561. Scott Adams and Jordan Peterson
In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, cartoonist Scott Adams shares his journey from childhood optimist to successful creator of Dilbert. Adams discusses how his parents' encouragement and his own goal-setting methods contributed to his success, and explains his perspective on how personal beliefs can influence outcomes. He describes how a combination of preparation, timing, and systematic approaches played a role in his cartooning career.
Adams also addresses his current battle with terminal prostate cancer, drawing connections to his past experience overcoming spasmodic dysphonia. He shares his approach to managing his condition through medical treatments and maintaining an optimistic outlook while seeking potential scientific advances. Throughout the discussion, Adams illustrates his views on facing life challenges and maintaining productivity in difficult circumstances.
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1-Page Summary
Adams' Life Experiences and Personal Development
Scott Adams reflects on his journey from a young, optimistic child to a successful cartoonist. Born with innate optimism, Adams credits his success to his ability to remain positive even in challenging situations. He describes how his childhood dream of becoming a famous cartoonist, though temporarily set aside, was reignited later in life. Adams attributes much of his confidence to his parents, who consistently assured him of future success and passed down artistic talent and humor.
Adams' Cartooning Success and Views on Goals and Reality
After leaving his corporate job due to racial barriers to promotion, Adams pursued cartooning through a combination of affirmations and determined goal-setting. He explains how Dilbert's success emerged through a series of fortuitous events, including an editor's personal connection to the character and favorable changes in distribution channels. These experiences led Adams to develop a unique perspective on reality, suggesting that the universe might be responsive to one's goals and beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of having systems over mere goals, maintaining habits like keeping drawing materials readily available to capture ideas.
Adams' Battle With Terminal Illness
Currently facing terminal prostate cancer, Adams maintains his characteristic optimism. Drawing parallels to his previous success in overcoming "incurable" spasmodic dysphonia, Adams refuses to accept his prognosis as final. While he had considered end-of-life options due to severe pain, Adams shares that [restricted term] blockers have provided temporary relief and allowed him to remain mobile. He expresses hope that scientific advancements might emerge within his extended timeline, demonstrating his continued belief in the power of optimism and proactive approaches to challenges.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While Adams credits his optimism for his success, it's important to acknowledge that success often involves a complex interplay of factors including luck, timing, and external support, not just personal attitude.
- The idea that the universe might be responsive to one's goals and beliefs is a subjective interpretation and lacks empirical evidence; others might argue that success is more about hard work and opportunity.
- The emphasis on systems over goals is a valuable perspective, but it's also important to recognize that goals can provide direction and motivation, which are also critical components of success.
- Adams' refusal to accept his prognosis as final is admirable, but it's also important to approach terminal illness with a balance of hope and realism, recognizing the current limitations of medical science.
- The hope in scientific advancements is optimistic, but it's also necessary to consider the practical timelines of medical research and drug development, which can be lengthy and uncertain.
Actionables
- You can create a positivity journal to cultivate an optimistic outlook by writing down three positive experiences or thoughts at the end of each day, which can help reinforce a positive mindset during challenging times.
- Keeping a positivity journal encourages you to actively seek out and focus on the positive aspects of your day, which can improve your overall outlook on life. For example, if you faced a difficult situation at work, you might write about how you handled it calmly or learned something valuable from it.
- Develop a "system for success" by identifying daily habits that contribute to your long-term aspirations, such as dedicating 30 minutes each day to a skill you want to master.
- By establishing a daily routine that aligns with your aspirations, you create a structured approach to achieving your goals. For instance, if you aspire to write a book, your system could involve writing 500 words every morning before work, which over time contributes to the completion of your manuscript.
- Engage in "reality experiments" by setting small, achievable intentions and observing how your actions and mindset influence the outcomes, like deciding to meet new people and seeing how social interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- By actively setting intentions and observing the outcomes, you can explore the idea that your beliefs and goals may influence your reality. For example, if you intend to make new professional connections, you might start attending networking events and notice how these new relationships can lead to career advancements or collaborations.
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Adams' Life Experiences and Personal Development
Scott Adams reflects on his journey of personal development, driven by a mixture of innate optimism, affirmation, and the support of his parents.
Adams Was Born With an Innate Optimism, Allowing Him to Stay Positive Even In Difficulties
Adams considers himself a "really cocky bastard" and credits his success to the optimism that allows him to remain positive even in challenging situations. He recounts an Easter egg hunt from his childhood where his confidence led him to find the coveted golden egg, which sparked a belief in his abilities. Adams notes that he hasn't had an unhappy day in 20 years because he views his struggles as steps towards greater achievements.
Adams Dreamed Of Fame As a Cartoonist, Despite the Odds
Since the age of six, Adams aspired to be a famous cartoonist. Upon realizing the significant challenges of the profession, he initially set aside this dream. His youthful admiration for Charles Schulz inspired him, but as he grew older, he acknowledged the improbability and put that dream on hold temporarily. However, his ambition reignited later due to mentorship from Jack Cassidy.
Parents Instilled Confidence and Belief in Adams' Future Success
The positive influence of Adams's parents played a crucial role in his development. They assured him of future fame and prosperity, fostering a belief system that contributed to his resilience. His mother, an artist, bequeathed her drawing talent and confidence to Adams, while his father's sense of humor influenced Adams's comedic style.
Denied Corporate Job Due to Race, Adams Pursued Cartooning
After facing obstacles in the corporate world where promotions were denied to him due to his race, Adams left his job and set hi ...
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Adams' Life Experiences and Personal Development
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Counterarguments
- While innate optimism can be beneficial, it's not always sufficient for success; other factors like hard work, talent, and opportunity also play critical roles.
- Dreaming of fame is common, but achieving it often requires more than just aspiration; it involves persistence, skill development, and sometimes luck.
- Parental support is important, but not everyone with supportive parents achieves fame or success, indicating that individual efforts and external circumstances are also influential.
- Being denied opportunities based on race is a serious issue, but focusing solely on this aspect may overlook other systemic barriers or personal challenges that can impact career progression.
- Affirmations can be a useful psychological tool, but ...
Actionables
- You can cultivate optimism by starting a 'Good Things' journal where you write down three positive experiences or things you're grateful for each day. This practice can rewire your brain to focus on the positive, similar to how innate optimism works. For example, even on a challenging day, you might note a kind gesture from a stranger, a task you completed, or something new you learned.
- Develop confidence in your aspirations by creating a vision board that represents your goals, no matter how ambitious they seem. Place images and quotes that resonate with your dream, such as becoming a cartoonist, on a board where you'll see it daily. This visual reminder can serve as a constant source of inspiration and a tool to reinforce your belief in your potential.
- Embrace opportunities outside your qualifications by volunteerin ...
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Adams' Cartooning Success and Views on Goals and Reality
Scott Adams shares his journey to cartooning success through a combination of goal setting, luck, and a unique perspective on reality.
Dilbert's Success: Adams' Goal-Oriented Mindset and Fortuitous Events
Adams attributes his success to setting clear goals and being open to opportunities, which also led him to question the fabric of his reality.
Adams Attributes Clear Goals and "Authoring" His Future To Recognizing and Seizing Opportunities
Adams discusses the role of coincidence and luck in Dilbert's success. He recounts how an editor who found similarities between her husband and Dilbert decided to syndicate the comic, which greatly enhanced its profile. The comic's success grew when featured in the Boston Globe, leading to further East Coast distribution. A fortuitous turn of events also occurred on the West Coast when a salesperson who was not championing Dilbert passed away, and his replacement effectively sold the comic.
Adams talks about his perception of reality, suggesting that by envisioning his goals, the universe aligns itself in his favor, almost as if he is living in a simulation where his thoughts and goals have the power to shape outcomes.
Adams' Views Suggest Reality May Be More Malleable and Responsive to One's Goals and Beliefs, Hinting At a Simulated or Subjective Nature
Reflecting on his career, Adams questioned the nature of the universe, given the sequence of events that led to his cartooning success. He speaks of the possibility of a subjectively malleable reality, wired in a way that seems controllable. This thought supports his belief in the effectiveness of positive visualization and goal setting.
Adams Attributes Success To Goal-Setting, Affirmations, and an "Anything Is Possible" Mindset
Adams stresses the importance of affirmations and an unwavering belief in achieving improbable goals.
Adams Stresses the Need For Goals Supported by Systems and Habits
Adams underscores the necessity of systems over goals, suggesting that having a productivity system is critical for capitalizing on opportunities. He employs a system that keeps a pencil and paper handy to capture fleeting ideas, supporting his larger ambitions with routine habits.
Adams' Goal-Setting and Development Defy Expectations and Overcome Challenges
Despite setbacks and harsh feedback, Adams’ p ...
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Adams' Cartooning Success and Views on Goals and Reality
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Counterarguments
- While Adams credits clear goal setting for his success, it's important to acknowledge that many individuals set clear goals but do not achieve the same level of success due to various factors outside their control.
- The role of coincidence and luck in success stories like Adams' can sometimes downplay the hard work and dedication required to capitalize on these opportunities.
- The idea that reality is malleable and responsive to one's goals and beliefs is a subjective interpretation that may not hold true for everyone, and it could be criticized for oversimplifying complex social, economic, and psychological factors.
- The emphasis on affirmations and belief in achieving improbable goals might not be universally effective, as overconfidence can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
- The suggestion that systems are more important than goals could be challenged by pointing out that goals are necessary to provide direction and motivation, which are essential components of any system.
- An unconventional approach to adversity, while beneficial for Adams, might not be suitable for everyone, as different people have different coping mechanisms and strategies that work for them.
- Dreaming of improbable events and seeing them come true could be attributed to confirmation b ...
Actionables
- You can create a vision board to visually represent your goals and the opportunities you're open to. Place images and words that symbolize your aspirations and the types of opportunities you want to attract in your life on a board where you'll see it daily. This keeps your objectives top of mind and may help you recognize and act on opportunities when they arise.
- Develop a daily affirmation practice to strengthen your belief in achieving your goals. Write down a set of positive statements that reflect the improbable goals you're aiming for and repeat them every morning. This can help to reinforce a positive mindset and the belief that your goals are attainable, even if they seem unlikely at the moment.
- Implement a 'luck journal' to track coinci ...
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Adams' Battle With Terminal Illness
Scott Adams faces terminal prostate cancer with hope, optimism, and a commitment to pursue every possible option to extend his life and alleviate his suffering.
Diagnosed With Terminal Prostate Cancer, Adams Remains Positive and Determined to Overcome It
Adams Likens His Current Cancer Battle To Overcoming "Incurable" Conditions Like Spasmodic Dysphonia, Refusing to Accept the Prognosis As Final
Adams has been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer that has metastasized, which typically means there are no options for a complete cure unlike if the cancer were localized. Despite this prognosis, Adams remains optimistic, drawing parallels to his past struggles with an "incurable" condition. He overcame spasmodic dysphonia through a surgery that severed and redirected nerves between his brain and vocal cords, a treatment that was effective for many but not without risks.
Adams' Optimism and Belief in Goals and Affirmations Are Crucial In Confronting His Terminal Illness
His enduring belief that nothing is impossible is a testament to his positive outlook even while facing a terminal illness. He continues to stand by the power of goals and affirmations as a strategy to confront his current health challenge.
Adams' Exploration of Experimental Treatments Shows His Commitment To Overcoming Illness
Adams' Choice to Postpone Ending His Life Shows Determination to Maximize Time and Seek Pain Relief
Though Adams had considered setting an end date for his life due to the unbearable pain, as is legally permitted in California, he has postponed this decision followi ...
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Adams' Battle With Terminal Illness
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Actionables
- You can create a personal affirmation board to visually reinforce your goals and positive mindset. Start by selecting a space in your home where you'll see it often, like near your workstation or on the fridge. Use a corkboard or magnetic board and pin or attach notes with affirmations related to your aspirations and the mindset you want to cultivate. For example, if you're facing a health challenge, you might include affirmations like "I am strong and capable of overcoming obstacles," or "Every day, I am taking steps toward healing."
- Develop a 'hope action plan' to systematically approach personal challenges with optimism. Write down a specific challenge you're facing and list all possible solutions or steps you can take, no matter how unconventional they may seem. For each solution, set a small, achievable goal. For instance, if you're dealing with a chronic condition, one of your steps could be researching and trying out a new dietary supplement or therapy each month, while tracking the effects on your well-being.
- Experiment with lifestyle adjustments that could potentially improv ...
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