39: Happiness & Setting World Records

Episode Guest: Adam Adatto Sandel - philosopher, (previous) Guinness World Record holder for Most Pull-Ups in One Minute (68), and an award-winning teacher, author, and current assistant D.A. in Brooklyn NY. Much discussion about pull-ups, philosophy, world records... Mental habit / action / tool examples: Sometimes frustration can become a realization of opportunity. Listening to the limitations of your own body can lead to meaningful transformation. Stacking what we learn from previous experiences has utility in the next endeavors we undertake. Beware of getting wrapped up in a goal, no matter the topic. There exists a relationship between many efforts physically and things in our natural environment. Philosophy can serve as a framework for deeper connection, awareness of the deeper levels of connectedness we experience throughout life. Try to keep an open awareness of obsession around goals. When things you see somehow in your mind, carry you back to the obsession, this is a flag. Qualities of character define us outside our typical endeavors. Friendships - are important in the exchange and deep meaning of what that word means to us all. Allies, Friends, Acquaintances. Related points: Drop and give me twenty push-ups, often it is not thrilling. Sometimes in the rain, it can seem like your running pace is expedited. Sometimes pullups trump what can be gleaned from law school. Don’t be afraid of letting go (holding less tightly) when you get too close and become overly obsessed in goal chasing. Happiness. It most often involves overcoming some sort of hardship. Quotes / quips: "If I’m encountering these difficulties, could it actually be nature’s way of telling me I need to go in a different direction?” “Sport can take you into a different zone, a more expansive zone, where you can appreciate the world around you in a new way and shift your perspective on things.” “When we get too hung up on the goal, it can be damaging. As a result, we can lose an appreciation for the activity itself.” “What can I take from this experience that's going to last, that I can carry forward.” “If you have a passion, if you’re motivated, go for it!” “If you want good neighbors, be a good neighbor - same goes for friends.” “Happiness isn't something you find, rather a way of acting/being.” “A life that is happy, is a life that involves meaningful struggles. And ones that fit into a narrative that you can own up to.” Rando Mentions: Chest to Bar Pullups Harvard Philosophy Department Amazon.com: Adam Adatto Sandel: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle Guiness Book of World Record