Maximal Ep. 364 | Inner Conflict (Patreon)
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The Minimalists speak with Wendy Smith, author of Both/And Thinking, about inner conflict, minimalist job hunting, apocalyptic thinking, decision-making anxiety, difficult relationships, and more!
Discussed in this episode:
Why did Wendy Smith write Both/And Thinking? (02:31)
How do we better analyze and accept our shortcomings and failures? (04:37)
What is “emotional ambivalence”? (13:18)
How do we determine what jobs are the best fit for us? (17:13)
How do we best manage our anxiety regarding current crises? (26:45)
What are “rabbit holes, wrecking balls, and trench warfare”? (29:09)
What is the false trade-off between big changes and small actions? (30:04)
What is the difference between help and support? (33:06)
What is “ecobricking”? (36:31)
How do I make commitments and let go of my FOMO? (37:52)
What is the “possibility of opportunity”? (43:25)
What is problematic regarding absolute certainty? (44:05)
How do I choose between a fulfilling job and a lucrative job? (46:43)
How do we shift from “either-or thinking” to “both-and thinking”? (49:02)
What is a “statement of vision”? (50:08)
How do we avoid sacrificing passion for profit? (51:29)
Segment: Lightning Round (56:33)
How do we tactfully manage rocky relationships with family and friends? (57:12)
How do we commit to leaving an unfulfilling job? (1:01:11)
What are “competence traps”? (1:03:34)
Listener comments and minimalism tips. (1:07:40)
Segment: More About Less (1:12:24)
What is the danger in participating in “retail therapy” as self-care? (1:18:08)
Segment: Talkaboutables (1:22:00)
What is the “Once a Month Rule”? (1:28:10)
Segment: Obsolete Objects (1:33:37)
Segment: Advertisements Suck (1:41:06)
Segment: Photo Friday Home Tour (1:51:29)
Why do we relentlessly search for contentment? (1:55:52)
Segment: Right Here, Right Now (1:59:55)
Segment: Added Value (2:00:59)
LINKS
Added Value: Towel
Article: Roaming the Aisles as Self-Care?
Book: Both/And Thinking
Book: Love People, Use Things
Book: Minimalist Rulebook
Essay: How to Understand Your Values
Essay: The Advice Epidemic
Event: Sunday Symposium
Podcast: Expired Things
Podcast: How to Love
Resources: The Minimalists
Subscribe: The Minimalists
TikTok: How to Love
TikTok: How to Write Better
TikTok: Minimalism Life
TikTok: The Minimalists
Watch: Dan Harris
Watch: Minimalism
Website: How to Write Better
Website: Wendy Smith
MAXIMS
Every ounce of inner conflict is self-inflicted.
Accepting discomfort is comforting.
There’s nothing to hold on to.
Wonder is a fire extinguisher for anxiety.
Dreams don’t come true—decisions do.
The closer you are to someone, the greater the chaos.
Compassion conceives connection.
You can let something go without throwing it away.
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