Chasing Success vs True Fulfilment - Nat Eliason
Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal
Deep Dive
Why does Nat Eliason believe that there is never a 'right time' for big life decisions?
Nat argues that anytime you catch yourself thinking, 'It'll be a better time later,' you're likely just scared or unclear. Big decisions like having kids, changing jobs, or moving in with a partner should be made without waiting for the 'perfect' moment, as it never truly arrives.
What does Nat Eliason mean by 'known costs with unknowable benefits'?
Nat refers to life decisions where there are clear downsides (known costs) but the benefits are not fully understood until experienced. For example, getting married or having kids may seem daunting due to the sacrifices involved, but the positive outcomes are often only appreciated after the fact.
Why does Nat Eliason recommend having kids earlier rather than later?
Nat believes that having kids early is better because the biological window for having children is relatively short, typically until the mid-30s. Delaying having kids to focus on career advancement can result in missing out on the opportunity to have a family altogether.
How does Nat Eliason describe his experience with crypto and its impact on his relationship with money?
Nat describes crypto as corrupting his relationship with money, making him overly focused on short-term gains and risking significant amounts of money without taking it out for his family. He realized he needed to step away from crypto to regain control over his financial decisions and prioritize his long-term goals.
What is Nat Eliason's advice on balancing work and passion in a daily routine?
Nat suggests structuring the day to prioritize creative work in the morning, setting clear goals (like writing 2,500 words), and leaving the afternoon open for less stimulating activities like walking or gym sessions to allow for creative thinking. He avoids overloading the day with meetings to maintain focus and balance.
What is the core idea behind Nat Eliason's book 'Crypto Confidential'?
The book is a fast-paced, first-person account of Nat's experiences in the crypto world during its peak. It’s designed to be a thrilling read rather than a technical guide, offering insights into the highs and lows of crypto while keeping the reader entertained.
Why does Nat Eliason recommend 'standing social events' as a way to maintain friendships?
Nat believes that standing social events, like regular meetups at a specific time and place, reduce the effort required to maintain friendships. These events make it easy to see friends regularly without the constant need for planning, and they naturally expand your social circle as friends bring new people.
What does Nat Eliason mean by 'trust your negative gut, not your positive gut'?
Nat advises trusting your instincts when they warn you against a decision, even if you can rationalize it otherwise. Conversely, being overly excited about an opportunity can lead to overlooking potential risks, so it's important to pause and reflect on why you're so enthusiastic.
How does Nat Eliason define 'finite' and 'infinite' games, and why are they important?
Finite games have clear rules, boundaries, and winners or losers, while infinite games are played to keep the game going and expand its boundaries. Nat argues that approaching life with an infinite game mindset—focusing on long-term growth and relationships—leads to more fulfilling outcomes than chasing short-term wins.
What was Nat Eliason's experience with the 'four-hour workweek' lifestyle, and how did it influence his perspective on work and fulfillment?
Nat found that the four-hour workweek lifestyle, while initially exciting, led to a sense of emptiness after a few months. He realized that meaningful work is essential for long-term fulfillment and that 'passive income' businesses often fail to provide the same satisfaction as pursuing a true calling.
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