Michael Gervais: Empathy Is The Most Disruptive Tool To Create Real Change - R4R 229

This is Michael Gervais’s third appearance on the Running for Real podcast and the conversation goes deep into unpacking courage, vulnerability, optimism, growth, and change. As a high-performance psychologist, Michael dedicates his life to helping humans flourish by living in the present moment more often. In this episode he reflects on the accelerated changes 2020 brought to humanity, and the ways we can incorporate those lessons learned in 2021 and our higher purpose lives.    Michael is someone who spends his life guiding others through navigating the toughest feats and edges of limits– whether it’s high-performance athletes or business executives. But what makes him special is his wisdom in high stakes environments transcends into our daily lives, our own crises, our own athletic goals, career goals, and personal purpose.  The most dynamic people work from the inside out They dictate their experience in life, independent of their external circumstances. On the contrary, people who are struggling allow their outside experiences to dictate their inside experience. This is why right now is the time to invest in your inner life because your inner life will reflect how you show up in the outside world. First Principals In 2020 we began having hard conversations with the people around us about things that matter. As our social circles shrunk, our old friendships of “convenience” like people we ran with, went from superficial chats to real talks about illness, politics, and social justice. 2020 re-evaluated our relationship with relationships.  Goals support an overarching purpose Michael encourages us to be purpose-driven, not goal-driven. It’s about how we engage with life rather than what we want to accomplish in life. Goals are important because they should be structured as a ladder to your higher purpose. It’s the intersection of when you’re on the edge of your capacity and still able to have a little fun.  Setting Intentions Instead of New Year’s resolutions, Michael sets a clear intention he wants to explore for the year ahead. He shared that in 2020 his intention had been “play,” and that it was challenged quite a bit throughout the year. But having an intention makes it easier to set smaller goals that support that higher purpose.  Highlights “Crises are a natural accelerant to change.” “Change is reflected by your personal philosophies.” “Train for a growth mindset like you train reps in the gym. Train for mindfulness, calm, and confidence.” Resources Follow Michael: Finding Mastery | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Compete to Create: Michael's Website: Compete to Create Michael on Rich Roll Podcast   Michael’s Previous episodes on Running for Real Michael Gervais BONUS Episode: Handling Panic and Anxiety  Michael Gervais: There Are No Shortcuts To Living An Insightful, High Performing Life    Thank you to my wonderful sponsor Momentous, Athletic Greens, and Teas with Meaning for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast.   Momentous is having a great giveaway right now but it's not what you are thinking. They are choosing 5 people who will post a photo of themselves on Instagram on how they are doing self care. And those 5 people will win $1000 to be donated to a charity of your choice AND a 1 year supply of a Momentous product of your choice. All you need to do is tag @LiveMomentous and use #progressnotperfection and post the photo anytime before January 1, 2021. AND if you could tag me in there as well that would be great. Also you can go here and use code TINA for 20% off any product as Momentous.   Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of  Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!     Teas With Meaning is committed to providing organic loose leaf tea blends and authentic tea experiences. Developed in the heart of Oakland by educator and tea connoisseur, Kamilah Mitchell, a brain tumor survivor and cancer warrior.   Go here to support this wonderful business.     Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Michael, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.