Mo Gawdat: This Is Causing 70% Of Heart Attacks In Young People! A WARNING for Workaholics!

Intro (00:00:00)

• Stress can be good until it becomes deadly.
• Stress is often seen as a badge of honor, but it can lead to burnout, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Stress can break us through the long application of obsessions and nuisances.
• Stress can affect us mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
• Each type of stress speaks to us in a different language, but we can learn to deal with it by understanding its language.
• Mental stress:
  • Practice mindfulness and meditation.
  • Take breaks throughout the day.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Spend time in nature.
• Emotional stress:
  • Talk to a therapist or counselor.
  • Journal your thoughts and feelings.
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga.
  • Spend time with loved ones.
• Physical stress:
  • Get regular checkups with your doctor.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Spiritual stress:
  • Connect with your higher power.
  • Practice meditation or prayer.
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Serve others.

Mo How Are You Doing? (00:02:01)

• Mo Gawdat is feeling a mix of excitement and a need for change.
• He believes his message is reaching more people and making progress on his mission.
• He acknowledges that the world is changing rapidly and doing the same things may not yield the same results.
• He feels the need to revisit his approach to help people navigate the upcoming changes.
• Mo Gawdat believes the world is facing a perfect storm of challenges, including economics, geopolitics, climate change, AI, synthetic biology, and the end of truth.
• He predicts this will be the most stressful time for any generation, due to the pace and unfamiliarity of the changes.
• He emphasizes that humans become stressed when faced with unfamiliar changes.
• He sees the current economic and geopolitical situation leading to conflicts and wars.
• He believes the truth is being morphed in ways that make it difficult for people to make informed decisions.
• As a result, many people will face economic, political, safety, and purpose-related dilemmas.

Mo's New Book & The State Of The World (00:07:08)

• Mo Gawdat wrote a book about stress because he believes it is the most important issue facing people today.
• Stress is caused by both external events and the way people deal with them.
• The increasing automation and technological advancements are creating a situation where a few individuals and companies will have a disproportionate amount of power, leading to economic and geopolitical stress.
• The number one cause of heart attacks in young people is stress.
• Stress can cause inflammation, which can damage the heart and arteries.
• Stress can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and overeating, which can further increase the risk of heart disease.
• Workaholism is a major source of stress for many people, and it can lead to burnout and other health problems.
• It is important to find ways to manage stress in order to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

The Speed Of The World (00:12:31)

• The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, with a 10-year-old today experiencing a year's worth of change in 10 days by the age of 60.
• This rapid change can lead to feelings of disempowerment and stress.
• The constant attempt to keep up with everything is beyond human ability.
• AI advancements, such as chatbots like Chad GPT and Sora, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and human-like.
• Well-being should be the number one priority for individuals in the face of rapid change and increasing stress.
• Stress is the biggest pandemic of our time, affecting 70-80% of clinic visits.
• While stress can be beneficial in certain situations, such as preparing for a presentation, chronic stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, and other health issues.
• It is essential to find ways to manage stress effectively in order to cope with the demands of the modern world.

Stress Is The New Addiction (00:17:14)

• Stress has become a status symbol, with people proudly displaying their busyness as a sign of importance and worth.
• Inability to confront negative emotions leads to a reliance on external busyness to avoid psychological discomfort.
• Workaholism, often seen as an addiction, provides a sense of justification and purpose while ignoring negative health consequences.
• The belief that overloading one's schedule leads to greater potential and success is a misconception; true productivity and creativity arise from allowing space for reflection and rejuvenation.
• Workaholism can lead to burnout and decreased productivity, while true productivity comes from focused and stress-free time.
• Prioritize human connections and conversations, and recognize that the perception of urgency and importance is often exaggerated.
• Focus on achieving 95% efficiency with 20% of the effort, rather than striving for an additional 5% at the cost of well-being.

Will I Lose Productivity Without Stress? (00:26:41)

• The speaker questions if reducing stress will lead to decreased productivity.
• They reflect on their own narrative of working hard to achieve potential and future freedom.
• They share a fable about a billionaire and a fisherman, highlighting the pursuit of more and the illusion of a better life.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between impact and personal well-being.
• They suggest that 80% of work is done to prove one's worth, while only 20% contributes to achieving targets.
• The speaker proposes setting a clear target and maximizing well-being in the process, leading to increased effectiveness and longevity.
• They introduce the concept of the Three L's (limit, learn, lesson) as a core model for reducing stress.
• Stress sources are categorized as trauma, obsessions, and nuisances.

What is TONN? The Origin Of Stress (00:31:06)

• Noise trauma, experienced by 91% of people, usually resolves within three months.
• Obsessions are exaggerated concerns that individuals convince themselves are true, such as believing they are unlovable due to a minor physical flaw.
• Stress primarily originates from nuisances, which are minor stressors that accumulate over time.
• Limiting nuisances, such as removing toxic friendships or reducing junk food consumption, can significantly reduce stress.
• Obligations, including friendships and commitments, should be evaluated for their true value, as they can be a source of stress.
• Steve Jobs' approach of declining requests without explanation can be useful in managing obligations.
• Mo Gawdat recognized he had 18 full-time jobs and successfully reduced them to nine.
• The speaker personally reduced their working hours by 50%, despite concerns from loved ones about the remaining workload.

Upsetting People With Change & Choosing To Put Ourselves First (00:36:07)

• Prioritizing self-care and well-being is essential, even if it means setting boundaries or ending relationships that are no longer beneficial.
• Humans naturally resist change, even if it's for the better, due to the familiarity of pain and the fear of uncertainty.
• Financial planning is important, but it's crucial to strike a balance and not let fear of the unknown hinder personal growth and happiness.
• Staying in unfulfilling situations or relationships can prevent growth and opportunities.
• Calculated risks and uncertainty can lead to personal growth and change.
• Embracing change and uncertainty can align individuals with their true purpose.

What Is Loss Aversion? (00:43:31)

• Loss aversion, a survival mechanism, makes people stay in unsatisfying situations because the potential loss feels greater than the potential gain.
• Despite fears and concerns, people are often more resilient than they thought and can overcome difficult situations.
• Prioritizing the things that truly matter in life and letting go of the rest can reduce stress and lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Clutter and unused items in homes can cause stress and anxiety, and letting go of them can free up space and reduce stress.
• Hoarding deprives items of their intended use, contributes to environmental waste, and can be simplified by limiting the number of possessions.

The Noise Of Stress (00:50:43)

• Stress can be categorized into internal (noise) and external (macro) stressors, with trauma being a significant external macro stressor.
• Burnout, a major cause of stress-related health issues, occurs when the accumulation of small stressors exceeds an individual's coping capacity.
• Stress is influenced not only by external challenges but also by an individual's skills, resources, and abilities to manage those challenges.
• Increasing personal resources, such as skills and abilities, can help individuals better manage stress and prevent burnout.
• Stress manifests in four modalities: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual, each requiring different techniques for effective management.
• Mental stress can be managed by writing down thoughts that disrupt sleep and promising to revisit them in the morning.
• Emotional stress, though truthful, can be subtle and challenging to recognize due to the blending of multiple emotions.
• Physical stress manifests as aches and pains that should be acknowledged and addressed rather than ignored.
• Intuition, the non-physical part of a person, sends signals related to purpose and what a person should be doing, but it is often ignored in daily life.
• The book provides skills on how to build resources to manage stress by listening to the body's signals and responding with appropriate actions.

How Do We Spot Our Own Stress? (01:01:38)

• Physical stress is the easiest to recognize.
• Symptoms of physical stress include digestive issues, headaches, and sleep problems.
• The body should work seamlessly like a luxury car, but stress can cause it to malfunction.
• Anxiety is felt in the stomach, while fear is felt all over the body.
• Body scan meditation can help you become more aware of your body and its needs.
• Workaholism is described as an addiction.
• Addictions are complicated emotional states with a chemical element.
• Underlying trauma or self-esteem issues can contribute to addiction.
• Some people may feel they lack control and drive, but this can be a result of addiction.

Are We Really Too Busy? (01:04:49)

• People often claim to be too busy but still find time for leisure activities, leading to burnout and health issues.
• The body eventually shuts down when it can no longer handle stress, so it's crucial to take breaks and de-stress.
• Steve's workaholic lifestyle and pursuit of accomplishments do not guarantee happiness or a better quality of life.
• Mo Gawdat initially offered free speaking engagements but considered charging for profit-making organizations or paid events, raising the question of how much revenue is enough.
• Mo Gawdat and his business manager set a yearly target with a limit of 20 travel days.
• Individuals need to set boundaries in various aspects of life, including relationships, arguments, and work challenges, as the world does not impose them.

Setting Limits & Prioritising The Important Stuff (01:12:18)

• Overworking and neglecting personal well-being for financial gain can have severe consequences, including sacrificing health, joy, and relationships.
• The true cost of overworking is difficult to measure, as it involves intangible losses and costs to personal well-being.
• Setting boundaries and avoiding unnecessary external challenges is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Sometimes, the most valuable contributions come not from financial means, but from personal interactions and sharing knowledge.
• People should question why they endure challenging situations when alternatives exist.

How Our Childhood Impacts Our Bias To Workaholism (01:18:20)

• People's childhood experiences can influence their tendency towards workaholism.
• First and second-generation immigrants may inherit the belief that life and work are about survival, even if it's not objectively true.
• Childhood experiences of shame and trying to fit in can contribute to workaholism as a means of self-worth validation.
• Many people accept promotions without considering the impact on their personal lives and well-being.
• Humans are capable of achieving what they set their minds to, but the question is what they choose to focus on.
• Workaholism can be like a hamster wheel with no ceiling, leading to constant striving without considering well-being.
• Heartbeats are a limited resource, and while someone may have 40 years of energy, the years in their 20s and 30s are unique and unrepeatable.
• The ability to contribute with the same sharpness of mind and compete with machines declines after a certain age.

Loss And How Long We Have Left (01:22:22)

• The speaker, reflecting on precious moments with his son Ali, emphasizes cherishing each stage of life and criticizes prioritizing work over meaningful connections.
• He highlights the importance of balancing work and personal life, as excessive career focus can lead to missed opportunities for joy and fulfillment.
• The speaker questions the relentless pursuit of wealth and success without a clear purpose, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the need to appreciate the present.
• He stresses setting boundaries and knowing one's minimum needs to avoid constant striving and accumulation.

Passport Control Detention (01:29:02)

• Mo Gawdat was detained at immigration for 37 hours because he lost his passport.
• During his detention, he decided to use the time for self-reflection and relaxation.
• He practiced eight hours of silence each day and joked with the security personnel.

How Do We Undo Stress (01:29:49)

• To avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance, it's crucial to limit commitments and distractions, and focus on micro-level changes like reducing meetings and prioritizing key tasks.
• The notion of a perfect work-life balance is often unrealistic, especially when building a business or career.
• Setting realistic boundaries and focusing on a few key priorities can lead to greater success and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
• Mo Gawdat emphasizes prioritizing health over work, measuring the impact of one's work, and creating a platform for others to share their knowledge.
• He advocates for quality over quantity in content creation and selecting guests for his podcast, "Slo Mo," which features everyday people for a more relatable and impactful experience.
• Gawdat raises the question of finding one's purpose and values beyond the pursuit of growth and success.
• He warns against the negative impact of workaholism and the diminishing rewards of overworking, emphasizing the importance of focusing on activities that bring true fulfillment and happiness.
• Gawdat cautions against the risks of AI without considering its potential dangers and suggests that the pursuit of more, faster, and better should be balanced with well-being and happiness.

Work / Life Balance (01:44:02)

• Life expectancy has increased significantly in recent decades.
• Some people believe that technology can make humans live forever.
• It's important to consider whether living forever is truly desirable.
• Stress can be positive, but it becomes harmful when it lingers for too long.

The Impact Of AI (01:44:52)

• AI's rapid advancement is causing concerns about job displacement and economic disruption due to its potential to replace human jobs.
• The current economic system based on debt and GDP growth creates a cycle of stress and burnout, unlike simpler economic transactions of the past.
• AI has the potential to replace certain aspects of podcasting but is unlikely to fully replace human podcasters due to the value of personal touch and unique perspectives.
• AI voice technology is advancing rapidly, allowing developers to adjust parameters to make AI sound less human-like if desired.
• Achieving complete indistinguishability of AI from humans involves complex challenges related to emotions, creativity, and consciousness, which are still areas of active research and debate.
• OpenAI's new voice engine can perfectly clone a person's voice with just 15 seconds of reference audio, raising concerns about security and potential misuse.
• The rapid advancement of technology, including AI, is causing increased stress, and individuals need to find ways to handle these changes calmly and easily.
• The rise of AI technology has led to the creation of products like H, which allows users to continue relationships with ex-partners through AI chatbots, raising ethical concerns about exploiting human vulnerabilities and perpetuating unhealthy attachments.
• Technological advancements are often driven by financial gain rather than genuine human benefit, leading to societal struggles and competition.
• The shift from a world of scarcity to abundance through technological advancements raises questions about resource distribution and the balance between individual wealth and collective well-being.
• Shopify is an exceptionally simple web platform for anyone with an idea who wants to transact on a global scale, offering a checkout system that converts 36% better compared to other platforms.

Being Successful And Balanced (02:02:04)

• Building a billion-dollar business solely for wealth accumulation is not a moral or sustainable goal. Instead, aiming to create value and positively impact the world, such as solving global challenges, while allowing personal wealth to come naturally, is a more fulfilling and ethical approach.
• The current capitalist system, driven by scarcity and ego-driven wealth accumulation, needs to be reoriented towards solving global challenges.
• Many wealthy individuals experience misery and stress due to the relentless pursuit of wealth and the inability to find balance in their lives.
• Excessive responsibilities and obligations can lead to burnout and unhappiness, and stress is a significant contributor to heart attacks in young people.
• To reduce stress, individuals should set a goal to become unstressed and take practical steps to achieve it.
• Stress is not only caused by life events but also by how individuals deal with them. Investing in personal abilities and resources can help individuals better cope with stressful situations.
• Fear, worry, anxiety, and panic can be more damaging than the actual events themselves. Fear is a perceived future threat, worry involves uncertainty about future challenges, anxiety is a heightened state of apprehension, and panic requires immediate attention.
• Instead of worrying about uncertain events, it's better to focus on the present and take actions that provide certainty.
• External life circumstances may be harsh, but the way we deal with them is within our control. Finding gratitude and practicing self-care can help ease life's challenges and reduce stress.
• Love is a powerful force that can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.

Love & Relationship Advice (02:16:20)

• Mo Gawdat questions the Western approach to relationships, which assumes that waiting longer to find a partner leads to greater happiness.
• He emphasizes the importance of self-work and personal growth before entering a relationship, highlighting his experience of meeting his wife, Hannah, after significant self-improvement.
• Gawdat stresses the significance of recognizing one's potential and working on oneself rather than expecting a partner to make one better.
• He advocates for certainty and compatibility in relationships, suggesting that individuals should only engage in relationships with a high probability of success.
• Junk relationships provide intimacy and sexuality but ultimately drain more than they give, and men often don't recognize the cost of switching partners, leading to unhealthy relationships.
• Finding the right partner requires self-work and knowing what you want, and dating is an internal job where working on oneself leads to finding the desired partner.

Why Some People Don't Find A Partner (02:26:17)

• Unhealthy relationship patterns often stem from ingrained scripts and beliefs from past experiences, leading to negative outcomes like serial dating or relationship avoidance.
• To break free from these patterns, individuals need to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs and be open to personal growth.
• Childhood experiences and attachment styles significantly influence relationship issues.
• Effective communication and understanding are vital for resolving conflicts and building healthy relationships.
• Couples therapy can help identify and address repetitive negative patterns in relationships.
• Trauma can amplify events and trigger disproportionate emotional responses, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Personal growth and self-improvement are continuous journeys, requiring accountability for one's actions and reactions.
• The people we attract into our lives often reflect our own qualities and characteristics.

Becoming Unstressable (02:34:22)

• Stress can increase the risk of death by 30%, but strong support networks can mitigate this risk.
• Spirituality, defined as the connection to one's non-physical form, is crucial for feeling safe and reducing stress.
• Human connection is the most effective way to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress.
• The book "Unstress" offers a practical guide to stress-free living, combining logical and spiritual approaches.
• The goal is to cultivate a stress-free lifestyle by developing mental fitness and resilience, rather than relying on temporary stress-relief methods.

Mo's Family Heartache (02:40:15)

• Mo's brother was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery.
• After recovering from cancer, Mo's brother developed a benign digestive tumor.
• Mo's sister-in-law, Sahar, collapsed from stress in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit and passed away.
• A few weeks later, Mo's brother also passed away.
• Mo reflects on the importance of life priorities and questions whether he should have spent more time with his family instead of pursuing his career.
• Mo emphasizes that maximizing impact and gain without limits may not be the right objective in life.
• He suggests that dedicating life to the wrong pursuits can lead to harsh life experiences as a means of teaching redirection or healing.
• Mo believes that proactively responding to life's challenges can prevent the need for harsh experiences.

What Would You Tell The First People You Loved (02:44:53)

• Mo Gawdat emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relationships, even after a romantic relationship ends, as the value and impact of the connection shared remain significant.
• Gawdat highlights various aspects of a relationship, including partnership, passion, romance, friendship, companionship, tenderness, touch, and support, and encourages individuals to appreciate and be grateful for the time spent with loved ones, even if the relationship has ended.
• He reflects on the loss of his friend Ali and expresses his gratitude for the time they had together, emphasizing the importance of cherishing and expressing appreciation for loved ones while they are still present.
• Gawdat believes that workaholism is causing a significant number of heart attacks in young people and suggests that people should change the intention behind their actions and focus on more rewarding results rather than just success.
• By doing this, Gawdat believes that people can become more influential and bring wisdom to others, which will ultimately lead to greater rewards in life.