Paul's Take #28: Why Comparison is the Thief of Joy – And How to Overcome It!

In this episode, Paul reflects on his conversation with Jason O. Harris, an Air Force officer, combat veteran, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Paul discusses themes of focus, intentionality, and the dangers of comparison, using his experience from the 29/29 endurance event, where participants climb the equivalent of Mount Everest. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's own path and not getting distracted by others, likening it to horses wearing blinders. Paul encourages listeners to find their deeper motivations and commitments, highlighting that comparison is "the thief of joy."

Ready to refocus and find your true purpose? Tune in now and take the first step toward a more intentional life!

 

Key Takeaways

• Focus and intentionality in personal growth
• The thief of joy: Understanding the pitfalls of comparison
• The metaphor of horses wearing blinders to illustrate focus
• Personal experiences from a challenging endurance event (29/29)
• The importance of maintaining one's own path and goals
• Understanding deeper motivations and commitments
• The idea that commitment surpasses motivation
• Establishing personal standards and values
• Self-reflection and introspection on personal drives
• Embracing unique journeys and resisting external distractions

 

In This Episode:

• [00:05] Introduction to the episode
• [01:10] The lesson from horses
• [02:18] The importance of momentum
• [02:32] Personal experience at 29/29
• [03:32] The dangers of comparison
• [04:44] Finding your deeper mission
• [05:54] Commitment over motivation
• [06:56] Conclusion and reflection

 

Notable Quotes

• [01:07] “If it can work for a horse, it can work for us to put our blinders on, to have that level of focus and intentionality and not look to your left and right.”- Paul 
• [01:10] "True bliss is when you stop looking to your left and right." – Paul
• [03:32] "Your body is sending signals that you want to quit, you physically can't go anymore, but of course that's where the mission comes in, of course that's where the purpose comes in." – Paul
• [04:44] "This was never about a race; this was about me proving to myself that I could hit a finish line for a bigger purpose, for a bigger meaning." – Paul
• [05:54] “Commitment begins when motivation ends.”– Paul

 

Resource and Links

Paul Epstein

• Join the Win Monday Community: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/win-monday
• Take the Confidence Quiz: https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/confidence-quiz
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulepsteinspeaks/
• https://www.paulepsteinspeaks.com/