"Enjoyment is the best measure of efficiency. If I'm enjoying my life, it takes me less energy to do the things that I want to do."
I recently sat down for a fascinating conversation with Joe Hudson, one of the most sought after executive coaches in the country and founder of The Art of Accomplishment. Joe is the trusted advisor to some of today's most innovative leaders, Including Sam Altman and the Open AI exec team.
Our discussion ventured deep into the hidden mechanics of decision-making and how to do it well.
While this conversation focuses on decision-making, I find that many of the ideas and techniques shared here will be valuable to anyone seeking greater clarity, connection, and fulfillment in their life and work.
Over the course of our discussion, we unpacked the emotional mechanics of decision-making, the difference between principles and values, and most importantly—how to find enjoyment as the ultimate measure of efficiency.
Joe believes that authentic decision-making begins by developing emotional fluidity, embracing all feelings rather than avoiding the uncomfortable ones that often distort our choices and keep us stuck in patterns of resistance.
Transformation happens when we live by clear principles rather than abstract values, creating a framework that aligns our choices with who we truly are. Joe encourages listeners to pursue an integrated life by welcoming all emotions, cultivating wonder, and creating communities that support personal evolution.
What makes this conversation especially valuable is Joe's practical approach. He doesn't just offer theories—he provides frameworks like VIEW (Vulnerability, Impartiality, Empathy, Wonder) and concrete practices that listeners can immediately apply to their most challenging decisions.
Joe challenges listeners to reclaim their clarity by confronting their emotional resistance, embracing their full selves, and stepping into the world as integrated, authentic individuals.
Listen to What’s The Big Idea on your preferred platform below:
Key Insights Shared:
The Emotional Foundation of Decision-Making
Emotions Drive All Decisions: Joe explains that our choices are fundamentally emotional, not logical. The sooner we recognize this, the clearer our decisions become.
Welcoming All Emotions: When we resist certain emotions, we create the very experiences we're trying to avoid. Developing a curious, accepting relationship with all feelings leads to clarity.
Principles vs. Values
Actionable Principles: Unlike abstract values, principles help you take aligned action. Joe's principles include "connection connection connection," "embrace intensity," and "everything is an iteration."
Living by Principle: When you live by your principles, decisions become almost "choiceless" - you simply know what's aligned with who you are.
Finding Enjoyment as True Efficiency
Clean vs. Dirty Fuel: While achievement is possible through stress, fear, and anger ("dirty fuel"), Joe argues that enjoyment is the cleanest, most sustainable energy source.
Wonder vs. Fear: Joe demonstrates how wonder and curiosity create openings where fear cannot exist, allowing us to see possibilities beyond our limiting assumptions.
Resources Mentioned:
Books:
Descartes's Error by Antonio Damasio
The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux
The Everyone Culture by Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
Learn more about Joe Hudson and his work:
Website: artofaccomplishment.com
Podcast: The Art of Accomplishment podcast
Thank You for Listening! Let us know what you think of the episode.
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