Arthur Worsley On Getting Traction And Discovering Your Why

Anthony Metivier's Magnetic Memory Method Podcast

It is no secret that we are all constantly in a state of self-examination.

While some people may be more “self-aware” than others, no matter where you are on the spectrum, there is a constant need, a persistent desire to “Know Thyself.”

The greatest task in that knowing, above all else, may be the biggest question, and, more complicated therefore, to answer, the question of “Why?”

Today, more than ever perhaps, we are being challenged to slow down, to examine our priorities, to reflect on who we are and what motivates us.

Whether that is an intentional choice, or the current state of the world has given you the gift of more time in the form of working from home and eliminating your commute, or governmental measures have encouraged a “safer at home” mindset, now is no better time for working towards that answer.

My guest today is Arthur Worsley. He is the man behind The Art of Living blog, the author of the TRACKTION Planner, and the Moments app. He is an entrepreneur, graduate of Oxford where he studied psychology, philosophy, and physiology.

Thumbs up for the Tracktion Planner!

We discuss his mission of guiding others to find their motivation, through practical, executable, analog tools.

Arthur provides a real, honest look at a difficult situation that became his catalyst for self-discovery, and, through coaching, and his own journey, the roadblocks that others faced that were similar, and how they, and you, in turn, can also overcome them.

He even shares his own experience with answering that big question of “Why?” as he applied for Oxford. In his words, it was “terrifying” to see one’s future residing in such an empty space. The question of why was intentional, providing a blank canvas, open to interpretation.

He learned how to navigate and fill that space for himself, and with the tools and methods he has created, you can also learn to answer that all-important question of “Why?”

If you’re struggling to find your motivation for your everyday….

Or maybe the bigger challenge of your life’s purpose…

Just take note of where you’re starting from.

As you begin to answer that question, and, unavoidably, the others that arise, know you are enough.

That self-doubt? It can serve you. That questioning is good. That questioning means growth.

And why then wouldn’t we take that opportunity as we ask that very thing of ourselves?

Press play now above to listen in as Arthur shares:

• How physiology, psychology, and philosophy can not only live in harmony as disciplines, but how they actually, in fact, intersect and can help you improve your focus
• The evolution of the Pyramid of Needs for modern day society – what’s missing, and why
• The gap that exists between effort (what you do) and motivation (why you do it)
• What loss of religion means practically, and the problem that “lack of faith” can create
• The reason behind the current resurgence of Stoicism, and what questions that philosophy can answer.
• Why meaning must be found in purpose, and not purpose within meaning
• The relationship (that’s necessary) between decision making and data collection
• The pros and cons to the novelty effect
• The most common reasons planners fail, and how you can overcome them with just a few simple tools
• The problem with perfectionism and its relationship to procrastination (often related to not having a feedback loop)
• Why reading isn’t always beneficial – and how you may need to tweak your reading style (were you aware you had one?)
• How problem solving can be addictive, and what mindset is required to achieve cyclical solutions
• Why connection is such a critical why – even for an introvert

And even more!

Further Resources on the web, this podcast, and the MMM Blog:

The Art of Living (Now defunct)

The Wheel of Life

Book Recommendations

Book Summaries

Arthur Worsley on the Nomad Podcast

Optimizing Evernote and Other Productivity Software for Better Memory

Olly Richards on Crazy Language Learning Goals and Mastering Motivation

Mindset, Memory and Motivation with Sam Gendreau

How Many Languages Can You Learn At Once?