Ep. 287 — The Examined Life

Most New Year's resolutions fail because they're vague wishes, not systems. Brad and Dominick break down what actually works when you're trying to change your life at the start of a new year — and it's not about setting better goals.

They discuss personal health experiments, the concept of living an examined life, and why community matters more than willpower. The conversation covers testing dietary impacts, building intentional systems instead of hoping for motivation, and finding mentors who've already solved the problems you're facing.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Goal Setting 00:00:00
  Defining clear and intentional goals as the new year starts.

• Discussing Health Goals 00:02:10
  Brad shares observations about shifting focus from weight loss to understanding energy levels and overall wellness. Testing personal dietary choices and their effects on health.

• The Examined Life 00:04:03
  Reflecting on personal values and experiences to foster self-awareness. How examining your life enhances clarity in making lifestyle choices.

• Self-Experimentation 00:09:28
  Understanding personal health and wellness through testing.

• Community and Mentorship 00:30:07
  The role of community support in achieving personal goals and learning from others. Finding mentors and building connections with like-minded individuals.

Key Quotes:

• "Alcohol significantly hampers your bodily functions the next day." 00:05:38
• "It's more about mastering a process than just setting goals." 00:11:03
• "Perfection shouldn't hinder progress." 00:19:52

Action Items:

• Conduct a personal review of eating habits to identify potential improvements. 00:07:00
• Set specific measurable goals instead of vague resolutions to track progress. 00:11:03

Related Resources:

• Chris Gilbo's article on Annual Review 00:20:10