#259: Learn how to pick the challenges in life that actually matter. We break down how to stop optimizing for the wrong things, why values trump goals in decision-making, practical strategies for building real friendships, and more.

Mark Manson is the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (20M+ copies sold). He hosts the Solved podcast, writes the newsletter Your Next Breakthrough, and co-founded Purpose, an AI tool for exploring purpose and values.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mark-manson-purpose-and-meaning

Partner Deals

Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent

Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift

Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family

Copilot Money: Get 26% off my favorite personal finance app

Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn

For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned

Mark: Website | Newsletter | X

Solved Podcast

Purpose App

Full Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) What Most People Get Wrong About Living a Good Life

(01:13) Why Struggle Is Inevitable and Necessary

(02:18) Why Purpose Is Revealed, Not Found

(04:34) Choosing the Right Metric To Optimize Your Life

(06:26) The Three Ingredients of Meaningful Purpose

(08:32) Why Purpose Doesn’t Require Changing the World

(12:33) Radical Honesty as the Starting Point for Meaning

(14:32) What Happens After You Achieve Everything You Wanted

(17:48) Why Other People Can See Your Purpose Before You Do

(21:06) Why Honest Conversations Are So Hard (and So Necessary)

(28:41) Why Adult Friendship Is Uniquely Difficult

(32:29) How Work, Kids, and Technology Changed Friendship

(33:27) Why “Shared Stakes” Matter More Than Shared Spaces in Adult Friendships

(37:02) When Life Feels Hard and Why That’s Normal

(42:21) Making Better Decisions by Clarifying Your Values

(43:57) How To Check In on Your Life Without Obsessing Over Goals

(46:57) When Quitting a Goal Is the Right Decision

(50:48) Why We Rarely Talk About Meaning With Friends

(53:30) Building an AI To Ask Better Life Questions

(55:04) How AI and Therapy Can Work Together

(57:52) Is It Okay If Your Job Is Not Your Purpose?

(01:00:07) The First Step Toward a More Meaningful Life

(01:01:06) How To Define Value Beyond Status

(01:02:08) Where To Find More From Mark

Connect with Chris

Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices