421. Fitness, Motivation, Mentorship, and Life's Calling | Derek (More Plates More Dates)

Derek's success as a social media influencer and entrepreneur was driven by his willingness to learn from others who had demonstrated success in the same field. When he received advice from a trusted authority in his niche, he listened and took action, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone. Derek recognized that replicating a blueprint set by successful individuals could lead him down a similar path of success. This highlights the importance of being open-minded and humble enough to acknowledge the expertise of others, even if it means admitting one's own ignorance or mistakes. Swallowing evidence of one's own stupidity and being willing to learn from those who know more can be a crucial factor in achieving personal and professional growth.

Staying relevant and successful in the online communication environment requires constant adaptation and staying on the cutting edge. This includes being proficient in various mediums, as simply relying on one platform may lead to a loss of relevancy. Additionally, the manipulation of search engine algorithms and the opacity of ranking criteria make it challenging for content creators to maintain credibility and visibility. Some unethical practices, such as buying high-authority websites or publishing misleading information, can easily manipulate rankings. The arms race between genuine content creators and malevolent individuals emphasizes the need for constant vigilance. Furthermore, the interview highlights how personal circumstances and interests can lead individuals down unexpected paths, even if their formal education seems unrelated.

Having a defined pathway and concrete goals can greatly contribute to success and personal growth. The conversation between Jordan Peterson and Derek from More Plates More Dates highlights the importance of having a clear direction and taking step-by-step actions towards achieving goals. Derek mentions that without a clear path, it becomes difficult for him to stay focused and reassured that he is on the right track. He also talks about how he always felt the need for something missing in his life to guide him towards what he should be doing. Jordan Peterson emphasizes the significance of following a calling or a voice of adventure, which often leads to challenging situations and sacrifices but ultimately contributes to personal development. Additionally, the desire to be attractive to others, particularly women, can motivate men to strive for self-improvement. Overall, having a defined pathway, pursuing concrete goals, and following one's calling are key elements in personal growth and success.

Women are seeking socioeconomic success in a partner to level the economic playing field and share the burdens of pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. This instinct prompts them to look for someone who can split the load and provide an opportunity for them. However, our culture often suppresses this voice and discourages unconventional pathways. But sometimes, a catastrophe can present an opportunity, as it did for Derek. His injury created excess free time, which he wisely used to pursue his interests. With the guidance of a mentor and his own self-improvement journey, he discovered a passion for writing and found success in that field. This highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of following personal interests, and the potential for growth and fulfillment in unexpected places.

Starting out as a content creator involves a journey of improvement and learning. Derek from More Plates More Dates reflects on how his first pieces of writing were not as great as he initially believed. However, he emphasizes that this is a common experience among content creators, as everyone evolves and improves over time. Writing regularly requires discipline and overcoming psychological obstacles such as self-doubt and lack of ideas. Derek found that by persevering through these challenges, the intensity of these obstacles decreased over time. Additionally, he highlights the importance of having mentors who can inspire and guide you on your creative path. Furthermore, he shares the importance of adapting writing style to fit the online environment and the need to balance quality content with effective communication.

As an artist or content creator, it is important to find a balance between maintaining integrity and effectively communicating with your audience. Jordan Peterson highlights the success of Elvis Presley, who had both content and a wise promoter that helped him reach groundbreaking achievements. Contempt for your audience is counterproductive, and instead, a respectful alignment of motivation can lead to increased influence and financial opportunities. It is crucial to embrace the challenge of optimizing content production and communication as a creative problem. Additionally, developing a deep interest in a specific discipline and gaining valuable life experiences can make your content more genuine and valuable.

Discipline, peer support, and positive reinforcement are key elements in personal development and success. The conversation between Jordan Peterson and Derek from More Plates More Dates reveals that starting a business or embarking on a personal transformation requires having one's act together, especially for women who may face societal pressures related to age. Having mentors and learning from those who have already achieved success can be invaluable. Derek's story highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive peer network that can provide motivation and encouragement. Additionally, the use of objective metrics, such as weightlifting progress, can help individuals see tangible results and stay motivated. With discipline, the right support system, and clear goals, one can transform from feeling "weak and useless" to achieving personal growth and success.

Developing expertise and sharing your journey along the way can be valuable for others. Both Jordan Peterson and Derek from More Plates More Dates emphasize the importance of learning and growing in a way that benefits not only yourself, but also those who are in a similar stage of development. While it may feel intimidating to share your knowledge when you still have more to learn, there are always people who can benefit from your experiences and insights. Being a mentor or a source of inspiration doesn't require being the most accomplished or knowledgeable person; it's about finding a zone of proximal development where your advice and guidance can be relevant and meaningful.

Positioning yourself as a credible communicator is crucial when trying to connect with someone or seek their help. Instead of simply asking for something, it's important to offer value or make an offering that the other person finds valuable. This can include providing insights from their content or demonstrating your skills and abilities through projects or examples. By doing so, you differentiate yourself from others who may just be seeking favors without putting in any effort. Additionally, it's essential to be selective and cautious when choosing who to work with or seek mentorship from, as even one negative influence can have a detrimental impact on your goals and aspirations.

Going above and beyond in your work can have significant benefits. By delivering something useful and showing initiative, you can distinguish yourself from others and increase your chances of success. It's not just about working longer hours, but about being diligent, orderly, and conscientious. While raw intelligence is important, it's something we have limited control over. However, we can discipline ourselves to become more conscientious and diligent, traits that are equally predictive of success. By being willing to take on extra tasks and consistently delivering high-quality work, you increase your chances of being recognized and given more opportunities. Starting your day when you're mentally sharp, maintaining focus, and minimizing distractions can also enhance your productivity.

Our instinct for self-development and obsession with our interests is deeply rooted in our biology. This drive for success and improvement manifests itself in different ways throughout our lives. For example, as young men, it often leads us to seek attractiveness in order to be appealing to women. However, true attractiveness is not just about surface-level appearance, but also about optimized health and performance. Our sense of beauty itself has evolved through sexual selection, where subconscious judgments are made by potential mates. As we mature and gain more knowledge and experience, our interests and passions may shift towards deeper pursuits like longevity, preventative medicine, and scientific understanding. The key is to tap into our innate drive for self-improvement and allow it to lead us down the path of growth and fulfillment.

Physical health and mental health are interconnected and can greatly impact cognitive function and communication skills. Derek from More Plates More Dates initially focused on improving his physical appearance through weightlifting and cardiovascular exercise. However, he soon realized that being able to engage in fluent and articulate conversations with attractive women had a positive ripple effect on his ability to communicate in business interviews and presentations. Jordan Peterson emphasizes that physical exercise is crucial for sustaining and developing cognitive function. Additionally, the capacity to be articulate and express oneself clearly is highly attractive and indicative of general competence. Derek's journey highlights the importance of both physical and mental well-being in fostering effective communication skills. Furthermore, the practice of verbal articulation and eliminating common communication errors can greatly enhance one's ability to communicate effectively.

Transitioning from writing to video content creation can lead to hyper accelerated growth and exposure. Writing allowed Derek to formalize his thoughts and connect with his audience through meticulous and perfected work. However, he realized that video provided a more intimate and time-efficient medium to build a relationship with viewers. While writing allowed for deeper thinking, video enabled Derek to reach a wider audience and identify what his market was interested in. By actively engaging with the audience and paying attention to their feedback, he was able to produce content that resonated and generated success on YouTube. Ultimately, the transition from writing to video proved to be a catalyst for Derek's increased growth and exposure.

Finding your target audience and aligning your interests and motivations with theirs is crucial for success. Derek from More Plates More Dates explains that he creates content based on questions he had in the past, appealing to a demographic that was similar to him years ago. By focusing on topics he is genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about, he attracts an audience that shares his interests. This authenticity leads to greater engagement and connection with his viewers. Similarly, Jordan Peterson emphasizes the importance of aligning your motivations and pursuing what genuinely interests you. This way, you can stay enthusiastic and motivated, which will ultimately lead to better outcomes and continuous learning.

Pursuing self-improvement and optimization leads to a natural progression from focusing on appearance to focusing on overall health and well-being. It starts with wanting to be appealing to others, but then dives deeper into enhancing cognitive performance, optimizing hormones, preventing aging, and staying youthful and strong. These areas are interconnected and can lead to endless rabbit holes of knowledge and exploration. This pursuit can also lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and a sense of purpose. Just as Moses encountered the burning bush and was transformed into a leader, paying attention to the things that call to us can lead us to uncover our true purpose and contribute to the fight against oppression and injustice.

Derek recognized the lack of high-value products and services in the industries he was passionate about. Through his expertise and frustration with the limited availability of quality options, he saw the opportunity to fill the gaps and provide exceptional offerings. His commitment to transparency and reliance on scientific literature set him apart from others in the field. By diving into scientific papers and evaluating their credibility, Derek gained the knowledge needed to provide accurate and cutting-edge information to his audience. His dedication and unique channel caught the attention of influential figures, further validating his expertise. Despite initial imposter syndrome, Derek's collaborations and associations reassured him that he had valuable insights to share.

It's important to have a clear vision and genuine interest when seeking knowledge and evaluating scientific literature. Derek from More Plates More Dates demonstrates this by educating himself on health and wellness, not to play doctor, but to improve himself and help others. Jordan Peterson emphasizes the need for this clarity and consistency in pursuing truth and being positively impactful. They discuss the challenges of finding medical oversight that reflects cutting-edge research, particularly in preventative care. In Canada, limited access and restrictions make it frustrating and even impossible to receive the care one seeks. The cost of free healthcare can mean being denied even when willing to pay out-of-pocket. This highlights the importance of seeking alternative options and taking personal responsibility for one's health.

The current healthcare system in Canada may not fully address the needs of individuals seeking diagnostic services or preventive care. The lack of attention and importance given to health concerns by some Canadian doctors motivated Derek to start his own company, Merrick Health. The main focus of Merrick Health is to provide valuable services that emphasize prevention of diseases and optimization of performance. They achieve this by connecting clients with medical professionals who are passionate about furthering their education and staying updated on relevant fields. The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive intake questionnaire that helps in obtaining a holistic view of the individual's health status. By bridging the gap between individuals and doctors, Merrick Health aims to provide a valuable and rewarding experience for both parties.

Diagnostic analysis should be guided by baseline historical reference points and accurate markers. More Plates More Dates uses comprehensive blood work that includes advanced metrics like apo, lipoprotein B to assess atherosclerosis potential. It is important to go beyond standard assessments like blood pressure and consider metrics that reflect cumulative risk and genetic predispositions. Unfortunately, many of these important markers are rarely tested for. More Plates More Dates strives to stay on top of the latest research and provide a non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking to optimize their health, including high-performing athletes who may be exposing themselves to substances that can shorten their lifespan. The goal is to work with doctors in tandem to not only prevent illness but also optimize function.

Derek from More Plates More Dates, along with his team at Mari Health, are dedicated to optimizing health and performance for both everyday individuals and elite athletes. They emphasize the importance of having access to medical providers who understand cutting-edge information and can help attenuate the damage caused by drug use in sports that are not tested. While they acknowledge the monetary incentives involved, Derek is passionate about his products, services, and the free education he provides at scale. Looking forward, their goal is to continue scaling their influence and education, bringing awareness to the importance of optimizing health and offering high-quality medical oversight. The primary platforms to follow them are YouTube and the Mari Health website.