Ep. 70 – Great Expectations: Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan Are Failures!
In episode 70 of the “Empowering Choices” podcast, titled “Great Expectations,” hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Erik dive into the intricate world of expectations, particularly focusing on parental aspirations for their children’s achievements. The discussion begins with a humorous misinterpretation of Charles Dickens’ *Great Expectations*, which quickly transitions into a serious conversation about the realistic and proper expectations parents should have for their children. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore the dichotomy between societal norms and individual capabilities. Erik points out, “We have developed things in our modern world… that does not mean they’re going to be a starving artist for the rest of their life.” This highlights the evolving opportunities for artists in today’s digital and global marketplace, which can defy traditional expectations of artistic careers. The conversation also addresses how historical figures and modern celebrities like Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and Joe Rogan all faced failures and setbacks before achieving success. Joshua notes, “Typically the first thing that they thought of was not the thing that actually worked. It was like the 10th thing or the 15th thing or the 100th try,” emphasizing that persistence through failure is a common theme among successful individuals. One of the key messages of the episode is the importance of flexibility in expectations. Lucas discusses the value of adaptability, comparing it to metallurgy: “In metallurgy, if something is too strong, we call it brittle because it breaks.” This metaphor is used to illustrate how rigid expectations can lead to failure, whereas flexibility can lead to unexpected forms of success. Finally, the hosts urge parents to focus on nurturing their children’s interests and passions rather than imposing strict academic or career expectations. Erik suggests, “Run them through lots of different samplings of things… You’re looking for their interest because whatever that vein is in their neurology, you’re going to want to start pumping that after them.” This approach, they argue, not only fosters happiness and satisfaction in children but also encourages them to excel in areas they are genuinely interested in.
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