🎙 Douglas Vigliotti shares personal reflections on the theme "What Matters," urging listeners to prioritize action over endless thinking or talking. Drawing on quotes from Aristotle, Neil Gaiman, and Georges St-Pierre, he emphasizes that character is built through what we do, not what we say or think. Vigliotti encourages men to start working toward their desires, embrace mistakes, and overcome fear by taking action—reminding listeners that life’s story is written by our actions, not our thoughts, which is a good thing because we all have shitty thoughts. He concludes with a short mantra that has helped him with this in his life.
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🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #250 | What Is a ‘Death’ Cookie?—Phil Stutz’s 3 Absolutes of Human Life and How to Create Real Magic in Your Life!
🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #280 | Sh*t I Tell My Friends #1: On Advice (a.k.a. Stop Listening to Idiots)!
💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:
- Introduction to the Episode & Newsletter Reminder (00:09) - Host introduces the episode, explains the "Shit I Tell My Friends" series, and reminds listeners about the companion newsletter.
- Theme Introduction: What Matters (01:20) - Introduces the episode’s theme, shares Aristotle’s quote, and sets up the focus on action over talk.
- The Power of Story and Belief (02:14) - Discusses how stories shape our lives and the importance of believing the right stories.
- Character as a Byproduct of Action (03:19) - Explains Aristotle’s idea that character is defined by actions, not words or thoughts.
- The Importance of Doing the Work (04:26) - Emphasizes starting small, taking action, and learning through doing rather than overthinking or seeking advice.
- Learning Through Action (05:36) - Describes how doing the work teaches what matters, what advice is credible, and what actions are effective.
- Three Absolutes of Human Life (06:36) - Shares Phil Stutz’s three absolutes: pain, uncertainty, and the need for constant work, focusing on the importance of work.
- Courage, Fear, and Confidence (07:35) - Discusses courage as the balance between fear and confidence, referencing Aristotle and George Saint-Pierre.
- The Mantra: “Be or Do, Don’t Think” (08:31) - Introduces a personal mantra to combat overthinking and encourage action over rumination.
- Neil Gaiman’s Quote on Mistakes (00:09:00) - Shares Neil Gaiman’s quote about the value of making mistakes and the importance of doing something.
- Closing & Call to Action (00:09:52) - Wraps up the episode, encourages subscribing, and provides information about the host and related resources.