What To Do To Be Successful | Jordan B Peterson

Summary

This transcript explores the complex factors that contribute to success and cognitive health. The speaker explains that IQ is largely fixed, but cognitive decline can be prevented through physical exercise, particularly aerobic and anaerobic activities. Success in life, especially in terms of industriousness, is driven by conscientiousness, which can be nurtured through setting meaningful, value-driven goals. The importance of a structured but flexible daily routine is emphasized, where work and relaxation are balanced. The speaker encourages self-negotiation and continuous improvement, focusing on creating a life that is both productive and fulfilling.

Takeaways

• 😀 IQ is largely fixed, and there’s no solid evidence that brain training games improve cognitive ability, though they can make you better at specific games.
• 😀 Fluid IQ tends to decrease with age, but physical exercise (both anaerobic and aerobic) is the best way to prevent cognitive decline over the lifespan.
• 😀 Conscientiousness is one of the best predictors of success in life, with industriousness (a component of conscientiousness) being the most important.
• 😀 Setting clear, valuable goals is essential for enhancing your industriousness and overall success. This process can be aided by programs like the 'Future Authoring Program.'
• 😀 You should tailor your goals to your personality, as different personality traits (e.g., extroversion, agreeableness) influence motivation and desired outcomes.
• 😀 A life vision should focus on areas such as friendships, intimate relationships, family, career, health, and mental well-being, as these are the fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life.
• 😀 To build industriousness, break down large goals into micro-processes, and make these small steps rewarding by aligning them with the larger, valued goal.
• 😀 Having a clear, valuable goal makes it easier to stay motivated, as your incentive reward system is activated when you see progress toward that goal.
• 😀 It's important to balance responsibility and reward in your daily schedule. Set up your day to ensure both productivity and enjoyment, not just rigid tasks.
• 😀 A schedule should be crafted not as a prison but as a guide to structuring your day in a way that makes you feel good and productive, with a healthy balance of obligations and fun.
• 😀 Regularly evaluating and adjusting your goals and daily routines will help you improve gradually over time, even if you're not perfect. Strive for incremental progress.

Q & A

What is the relationship between IQ and cognitive improvement?

IQ is largely fixed, and there is no evidence to suggest that brain training exercises can significantly improve it. However, physical exercise, including both anaerobic and aerobic activities, can help maintain brain health and slow down cognitive decline as we age.

What is the best way to prevent a decline in IQ over time?

The best way to prevent a decline in IQ is through physical exercise. It helps maintain oxygen levels and promotes brain health, thus staving off cognitive decline throughout life.

How does conscientiousness impact success?

Conscientiousness is a major predictor of success, with industriousness (the ability to work hard and persist) being a stronger indicator than orderliness. By focusing on industriousness, individuals can improve their chances of long-term success.

How can you improve your industriousness?

Improving industriousness can be done through setting clear, specific goals that align with personal values. Developing micro habits, such as small, manageable actions, and sticking to a structured plan or routine can help build industriousness over time.

Why is setting specific goals important for success?

Specific goals provide a clear direction and purpose. Without clear goals, it's difficult to measure progress or understand when you've failed. Clear goals also increase motivation by providing a target that makes the effort feel worthwhile.

What role does the 'dopaminergic incentive reward system' play in motivation?

The dopaminergic incentive reward system is activated when we move toward a valued goal, generating positive emotions and reinforcing the behaviors that help us achieve those goals. This system helps sustain motivation, making it easier to continue pursuing goals as long as they are meaningful.

How can people overcome the temptation to procrastinate and avoid failure?

One strategy is to make goals specific and set up a clear plan for achieving them. It's also important to recognize that willful blindness to failure can lead to greater long-term problems, so embracing small, clear steps can prevent procrastination and keep you on track.

What is the importance of balancing responsibility and reward in a schedule?

A well-balanced schedule includes both responsibility and reward. Responsibility ensures productivity and progress, while rewards (such as leisure activities) keep motivation high. Structuring the day to include both elements prevents burnout and helps maintain long-term focus.

How should a person structure their daily schedule for success?

A daily schedule should be structured in a way that makes it possible to achieve your long-term goals while allowing time for both responsibility and relaxation. It’s important to make the schedule something you would enjoy, rather than a rigid, unenjoyable plan, in order to increase adherence.

Why is self-negotiation important in creating a productive routine?

Self-negotiation is key because people often struggle with following orders or plans they set for themselves. By negotiating with yourself—balancing work and rewards—you can create a routine that is sustainable, motivating, and enjoyable, rather than feeling forced or tyrannical.