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BITESIZE | Creativity, Authenticity & How to Live A Meaningful Life | Rick Rubin #465

Jun 27, 2024 17m 33s 17 insights
Today’s guest has worked with a huge variety of different artists and is named on Time magazine’s list of the ‘100 most influential people in the world’. But I think one of the reasons he’s reached an almost mythical status across the world is because of his Zen-like manner and his artistic approach to life. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 327 of the podcast with none other than the legendary record producer and author of the book The Creative Act, Mr Rick Rubin. In this clip, Rick shares why it’s easy to get stuck in our small story of who we are and what our lives are. But he believes that we all have the power to change the stories we tell ourselves, which is ultimately essential for our happiness. Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/327 Rick’s Book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Actionable Insights

1. Take Control of Your Life

Recognize you are in control of your life and can make different choices if current circumstances (career, relationships) are not bringing joy or happiness.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Take care of yourself first, as you cannot effectively care for others if you are not taking care of your own well-being.

3. Live Authentically, Aligned Values

Live in alignment with your values to avoid creating a void that you might try to fill with unhelpful things like sugar or alcohol, as inauthenticity causes many problems.

4. Embrace Imperfection in Life

Embrace imperfection in your work, relationships, and life, recognizing that it often contributes to authenticity, interest, and a unique ‘soul’ that perfection can lack.

5. Change Unfulfilling Situations

Do not suffer in careers or relationships that don’t bring joy; you have the power to make a change, which benefits both yourself and others.

6. Prioritize Creative Lifestyle Changes

When facing issues, opt for creative lifestyle changes to resolve them, as these are often more sustainable than solely relying on pharmaceutical solutions.

7. Lifestyle Changes Combat Depression

To combat depression, implement changes to your schedule, ensure exposure to natural sunlight, and adjust your diet, as these factors have been shown to help.

8. Seek Natural Light Upon Waking

Immediately upon waking, open the blinds and go outside to expose your body to the sun, as this can naturally shift your sleep schedule earlier.

9. Practice Metta Meditation Progressively

Start Metta meditation by focusing on ‘May I be filled with loving kindness, be well, peaceful, and happy’ for about a year, then extend it to ‘May we’ for immediate family, and gradually expand the circle over several years.

10. Reframe “Can’t” to “Haven’t Yet”

When faced with a challenge, replace ‘I can’t do that’ with ‘I haven’t done it yet’ to encourage practice and discover your capabilities.

11. Share Despite Insecurity

Understand that insecurity is only a hindrance if it prevents you from sharing what’s genuinely in your heart.

12. Embrace Creativity in All Life

View all aspects of life, including interactions with children, partners, and oneself, as opportunities for creative expression and art.

13. Live Artfully and Engaged

Choose to live artfully by being engaged, paying attention, and making each choice count, rather than sleepwalking through life.

14. Expand Impact Incrementally

To make a larger impact, start by building strength and positive influence within yourself, then your immediate family, then your neighborhood, and progressively expand outwards.

15. Align with Evolutionary Truths

Strive to live in ways that align with historical human practices and ’evolutionary truths’ (e.g., how people lived thousands of years ago) to support your authentic animal self.

16. Seek Interest Over Perfection

When creating or evaluating, prioritize what interests you over striving for absolute perfection, as imperfection can often add unique character and soul.

17. Support Gut Health with AG1

Consider taking AG1 daily to support digestion and enrich your gut microbiome, as it contains beneficial gut bacteria.