Episode 313: Positive psychology in entrepreneurship with Aaron Marcum

Links:
entrethrive.com

Summary
Aaron Marcum, a guest specializing in positive psychology, discusses the importance of agency and mindset in entrepreneurship and well-being. He outlines the eight laws in his book, including the cornerstone law of ultra-clarity and the importance of defining guiding truths. He also introduces the concept of "entragrit" and the five levels of pursuing something with grit. Samuel and Aaron discuss the importance of grit and passion in pursuing work, as well as making high quality connections with everyone.

Key Points
• Aaron mentions listening to an episode on gratitude and positive psychology, and mentions his mentor Martin Seligman (1:59)

• Samuel suggests that if more people knew how to grieve well, they could prepare better for the loss of autonomy at different stages in life (6:08)

• Samuel introduces Aaron as a guest who specializes in positive psychology and structuring questions for desired outcomes (9:35)

• He shares how he learned to prioritize his personal life and recommends a book that helped him through this turning point (14:25)

• The program helped him personally and he wants to share that magic with others through his book, which combines personal stories with science. (19:57)

• Aaron Marcum discusses the importance of agency in entrepreneurship and well-being, including self-efficacy, optimism, and imagination (25:24)

• They discuss the idea of self-efficacy and agency, and how it is something that only an individual can give up or take back (31:43)

• He uses Victor Frankel's story as an example of reframing thoughts and having a good life mindset (33:48)

• Aaron outlines the eight laws in his book that help entrepreneurs, including the cornerstone law of ultra-clarity and the importance of defining guiding truths (39:11)

• Aaron emphasizes the importance of mindset in entrepreneurship and shares personal examples of how these laws have helped him in his own journey (40:19)

• Aaron discusses the importance of getting clear on your guiding truths and breakaways (41:36)

• Aaron introduces the concept of "entragrit" and the five levels of pursuing something with grit: curiosity, interest, practice, passion, and purpose. He warns against false passion and emphasizes the importance of practice over talent. (42:57)

• Samuel and Aaron discuss the importance of grit and passion in pursuing work (45:58)

• He emphasizes the importance of congruency in relationships and living according to who we say we are (50:11)

• The final part of "entra connections" involves making high quality connections with everyone, including Uber drivers and team members. (53:19)

• Aaron talks about the importance of high quality connections and treating everyone as equals, regardless of their position in the organizational chart (54:08)