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I love people who ask questions other people aren’t asking. See trends others don’t see. Have the courage to try a new approach. Risk the illusion of security. Think differently. Jump into the abyss with nothing but faith and their own resolve in search of answers. And refuse to wait for permission to simply do.
In a certain sense, this dictate can be boiled down to a singular principle — people who Choose Themselves.
And this is what today’s guest is all about.
Enter James Altucher.
Where to even begin with this multi-talented hyphenate. Hedge fund manager, investor & serial entrepreneur, James has founded or co-founded over 20 companies; chess master; inspirational public speaker, radio, television and successful podcast host ( his show debuted at #1 on all of iTunes a few months back); bestselling author with 11 books to his name, both self-published and with the biggest publishing houses; husband, and father.
I first stumbled upon the world of James Altucher about a year ago through his prolific, always humorous discernments on his The Altucher Confidential Blog and have counted myself a rabid fan ever since.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just his keen perceptions and invaluable insights, but the honesty, authenticity and total transparency as a vehicle to deliver his perceptions. A self-deprecating style that astutely mines his many fears and failures with a profound degree of relatability that threads a fabric of deep emotional connection with his readership. An expert in navigating rejection and colossal failure with as much enthusiasm and authority as his lays out — brick-by-brick — the many principles he has honed and freely shares to achieve greater health, perspective, life satisfaction and prosperity.
We live in precarious times. A fear-based, quickly changing world pulling the thinly veiled curtain on the illusion of security. To crib a few ideas from James, markets have crashed. The traditional idea of jobs are disappearing. Everything we thought was “safe,” no longer is: College. Employment. Retirement. Government. In every part of society, the middlemen are being pushed out of the picture. No longer is someone coming to hire you, to invest in your company, to sign you, to pick you. More than ever, it falls on the individual to create a sustainable future.
Scary stuff.
We can look at this as a crisis. Or we can change perspective and see it as a moment of great opportunity. As always, destruction begets renewal. The truth is that we live in an amazing, unprecedented time of opportunity. A time of fantastical technology that in many ways has simply eradicated the seat once occupied by what we call the gatekeepers. With the advent of mind-blowing software and social media, new tools and economic forces are emerging that make it more possible than ever for individuals to create, thrive and change the world without “help” from the finicky sometimes not so permissive hand traditionally relied upon to feed us.
This is the idea behind what James would call the Choose Yourself* era. It’s also the title of his most recent book, a roadmap primer on transcending the decaying the master/servant paradigm of our economic system of employment and a call to action on how to configure a more meaningful life liberated from the so-called gatekeepers.
With a keen wit and finely honed insight, James is a guy who sees, understands and can translate life principles in a way that will both challenge and humor you.
I encourage all of you to read his book and the many articles on his blog, then experiment by incorporating his tools into your life.
So there you go.
I hope you enjoy today’s conversation. I certainly did. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Peace + Plants,
SHOW NOTES
- James Altucher’s Blog
- The James Altucher Show (Podcast)
- James Altucher on Facebook
- James Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucher
- James Altucher on Quora
- Choose Yourself* by James Altucher
- I Was Blind But Now I See* by James Altucher
- James Altucher’s Writings on The Huffington Post
*Disclosure: Books and products denoted with an asterisk are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Thanks for listening and thanks for the support!
I like how he modifies other successful book titles – The Power of Now, Love Yourself, etc.
I read Live Rich by Stephen M. Pollan 15 years ago roughly. He talked about mercenaries for hire and how the corporate security of a job is gone if it ever existed. Live Rich means living the lifestyle you want no matter what level you’re at – ie freedom. I’ve had a guitar lesson channel for years but now I’m also doing a YouTube channel on plant-based diet a la McDougall and it’s going very well so far and is impacting many lives.
Will, I think it is great that you have created a business based on your interests! This is a great podcast to inspire you to keep doing what you love!
Rich, tell your listeners that the book Choose Yourself is available on Amazon in Kindle format for $0.99. What a deal
Rich,
I really enjoy your podcasts and have been helped tremendously by your book and other work. I was a bit disappointed in how you dismissd formal education at the end of this podcast, though. Although there are definite shortcomings in this country’s education practices, I still believe there are many fine schools and many more excellent, devoted teachers out there; I’m sure you benefited from at least a few of them, and as you have noted, your education helps you to this day. As a devoted teacher at a liberal arts college not unlike Colorado College, where you are speaking, I feel strongly that my students benefit from their overall college experience and our integrative physioogy/health science programs.
Please don’t throw all undergrad and other schools under the bus, is what I’m saying. There’s room for experiential learning both outside of and within more traditional schools.
Thanks and I admire your home school work, too; best wishes!
Good point Matt and thanks for sharing it. I agree with what you are saying. I am very grateful for my education and so much to be said about its merits despite things that can be improved. I realize how this came off a bit more indicting than my intention – thanks for the thoughts!
No problem. I did get what you were saying in the podcast and agree that direct experience is irreplaceable. I also appreciate your quick reply.
Your interviews are incredible, and you really are making a huge difference in many people’s lives. Thanks again!