When I worked 60-hour weeks, I was struggling with anxiety.

15 years later, I just appreciate being way over having.

Here’s what those stressful years taught me about life goals:

–

Lesson 1: Expect less, appreciate more

Back then, I used to reflect on how to become rich & make more money.

Despite being still not fully self-aware. Or the fact that this pursuit is a rat race.

The only difference between then and now is that I discovered Philosophy.

Now I know that money can’t buy you freedom.

–

Lesson 2: Follow your heart with wisdom

For the first few years, all I had was a book by Plato and an inner whispering voice.

Since then, I’ve completed:

• 5 university degrees (including my Ph.D.),
• published 4 books,
• and been awarded 4 times.

But can I tell you something?

Those two little compasses still mean more to me than anything.

All you need.

–

Lesson 3: Focus on your legacy

When I was first starting out, I was so determined to achieve wisdom that I deprived myself of money, a beach house, a company car, and a promising career in marketing.

Everyone thought I was crazy.

But, 15 years later, I had successfully become a happier, more fulfilled person. I’ve helped many people and I surf a lot more.

Meanwhile, a lot of people around me hadn’t moved at all.

–

Lesson 4: Freedom comes with a lot of responsibility

I used to be very insecure about changing paths.

I was ashamed that I didn’t have enough courage to face failure.

And I didn’t self-improve because of it.

It took me a long time to realize those insecurities were holding me back.

And no amount of success would fix them for me.

–

Lesson 5: Break from the herd

After college, a lot of people around me said:

“Stick to the corporate ladder.”

But then I’d watch them struggle to make progress in their own lives.

A big part of success is going in a different direction. I forged my own path instead.

And remember: if it was easy, everyone would do it.

* * * * *

I have created a course on How Philosophy Can Soothe Your Soul in 5 modules:

• Introduction: The power of self-knowledge (Socratic life coaching)
• Module 1: How to deal with anxiety like a Stoic thinker (or a big-wave surfer)
• Module 2: How to manage expectations like a Cynic guru (or a soul surfer)
• Module 3: How to fulfill your purpose like a Peripatetic student (or a pro surfer)
• Module 4: How to be happy like an Epicurean virtuoso (or a stoked kook)
• Module 5: How to live in harmony like a Taoist master (or a smooth longboarder)
• Bonus: How to face death like an Existentialist intellectual (or a solo surfer)

Starts on Sept. 19th.

3 weeks.

Tuesday & Thursday.

90’ sessions.

Only 8 out of 12 seats ava¡lable.

Just click here if you’re interested in knowing the details.

Additional recommendations:

1. “Barbarian Days” by William Finnegan – This memoir takes you on a journey through the author’s life as a surfer, offering vivid descriptions of waves, cultures, and personal growth. It presents surfing as a metaphor for life’s challenges and opportunities, reflecting on the pursuit of passion and the quest for meaning.
2. “Symposium” by Plato – This ancient philosophical dialogue explores the nature of love, beauty, and human connections through a series of speeches given at a banquet. It delves into the complexities of desire and relationships, offering insights into the human condition and the pursuit of deeper connections.
3. “Saltwater Buddha” by Jaimal Yogis – This memoir intertwines the author’s experiences with surfing and spiritual seeking. It explores the parallels between riding waves and the journey of self-discovery, offering a reflection on finding purpose, peace, and inner transformation.
4. “Fear and Trembling” by Søren Kierkegaard – This philosophical work delves into the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a means of exploring the nature of faith, ethics, and existential dilemmas. It encourages contemplation on the complexities of morality and the individual’s relationship with the divine.
5. “Caught Inside” by Daniel Duane – This book delves into the world of surfing, offering insights into its culture, history, and the spiritual aspects of riding waves. It combines personal narratives with reflections on the deeper meanings of surfing, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the sport’s impact on identity and life.
6. “Nicomachean Ethics” by Aristotle – This philosophical treatise addresses the nature of human well-being and the virtues that lead to a fulfilling life. It explores concepts such as moral virtue, friendship, and the pursuit of eudaimonia (flourishing), providing a framework for ethical living and self-improvement.