Seth Godin: Stop Waiting for Permission!

In today's episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with marketing legend and best-selling author Seth Godin to explore how mental models and personal strategy can transform our lives. Seth shares his near-death experience off the coast of San Clemente—a moment that became a powerful reminder of his mission to teach and contribute. This conversation dives into Seth’s unique philosophy of “strategy as a philosophy of becoming” and explores practical ways to shape life strategies—whether in personal growth, creativity, or mental resilience. Together, we discuss topics like recognizing systems that shape our daily lives, overcoming societal norms, and taking ownership of our individual journeys. Seth’s insights on creating lasting impact and the “lifeguard” analogy, where he encourages us to help others before seeking validation, are powerful takeaways for anyone struggling with meaning or direction. This episode is packed with practical advice for those looking to live authentically, align actions with their values, and ultimately, craft a fulfilling life. ________________________________________ Chapters: 00:15 — Introduction: Meet Seth Godin 02:05 — Breaking Down Writer’s Block and Building Creative Confidence 06:00 — Learning Through the Lifeguard Analogy: How to Start Contributing Now 12:15 — Recognizing the Systems Shaping Our Lives 18:30 — Personal Strategy and Mental Health: How They Intersect 24:00 — The Power of Daily Creative Habits 30:40 — Real-Life Applications: Who's It For, What's It For? 36:25 — Avoiding the Trap of Playing Games We’re Meant to Lose 41:50 — How Strategy Can Help Us Cope with Modern Mental Health Challenges 47:05 — Building Authentic Networks and Finding Community Hope you enjoy this thought-provoking conversation as much as I did! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments. ________________________________________ About the Podcast I’m Dr. Robert Duff, a clinical psychologist and the host of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. My mission is to break down complex mental health topics into relatable, actionable advice. On this podcast, we dive deep into mental health, personal development, and the strategies that help us thrive. Each episode is a mix of expert interviews, practical tips, and answers to listener questions, all aimed at helping you live a healthier, more fulfilled life. Guest Links: • Seth’s Latest Book: This is Strategy • Seth Godin’s Blog: Seth's Blog • Seth’s Podcast: Akimbo Podcast ________________________________________ Connect With Me: • Website: duffthepsych.com • Instagram: @duffthepsych • YouTube: Dr. Duff’s Channel ________________________________________ #MentalHealth #LifeStrategy #SethGodin #SelfHelp #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #Creativity