How You Can Feel More Alive in Your Work (feat. Michael Ashcroft) | The Knowledge Podcast

Описание: David speaks with Michael Ashcroft, a writer and Alexander Technique teacher who previously spent 10 years consulting on clean energy innovation.

A lot of Michael's work centres around helping people expand their awareness. He's written several essays and posts I've loved, particularly about the concept of grinding, and how paying attention to our awareness can help us maximise our creativity, productivity, posture and physical engagement.

We talked about:
🔄 Corporate to Self-Employment – Freedom, ambition & avoiding burnout
🤔 Mindset & Decisions – Priorities, big choices & challenges
🧠 Awareness & Focus – Attention, non-fixation & efficiency
🎨 Productivity & Structure – Creativity, discipline & idea management
📝 Writing & Self-Discovery – Process, organising & personal growth
🥷🏽 Missionary vs. Mercenary – Mindset & long-term fulfilment

📜 Full transcript:
theknowledge.io/michaelashcroft-4/

📄 Show notes:
[00:00] Intro
[02:21] Life After Corporate Work
[05:29] Balancing Freedom and Productivity
[17:45] The Concept of Ergonomics and Burnout
[40:16] Embracing the Highs and Lows of Life
[41:53] The Morpheus Pill Dilemma
[43:19] Understanding the Alexander Technique
[45:55] The Power of Expanded Awareness
[47:27] The Luck Factor and Serendipity
[54:36] The Impact of Distractions on Experiences
[59:26] Balancing Effort and Flow
[01:07:36] The Interplay of Expansion and Contraction
[01:19:58] Exploring Flow States: Contracted vs. Expansive
[01:21:35] The Writer's Matrix: Discipline, Vice, and Serendipity
[01:24:08] Balancing Structure and Creativity in Writing
[01:25:45] The Concept of Trends Over Streaks
[01:28:09] Knowledge Management and Writing Systems
[01:31:08] The Snail Trail Analogy
[01:38:39] Redefining Virtue: Effort vs. Outcome
[01:40:15] Navigating Life Paths: Default, Country, and Desire
[01:45:28] Applying Alexander Technique to Life Choices
[01:50:09] Thrashing vs. Swimming: Finding Stability
[01:54:43] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

👤 Connect with Michael Ashcroft:
X/Twitter: @m_ashcroft | x.com/m_ashcroft
Course: Alexander Technique | https://expandingawareness.org/courses/
Website: Expanding Awareness | https://expandingawareness.org/

👨🏾‍💻 About David Elikwu:
David Elikwu FRSA is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, and writer. David is the founder of The Knowledge, a platform helping people think deeper and work smarter.
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