153: Breaking Barriers: Men's Mental Health and Performance with Adam Smith Progress Over Perfection: Crafting Purpose & Stillness The Modern Man Podcast The Modern Man Podcast - Adam Smith

In this episode of the Modern Man Podcast, host Ted engages with high-performance coach Adam Smith, who shares insights on personal development, the pursuit of potential, and the internal blocks that high achievers face. They discuss the importance of progress over perfection, the role of beliefs and standards in achieving success, and the necessity of stillness in a fast-paced world. Adam emphasizes that purpose is not something to be found but created through action and progress, and he highlights the common struggle of feeling ‘not good enough’ among men, particularly in high-pressure environments.

In this conversation, Adam Smith discusses the challenges of meditation and mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of stillness for inner peace. He explores the impact of compartmentalization on various aspects of life, particularly for high-achieving men. The discussion also highlights the high costs of unchecked ambition, including personal relationships and mental health. Finally, Adam shares insights on redefining success to include joy and purpose, encouraging listeners to seek help and embrace change without waiting for rock bottom.

Takeaways

The pursuit of potential is a continuous journey.
Progress equals happiness, not destination.
Many men feel they are not good enough.
Purpose is something we create, not find.
The ‘when and then’ mentality hinders action.
High achievers often struggle with internal blocks.
Beliefs shape our actions and results.
Discipline is key to high performance.
Standards determine the quality of our work.
Stillness allows for powerful action and reflection. Meditation can feel uncomfortable due to the overwhelming number of thoughts we have.
We often avoid pain rather than seeking pleasure, which affects our perception of experiences.
Being fully present can help us appreciate the world around us.
Stillness is essential for achieving inner peace and calm.
Many people feel they are ‘doing it wrong’ regarding mindfulness practices.
Compartmentalization can lead to chaos in different areas of life.
Success can be redefined to include joy and fulfillment, not just achievement.
The cost of unchecked ambition can be high, including divorce and mental health issues.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
You don’t have to hit rock bottom to initiate change in your life.