The Eternal Optimist
The Eternal Optimist
Matt Drinkhahn
Overcoming the Shadow within Us with Dr. Will Sparks
50 minutes Posted Oct 25, 2022 at 9:00 am.
Introduction03:17 Biggest challenges so far in Dr. Sparks' life08:14 How Dr. Sparks owned up to his own shortcomings10:48 The benefits of overcoming your radical self-interests 13:12 The role of humility in growth and success in life15:24 How Dr. Sparks would coach Darth Vader and Princess Leia19:25 The three main shadows in leadership21:18 The concept of paradoxical intent24:54 People often meet their destiny on the road they took to avoid it26:34 Are you a self-actualized leader?28:25 What it takes to live a life of abundance31:01 Life is a series of decisions and choices33:19 Why it's important to be aware of your dark side36:44 Routine for setting your day up for success39:10 Dr. Sparks' book recommendations42:23 Dr. Sparks' definition of success46:19 Parting thoughts Links and Resources MentionedDrWillSparks Consulting, CoachingThe ALP self-assessment The Power of Self-Awareness TED Talk by Dr. Sparks Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow and Maximizing Your Potential by William L. SparksThe Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
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Dr. William Sparks is an associate professor of behavioral science and has consulted with numerous organizations in the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Navy, Transamerica, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He is also a principal with Sparks & Associates, LLC, a professional services firm focused on leadership and team development, corporate creativity and innovation, and change management. Today's episode is all about Jedi master training, and most importantly, the shadow within all of us that we'd rather not reveal. We also share tips on the power of self-awareness and why we need to acknowledge the dark side of ourselves to be fully integrated humans. Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction03:17 Biggest challenges so far in Dr. Sparks' life08:14 How Dr. Sparks owned up to his own shortcomings10:48 The benefits of overcoming your radical self-interests 13:12 The role of humility in growth and success in life15:24 How Dr. Sparks would coach Darth Vader and Princess Leia19:25 The three main shadows in leadership21:18 The concept of paradoxical intent24:54 People often meet their destiny on the road they took to avoid it26:34 Are you a self-actualized leader?28:25 What it takes to live a life of abundance31:01 Life is a series of decisions and choices33:19 Why it's important to be aware of your dark side36:44 Routine for setting your day up for success39:10 Dr. Sparks' book recommendations42:23 Dr. Sparks' definition of success46:19 Parting thoughts Links and Resources MentionedDrWillSparks - Consulting, CoachingThe ALP self-assessment The Power of Self-Awareness TED Talk by Dr. Sparks Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow and Maximizing Your Potential by William L. SparksThe Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl