Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal

“The pathless path is an alternative to the default path. It is an embrace of uncertainty and discomfort. It’s a call to adventure in a world that tells us to conform. For me, it’s also a gentle reminder to laugh when things feel out of control and trusting that an uncertain future is not a problem to be solved.” - from The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd.

In this episode I sit down for a conversation with Paul Millerd, a writer, creator, and consultant. A few years ago Paul had everything he thought he wanted from his corporate job at the most prestigious consulting firm in the world. But after realising he was on the wrong path in life, he decided to walk away and figure out how to live a life that actually mattered to him. In the conversation we talk about his book The Pathless Path, the ultimate companion for people struggling to figure out what to do with their lives, which traces his journey from certainty and tradition to uncertainty and fulfilment. So if you’re thinking about leaving your job, taking off on a new adventure or simply wanting to approach work and life with a little more curiosity, this episode is for you. Enjoy :)

Show Notes

“The pathless path is an alternative to the default path. It is an embrace of uncertainty and discomfort. It’s a call to adventure in a world that tells us to conform. For me, it’s also a gentle reminder to laugh when things feel out of control and trusting that an uncertain future is not a problem to be solved.” - from The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd.

In this episode I sit down for a conversation with Paul Millerd, a writer, creator, and consultant. A few years ago Paul had everything he thought he wanted from his corporate job at the most prestigious consulting firm in the world. But after realising he was on the wrong path in life, he decided to walk away and figure out how to live a life that actually mattered to him. In the conversation we talk about his book The Pathless Path, the ultimate companion for people struggling to figure out what to do with their lives, which traces his journey from certainty and tradition to uncertainty and fulfilment. So if you’re thinking about leaving your job, taking off on a new adventure or simply wanting to approach work and life with a little more curiosity, this episode is for you. Enjoy :)

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📚Check out my New York Times Bestselling book Feel-Good Productivity!
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(00:00) Intro
(01:43) Your background
(08:40) How do you tackle "I need money vs this job doesn’t bring me joy"
(15:14) The 3 step framework for figuring out your path
(20:41) Figuring out your passion
(28:40) The cost of life fulfilment
(34:59) The excitement of uncertainty
(38:06) Figuring out what is enough
(44:35) Following energy vs money
(49:23) Slow productivity
(51:55) Strategies for figuring out what you value
(55:57) The attitude of experimentation
(01:07:48) Long term thinking activities
(01:10:24) On spending money
(01:18:52) Your Book

🔗 CONNECT WITH PAUL

📕 The Pathless Path: Imagining A New Story For Work And Life
🎥 YouTube Channel
🐦  Twitter
💌 Boundless Newsletter
🎙 Podcast

🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI

🔔 Sign up to my Free 5 Day Camera Confidence Crash Course
🎥 YouTube Channel
💻 Website
📸  Instagram
🐦  Twitter
👥 Linkedin

Find the show notes and the transcript on the website: https://aliabdaal.com/podcast/

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Creators & Guests

Host
Ali Abdaal
Producer
Amber Baxter-Clarke

What is Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal ?

Dr Ali Abdaal is the world’s most followed productivity expert and author of Feel-Good Productivity, the brand new book that reveals why the secret to productivity isn’t discipline, it’s joy. In his podcast, Deep Dive, Ali sits down with inspiring creators, thinkers, entrepreneurs and high performers to help listeners build lives that they love.

Ali’s cheerful style, positive approach, and well-researched content have made him a trusted voice when it comes to productivity. The internet means that we have access to more knowledge and information than ever before - but it can also be overwhelming. So, Ali and his expert guests focus on simple, scientifically proven, and actionable steps you can take to make real changes in your life.

Ali’s a firm believer that happiness isn’t the result of success - in fact, happiness is the key to success in the first place. Ali made this discovery while working as a doctor in a chaotic hospital ward. In the past, hard work had been the answer to every obstacle in his life. But no amount of hard work was going to combat panic and burnout.

So, Ali dedicated himself to figuring out a new approach to productivity - one that focuses on enjoying the journey and working towards truly meaningful goals. Deep Dive, with its authentic and engaging conversations, will give you all the insights you need to do just that.