You're watching:
S2E48 - Marcus Aurelius: You Don't Control Outcomes—Only Standards
Jake and Michael unpack Marcus Aurelius's Meditations (which aren't meditations—they're "wartime journals") to break down the Stoic principle: You don't control outcomes. You only control standards. From gym goals to sales quotas to New Year's resolutions, they expose why most people fail: they focus on results instead of inputs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
You Can't Control Outcomes, Only Standards — Marcus Aurelius: Stop trying to control results. Control your inputs, discipline, and execution standards.
The $200K Question — Jake's coaching trick: "Are you okay making $100K?" The answer reveals their TRUE standard (usually 80% less than their stated goal).
Non-Negotiable Standards ≠ Goals — Goals are wishes. Standards are what you REFUSE to accept below.
The Deathbed Question — Will Smith's Pole to Pole episode in the Himalayas: Hindu monks ask, "Will this matter on your deathbed?" If not, stop giving it energy.
90-Day Formula — Break big goals into 90-day blocks. 90 → 120 → 150 days. Bite-sized, attainable, habit-building.
Visualization 3-5x/Day — Make the goal so real (hear it, see it, smell it, feel it) that NOT doing it becomes impossible.
Alignment Check — If your goal is to run a marathon but you're surrounded by people who refuse to run a mile, you're NOT in alignment. Find your tribe.
Bring Value or Get Out — Want to "level up" and join high-level circles? Stop being a taker. Bring value or you're a tire kicker.
MILESTONE: 70,000 downloads! Audience appreciation shoutout. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, E360 TV, YouTube.
