-no fluffs. Not to mention, the epic wisdom bombs, “Painters like painting, writers like having written.” This was an awesome episode. 🔥🔥

[@cowshie]

Your study videos saved me a year ago haha

[@CajunKoiAcademy]

@@cowshie That's really sweet, cowshie! Hope you are doing great!

[@Faisal-Waseem]

I mean yeah you are right

[@jscul]

Step 1: watch a 2 hour video on KZbin.

[@user-dr6ks7tv2b]

Well if this is the kind of content, Why not?

[@PerspectiveLove]

😂 this is gold

[@Carm6896]

😂

[@Mehm00dX]

Step 2: Don't apply in real world.

[@user-lo7uk1iz9e]

😂

[@mbens9995]

Ali, I really appreciate how you listen to people. You make a lot of space for the person to respond, the expression on your face shows true interest, and you respond with humility and a desire to learn more.

[@JohnnySnappleseed]

The conversation about learning about productivity as a way of procrastinating hit pretty hard, especially because it's what I'm literally doing right now. I love watching people like Ali and Ryan talk because I feel like I'm learning how to be better, but I haven't even started being. I'm relatively aimless and have a vague path in front of me, but I still haven't put in the time to figure out what I actually want or how to get there because of some deep rooted hang up that I haven't been able to overcome. I know I'm not alone in this, but it often feels like it. All this wandering around through life is exhausting, so I'm going to go put my energy towards figuring out my goals, habits and systems and finding a clear path forward. I'll just have to listen to the rest of this talk later. To everybody who has picked a path and is actively working towards a chosen future, thank you for setting an example and I wish you well. To everybody like me who has yet to take meaningful action, you're not alone and we can get through it.

[@kevingillihan7884]

You said it man. I am in the exact same place as you. Enough learning and more action! One learns more through action anyways.

[@mankabadlani9368]

Same I am in the exact same path, don’t know what to do

[@peekabooicancu]

We've got to just do it tho. Try after you read this comment

[@Douglas_Gillette]

‘Commitment Contracts’ are the only tool I have discovered to combat procrastination. The root e cause of procrastination is ‘present bias’.

[@CajunKoiAcademy]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your post is a great reminder that wandering isn't always a bad thing; it's a universal experience that can lead to amazing discoveries. All it takes is some willpower and believing in yourself to make it through.

[@AlainGuillot]

I loved minute 1:56 when you surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do, it seems possible.

[@ritinchintu6611]

Thank you Ali for being there for us with these vids ❤️

[@queenalabama1736]

I feel like watching two friends having conversations. So authentic and genuine connections 🎉❤

[@kimberlyarnold3173]

Love this. First time I have ever heard about Ryan. Ordered his books to check him out some more. Your book will do awesome Ali, I pre ordered your book and I love your videos. Loved both your riffs and found a new channel of yours to subscribe to too.

[@justbeingoctavia8667]

I was not seeking this video but it definitely was made for where I am right now ✨ Thank you!!

[@subhasrini2706]

I can see how excited Ali is…beautiful- like a child excited to meet his favorite friend.

[@cperezotero]

Best one so far, you can tell from Ali face he is engage. He has no RBF. Really loved the dynamic

[@SonalChhajed]

You conversations make me feel like you are still figuring out stuff and thats really cool. Its so nice to hear that people who have accomplished so much are still in the same boat. I struggle a lot with comparison. How do manage that ?? Some of your videos gave me a impression that you have probably gone through this so your experience would help

[@badandbookiee9081]

Ryan is one of those people who will tell you raw if you’re doing something stupid. I love that about him. But he’s also humble enough to say I don’t know everything, but what I’ve learned so far is that what you’re doing will get you negative results. And will proceed to show you exactly what he learned and how he learned. I love the authenticity. Especially with the comparison for an A-type like Ali. Ryan gives everyone a reality check on letting go of perfectionism and setting realistic expectations. He’s more growth-focused versus results-driven. A true stoic. Excellent episode Ali!! 👏🏻 👏🏻

[@rodrigomoriki]

How is Ryan able to memorise SO many quotes. Bloody hell!!

[@arghya_333]

I respected Ryan before, but holy shit this podcast was the most enlightening podcast I have heard. It is super satisfying to listen to Ryan speak his wisdom, especially when you are taking notes. The stuff he talked here resonated with me far more than his Stoic principles ever had (they were good, this was just excellent).

[@eyza5927]

Loved this episode! Thanks for sharing ♥️

[@sr2109]

This was a therapy session I didn't know I needed! Thank you Ali and Ryan!

[@eucalyptusnichole]

Thank you Ali for the knowledgeable videos!! Definitely getting my hands on the book!!

[@geotoursolutions5434]

Thanks Ali for this intellectually stimulating session. Love Ryan's books.

[@linzebrandon]

As a writer, artist and self-employed engineer (throw practicing Stoic into the mix) I have to say this episode is one of my favourites. Keep up the good work, Ali! 💜🇿🇦

[@loriturnbull3356]

A few takeaways. Procrastination. Sometimes the problem isn't that there's no goal. It's just that startung is the hard part. goals. This is something I want to work on in the coming year. Not just setting the goals, but also writing them down. And from there choosing one thing to do to achieve that goal. Thanks for sharing this conversation.👍

[@alingeorgeilinca6737]

Watching these and other videos and actually listening to what Ali is asking gives you an insight into what he ponders. (or at least that’s what I believe) He wants to start something else, a business that’s not in the course business.

[@shantanukumar-qh5ei]

ryan holiday is becoming my favourite day by day I read the daily stoic and now his advice Is This Essential ? was really so great it hits deep for my overthinking and anxities

[@RashidAli-zn7um]

Love how Ali is always nervous while talking about his book....

[@gardenerscottageblakeney1316]

Thank you Ali really enjoyed this episode and your conversation with Ryan. Watched it over several days while working out. I'm also listening to your book as an audiobook. Really enjoying it and applying some of the ideas in the book already. More like this one please

[@alanrobertson3172]

Absolutely mesmerized by Ryan Holiday’s masterclass in this conversation with Ali. His openness and articulate way of sharing wisdom are truly commendable. It’s refreshing to see such humility and focus in a dialogue that’s genuinely illuminating. I know ‘inspirational’ is a term thrown around a lot these days, but Ryan genuinely embodies it. This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a treasure trove of insights. 👏

[@stillwaters0502]

My two favorite KZbinrs coming together. My 2023 dream come true. Been waiting for this forever Love from Bangladesh

[@casiragui52]

Wow. This Duo on 🔥 ❤

[@EnglishBros]

Listening to Ali and Ryan inspires me to be the best version of myself. They teach me valuable things that I can incorporate into my journey of growth, which has already begun.

[@mariosencario]

I'm listening to this version instead of the one on Ryan's channel as this has chapters 👌

[@akari5234]

I love the background. The book stacking really cool.

[@fenixrising1972]

Look here, Ryan Holiday... I am an avid bullet journaler and it has improved my life tremendously. My bujo is very elaborately decorated. That's what makes it fun and motivating. If I had to open a boring, black and white book every day I would quickly lose interest. So yeah the pen I use for journaling is important. Let people do whatever works for them.

[@theundone777]

Yeah that was pretty off-putting. For folks with ADHD, sensory issues can be a big deal. I personally find that a really good pen adds an element of enjoyment which helps me keep going. Anything that helps, helps- as long as it's not being used as an excuse to not do the thing that you're supposed to do.

[@MrsPink64]

I love a certain pen. ADHD here too.

[@meech_c]

Far too committed to his own ideas

[@pascal8503]

The crossover I didn't knew I needed!

[@AlanBlackmore]

Two of my favourite humans with some great insights, nice work.

[@HR-Services]

Ali, you act like someone, who had to fight hard to deserve love. Thank you for this inspiring interview. Ryan is a mature man.

[@anna-sj5yk]

I love the conversation but more than that i love that bookyy background 😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥

[@TonicMercantile]

So close!!! Huge fan of yours, Ali and I live in Bastrop, TX. I hope you got to stay awhile and enjoy our little town! - Paul

[@k40290]

Just preordered! 🎉

[@isalutfi]

Thank you Ali. I save first before watching due to long duration video.

[@hassb00zy]

this is golden

[@janetdalby6076]

I enjoyed this so very much it was so interesting.

[@lyaloka23]

Thank you!!

[@RobinMWaite]

Wow!! Absolutely incredible interview Ali 🤩🤩🤩 I felt your energy, I think you really enjoyed making this video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤩

[@RobinMWaite]

And what’s even more weird, I went shopping with my girls before this episode dropped, we went into a bookshop (which I rarely have time to do these days) and I picked up a copy of the Daily Stoic…what are the chances.

[@Doe3Love8]

I love Ryan’s content, just subd~

[@roncollamar7240]

this is nice collab

[@user-zj6mh4ip6g]

Thanks a lot!

[@andrewcroft89]

5 mins in, I bought the Feel Good Productivity book on Audible.... then kept watching this vid and realised that getting that book (althought brillaint no doubt) was just ANOTHER way of procrastinating and 'not doing the thing i know I need to do' 44mins in, i have paused the vid and started typing away at the thing ive been procrastinating on for a month... i wasn't expecting this to happen! I realised I was just overwhlemed... So: - i wrote my goal - then wrote a few step-by-steps to take (eg 'open this doc', open that doc..) then I just started typing I've found that making tiny tiny tiny written babysteps helps me get it done and break through the overwhelm OK.. BACK TO WORK I GO. love you all

[@codebietnoi]

Ryan's daily routine is great. Mine is similar.

[@westleyleonstudios]

I see people like this and I just don't understand WHY my brain is so messed up.. I want to be like these people, disciplined and capable of such crazy great things... But I just sit, and not that I want to sit - I don't freaking WANT to... It's like being inside my own mind and seeing what I am not doing all while mentally screaming at myself to "do the thing" but I just don't... And then I feel guilty and like shit... Why can't I stop this loop? ...

[@yonati3590]

Very good video like always

[@mariolongtin8271]

You'd get a lot more book sales if you mentioned it at the end, asking new viewers to buy before we even know who you are isn't the way to go!

[@TerriTie]

At the end of the interview, Riyan was interviewing you 😇 this was a nice episode 👍

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

it's a balance between 'feel good', discipline, etc... and also it depends on the person. motivation and productivity can be a whole university course in itself with different theories and philosophies. none are necessarily wrong as it's not black or white. what we can appreciate from the different authors is that hopefully - they simplify those schools of thought down from a complex academic POV, backed by research of course and not oversimplify.

[@VinceVintage]

Just pre ordered your book! 🎉🎉

[@cherrycoke3254]

Sad I missed the preorder. Would love to do the workshop.

[@NourElhendawy-tc3lf]

You cas see on Ali’s face that he actually wants kids and a family so much! So cute

[@TerriTie]

I was writing my book, and then I paused writing to watch this 😂🤣 I am just taking a break, though 😆

[@Pearladjavon]

2 hours have never felt so short 🙁

[@amberpalmer3708]

48:49 gem 💎

[@kelserae]

ALI- Love you long time. Pre-ordered your book on audible. Am I still eligable for the webinar?! Thanks!

[@alexbootthanoo]

Woah! I'm super early!

[@OutperformMP]

Great episode!

[@yohpoit1135]

I am a daily stoic suscriber and as a single fulltime father i will give a shot of daily dad.

[@04scantu]

I pre-ordered the book where do I send the proof ?

[@arielrivas6017]

Noted! ✅ #AmorFati

[@nksharma2114]

23:00 33:15 43:12 55:50 1:02:58 1:22:30 1:38:40 1:53:00

[@TerriTie]

He was talking about regretting eating a cake when I had a cupcake in my mouth, lol 😅🧁

[@Lyfewithlysha]

I just saw this and its after preorder, can we not get access to the class if we buy it after preorder?

[@dibyajyotimehera]

Day 1: 22.23 Day 2: 46.17 Day 3: Didn't watch Day 4: Completed 😇

[@Gyaaaaaaan]

The last part: Ryan became the host and Ali became the guest. 😂

[@Randy-life]

so I ordered the book where do I upload the proof

[@practicalprofessionals1120]

Hey all this sounds good to hear but what would you recommend to someone who’s working 10-12 hours in a job (normal working hours in India) now remaining hours left for family, groceries, sometimes going out as well. I have been working on a side hustle but going very slow. Giving the current situation: cannot leave job as well (but don't have as such any financial obligations). So what would you recommend to someone who is in this situation?

[@simranjeetkaur3795]

Hey! I don't know if I am competent enough to give you advice on this, but I was compelled by your comment which puts into light what is necessarily wrong about these productivity videos. This is not to throw shade at what Ali and Ryan are duscussing here, I believe this session is more about the mindset and less about productivity. I can't even imagine how soul sucking that 10-12 job can be, and I am assuming from your comment that you are more into it for money than anything else. So, I would highly recommend you to make sure you journal everyday. Journalling can help you get some clarity as to how you envision your future, what is it that you would want to invest 10-12 hours of your time into, if you manage to get rid of this job. Then with some clarity on this front you can start to learn what all you require to move in that direction. Be extremely patient and start with small steps. And another important thing is to like Ryan said "showing up" each day everyday for the thing that you would want to invest your time in. Wish you very best with your future.

[@MichaelSouvannavong]

Guys I pre ordered on Amazon what bit of my order confirmation do I email and what email do I send them to?

[@Historyteacheraz]

Great insight and perspective! A Teenager’s Guide on how to Invest Like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger is a great book for investors.

[@intiberoiz8362]

I didn't understand the references to Marcus, it is a book?

[@k40290]

How can we sign up for a free workshop?

[@introvert5634]

---a comedian comes up with an hour,records the hour then there is time before that hour comes out and it is in that interim period that they are already working on the next hour ---obsessing over productivity is a form of procrastination (true i shouldn't be here 😂)

[@geotoursolutions5434]

Ali lost words when Ryan questioned the existence of something people call "Passive Income"

[@olusegunblack]

How do you make work fun?

[@RanDom-if2ee]

16:00

[@anthonyflores9336]

Maybe consider that viewers already know their “meat” and want to know the best “tools” that help them prepare their meat, or sauce to compliment their focus/purpose.

[@paneujun5067]

Wait so does the pen really matter

[@user-lv9ce5gs9r]

hi Mr Ali, where do I email the receipt? Thank you in advance. :)

[@user-lv9ce5gs9r]

Ah, found it on the book's website. :)

[@leilaa2614]

24:37

[@odufakadiri6522]

How can I get the book in Nigeria?

[@AnaLucia262]

Step 1: Buy my book 🍀

[@zm3248]

I sort of want him to expand on it being “easier to breakup because of all the fish in the sea”? lol

[@williamseipp9691]

if you are on a diet, clear your fridge full of junk food. Its not rocket science; if we actually care about making the right decision then make it near impossible to make the wrong decision. Craft your environment and find a metric on which to measure your current work. If you're studying, it could be hours spent studying. People have limited willpower and we're leaving whether or not we make the right decision up to a function of "how disciplined am I feeling". When your daily schedule and physical environment force you to focus on your work it relieves you of the constant readjusting. Imagine if a road with a single lane going each way didn't have a yellow line dividing the road. How much more work does it take to stay in the center of your "lane" when you have to assess yourself constantly?

[@ItzFisH_]

Im a third of the way thru and i feel like ryan (who im a fan of) os kinda talking smack about your book very subtly Hes like all this productivity nonsense, just do the work! While in your book ali, you say yourself that saying just do the work to a chronic procrastinator is like telling a depressed person to cheer up Would like to have seen you defend your book a bit better Maybe you do later in the video idk ill keep watching tho, thanks for the book btw youre awesome

[@Hyksos_]

First 🎉.

[@huelyag.2399]

I would love to…. But I don’t have the time in my Life to watch a 2 hour video on KZbin! Time is everything in productivity…. So it shoul be shorten 😅

[@mariosencario]

Put it on 2x speed, listen on bluetooth headphones while doing something you were going to do anyway

[@huelyag.2399]

@@mariosencariothanks for your advice! But I think your whole community will profit from shortened videos 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ach25omouth]

Then just let watch the shorts

[@moazzammattu3376]

Someone please provide AI SUMMARY OR STAMPS

[@Thasneem]

1st comment

[@HalfWayUp]

A lot of game being dropped

[@anthonyrude]

I don't have the discipline to watch a 2 hour and 7 minute video on discipline

[@sp123]

you can make a short video summary with Tammy ai

[@grahamwithinshaw5575]

Don’t jugde

[@1michelmarques]

Is he fifteen?

[@mhd_lams]

I really like it, would you like to surprise me?