Israel Adesanya: Becoming World Champion Was The Lowest Day Of My Life!

The Importance of Support and Recognition

Seeking Engagement

• The speaker requests listeners to follow or subscribe, emphasizing the importance of support for their work.

• They mention that subscribers are invited monthly to watch the show in person, highlighting community engagement.

Personal Legacy

• The speaker reflects on their desire for historical recognition, indicating a deep personal ambition tied to their legacy.

Struggles with Identity and Pressure

Standing Out vs. Fitting In

• The speaker discusses feeling out of place but recognizes that individuals like them are meant to stand out rather than conform.

Personal Challenges

• They share a past experience from 2013, describing it as a "Great Depression" due to not being able to fight, leading to feelings of unworthiness.

Vulnerability and Authenticity

Self-Reflection

• The speaker acknowledges the dual nature of public perception—people build you up only to tear you down.

Openness About Struggles

• They express vulnerability by sharing personal challenges openly, suggesting this is part of their authenticity.

Inspiration from Shared Heritage

Connection with Israel Adesanya

• The speaker expresses admiration for Israel Adesanya, noting shared Nigerian heritage and similar life stories as sources of inspiration.

Creative Expression Through Performance

Unique Entrance at UFC Fight

• The speaker recalls an iconic entrance during a fight against Robert Whitaker, viewing it as a creative expression rather than just pre-fight nerves.

Preparation and Focus

• They describe rehearsing the entrance multiple times before the fight, showcasing dedication and excitement about performance.

Embracing Pressure in Competition

High Stakes Motivation

• The speaker enjoys putting pressure on themselves during fights as it enhances the thrill and satisfaction when they succeed.

Overcoming Expectations

• They acknowledge that many people want them to fail but find motivation in proving doubters wrong through success.

Educational Journey from Nigeria to New Zealand

Reasons for Relocation

• Discussing family decisions behind moving from Nigeria to New Zealand primarily for better educational opportunities recognized in Western countries.

Academic Experience

Experiences of Racial Identity and Belonging

Early Education and Relocation

• The speaker recounts moving to New Zealand, where they had to repeat Form One due to being considered too young. They eventually progressed through the school system despite not being academically gifted.

Cultural Shock and Awareness of Race

• The speaker shares their experience of moving from Botswana to a predominantly white area in Plymouth, England, highlighting feelings of difference and poverty compared to classmates.

• They express that they were unaware of their racial identity until leaving Nigeria, noting that discrimination based on skin tone was a new realization for them.

Experiences with Bullying

• A specific incident is described where a classmate harassed the speaker by shouting racial slurs while riding past their house, illustrating the impact of racism on their childhood.

• After enduring harassment, the speaker retaliated against the bully at school, expressing frustration over being targeted both at home and in school environments.

Struggles with Identity

• The speaker discusses attempts to fit in by altering their appearance (e.g., relaxing hair), reflecting a desire for acceptance among peers.

• They emphasize the universal need for belonging during childhood but later realized that standing out rather than fitting in was essential for them.

Coping Mechanisms and Reflections on Childhood

• To avoid bullying, the speaker would take longer routes around school instead of facing potential harassment directly when going to the tuck shop.

• They describe typical bullying behaviors encountered at school, such as physical intimidation or verbal taunts from peers who were also navigating their own emotional challenges.

Lessons Learned for Future Generations

• Reflecting on formative years, the speaker acknowledges how these experiences shape adult identities. They plan to teach their children about self-defense and assertiveness against bullies.

Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Adulthood

The Journey from Childhood to Adulthood

• The speaker reflects on their childhood experiences moving from Niger to New Zealand, highlighting how these experiences shaped their identity and led them to become a people pleaser in an effort to fit in.

• They discuss the long-lasting effects of this behavior into adulthood, noting that while they can now identify and combat this tendency, it still occasionally resurfaces.

• The realization that trying to please everyone is not sustainable; it's impossible to make everyone happy, which leads to personal dissatisfaction.

• Emphasizes a shift in mindset where they no longer care about the opinions of those who do not matter emotionally, focusing instead on the views of loved ones.

Self-Reflection and Therapy

• Clarifies that their people pleasing was rooted in high school interactions rather than social media influences; they often complied with peers' demands for acceptance.

• Discusses the importance of self-reflection and therapy as tools for understanding childhood trauma and its impact on current behaviors.

• Highlights the need for individuals to confront their past traumas through introspection or professional help, emphasizing reverse engineering one's thoughts and attitudes.

Impostor Syndrome Among Achievements

• The conversation shifts towards feelings of impostor syndrome despite being a successful UFC champion; there are hints of self-doubt regarding deserving success.

• Shares a personal anecdote about purchasing a McLaren 720S after winning against Rob Whittaker but feeling undeserving due to societal pressures like "Tall Poppy Syndrome."

Reactions from Peers

• Describes how upon revealing his new car only to close teammates rather than flaunting it publicly, he faced unexpected negative comments suggesting he didn't deserve his success compared to others who worked harder.

• Reflecting on these comments led him to feel unworthy, resulting in him parking the car away from public view for a week out of shame.

• Concludes with an acknowledgment that external perceptions can deeply affect one's self-esteem and enjoyment of achievements.

Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth

Overcoming Self-Doubt

• The speaker reflects on feelings of unworthiness, believing others work harder than them, but realizes that opinions about deserving success are subjective.

• Despite external doubts, the speaker asserts their right to enjoy their achievements, emphasizing that they earned everything they have.

• The impact of close relationships on self-perception is discussed; negative comments from loved ones can deeply affect one's confidence.

Mental Health in High-Stakes Environments

• The conversation highlights the surprising nature of a UFC champion experiencing imposter syndrome, challenging common misconceptions about confidence in high achievers.

• The speaker shares personal experiences with therapy post-UFC debut, revealing unexpected emotional struggles despite professional success.

Coping Mechanisms and Therapy Insights

• After a significant career milestone, the speaker felt an overwhelming sense of sadness despite financial success, prompting a deeper exploration into mental health.

• Therapy became essential for the speaker as they sought to avoid becoming another statistic related to mental health issues in entertainment.

Tools for Managing Attention and Anxiety

• The importance of finding effective coping tools is emphasized; reading self-help literature helped during challenging times.

• Engaging in positive self-talk and mirror conversations emerged as powerful techniques for building self-esteem and managing anxiety.

Acknowledging Vulnerability Among Fighters

Mental Health and Personal Struggles: A Journey to Recovery

The Importance of Mental Health

• The speaker discusses the parallels between physical health and mental health, emphasizing that neglecting either can lead to serious consequences.

• They advocate for treating mental health with the same seriousness as physical health, comparing therapy to taking vitamins or visiting a hospital.

• The speaker reflects on their own journey, acknowledging human fallibility but stressing the importance of staying proactive about mental well-being.

Personal Experiences with Depression

• The speaker identifies 2013 as a particularly challenging year, describing it as their "Great Depression" due to multiple personal losses and setbacks.

• They recount a moment of desperation when financial struggles led them to empathize with those who resort to crime out of necessity.

• Despite hardships, they highlight the support from their parents during tough times, which prevented them from reaching a breaking point.

Finding Purpose Through Fighting

• The turning point came when they returned to fighting after an extended break due to surgery; this rekindled their sense of purpose.

• Reconnecting with their passion for fighting helped restore their identity and motivation in life after experiencing significant loss.

Addressing Young Men's Mental Health

• The discussion shifts towards young men’s mental health issues, noting that suicide is a leading cause of death among men under 45.

• The speaker suggests that creating more accessible gyms could help combat rising suicide rates by providing young men with healthy outlets for stress and aggression.

Physical Activity as an Outlet

• They emphasize the need for young men to have constructive outlets for pent-up energy and emotions during adolescence.

• The speaker expresses a personal need for adrenaline-inducing activities post-career, indicating that martial arts serve as both a physical outlet and a means of self-regulation.

Diet and Identity: Reflections on Change

Changing Diet and Fitness Routine

• The speaker discusses the primal instinct activated during intense moments, such as fighting, which motivates them to push through challenges.

• They express a desire to slim down due to poor dietary habits over the past few months, noting visible effects in their body.

• The speaker tracks gym attendance with friends using an online tracker called "Fitness Blockchain," reporting 81% workout consistency over 150 days.

• They mention incorporating a protein shake into their diet, specifically favoring the Salted Caramel flavor from hu products.

Thoughts on Fame and Identity

• The speaker reflects on the potential loss of identity after retiring from fighting, emphasizing that they are not solely defined by their championship status.

• They assert confidence in their self-identity beyond titles, stating that being a champion is not tied to material accolades like belts.

• Many fighters struggle with identity post-retirement; some remain in the spotlight due to addiction to fame and attention as social currency.

Observations on Fame Dynamics

• A personal anecdote illustrates how fame can alter public perception; they recount witnessing someone gain attention simply by being surrounded by cameras.

• The speaker shares an experience where they were recognized in Times Square while filming for their brand, highlighting how quickly crowds form around perceived fame.

Encounters with Recognition

• They describe humorous interactions where people falsely claim familiarity with celebrities, showcasing societal tendencies towards superficial connections based on fame.

• An amusing encounter at a bar reveals how some individuals react when confronted with someone famous but unfamiliar; it highlights the disconnect between recognition and genuine knowledge of a person’s work.

Understanding Fame and Its Impact

The Nature of Fame

• The speaker reflects on their relationship with fame, describing it as an external phenomenon they observe rather than actively engage with. They express a sense of detachment from the noise surrounding fame.

• While acknowledging the perks that come with fame, the speaker admits to disliking the experience of being famous itself, highlighting a conflict between enjoying benefits and facing public scrutiny.

Observations on Celebrity Culture

• The speaker shares their discomfort watching celebrities like Britney Spears being chased by paparazzi, emphasizing how this relentless pursuit can lead to anxiety and misinterpretation of behavior.

• They argue that fame is not natural for individuals and criticize how social media amplifies voices of those who contribute little to society while drowning out genuine achievers.

Social Media Dynamics

• A quote from Instagram is referenced, noting that in pre-social media times, only doers were heard; now complainers dominate discussions due to anonymity provided by online platforms.

• The speaker points out a paradox where complainers gain more attention than doers, leading society to believe in negative narratives over positive actions.

Navigating Diverse Perspectives

• The discussion touches on human connectivity through social media, which has expanded our circles beyond traditional tribes but also introduces challenges like confirmation bias.

• To counteract echo chambers, the speaker intentionally follows diverse viewpoints on social media to remain aware of differing ideologies without necessarily agreeing with them.

Societal Trends and Individual Thought

• There’s a critique of societal polarization where people refuse to entertain opposing views. This binary thinking limits discourse and understanding among different groups.

• The speaker notes that intelligent individuals can sometimes hold irrational beliefs when influenced by group mentality or personal experiences.

Reflections on Group Mentality

• Acknowledging the complexity of human behavior, the speaker observes how collective intelligence can diminish in groups despite individual smartness.

• They emphasize observing others' perspectives without taking it personally, recognizing that individual backgrounds shape worldviews significantly.

Personal Values Over Divisive Issues

• The conversation shifts towards valuing personal interactions over divisive topics like vaccination status. The focus is placed on treating others well regardless of differing opinions.

Understanding Division and Personal Agency

The Impact of Vaccination Status on Social Dynamics

• The speaker reflects on the societal pressure to disclose vaccination status, questioning its relevance and the need for categorization.

• They highlight the concept of "divide and conquer," suggesting that creating divisions among people is a tactic used historically by powerful entities to maintain control.

Personal Views on Politics and Media Consumption

• The speaker identifies as someone who remains neutral in political discussions, expressing disinterest in news media despite being exposed to it during childhood.

• They recount their experience with COVID-19 updates, indicating a detachment from mainstream narratives and rules imposed during lockdowns.

Navigating Rules During Lockdowns

• Despite restrictions, the speaker felt empowered to find ways around limitations, illustrating a sense of personal agency amidst external controls.

• Initially fearful at the pandemic's onset, they later recognized inconsistencies in regulations that led them to question underlying motives.

Authenticity vs. Public Perception

• Discussing their role in media (BBC 1), the speaker emphasizes staying true to oneself rather than conforming to public expectations or press portrayals.

• They critique individuals who overly curate their public image for approval, advocating instead for authenticity regardless of external pressures.

Challenging Media Narratives

• A specific incident at an afterparty illustrates how media can misinterpret messages; the speaker defends their actions against a journalist's insinuations about influence on youth.

Discussion on Authenticity and Vulnerability

The Complexity of Adult Language

• The speaker expresses frustration over the hypocrisy in adult conversations, particularly regarding swearing. They highlight that many adults act holier-than-thou despite their real-life behaviors.

• There is a critique of societal norms dictating which words are acceptable to use on television versus in private life, questioning why adults feel the need to pretend they don't speak authentically.

Embracing Imperfection

• The speaker advocates for authenticity in communication, emphasizing the importance of speaking one's truth to avoid being judged or misrepresented by others.

• They reflect on human nature, asserting that everyone is capable of both good and evil actions, and that acknowledging one’s flaws is part of being human.

Personal Experiences with Vulnerability

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about past struggles, such as shoplifting out of necessity, illustrating their journey towards vulnerability and honesty in public life.

• They note how their openness about imperfections can deter media scrutiny since they do not present themselves as morally perfect.

Media Scrutiny and Public Perception

• The discussion touches on the challenges of maintaining a public image while being honest about mistakes. The speaker emphasizes learning from errors rather than repeating them publicly.

• A specific incident involving a guest's quote about time management becomes a focal point for media attention, highlighting how certain statements can lead to significant backlash.

Navigating Fame and Privacy

• In response to potential cancel culture, the speaker humorously suggests that they welcome any attempts at cancellation due to their unapologetic nature.

Navigating Fame and Personal Life

The Challenge of Identity and Relationships

• The speaker discusses the complexities of being identified by their relationships, expressing a desire to protect loved ones from public scrutiny.

• They reflect on the challenges posed by fame, including assumptions about their identity based on appearance (e.g., nails and jewelry).

Balancing Success with Personal Well-being

• The speaker shares insights into their journey towards self-discovery, emphasizing the struggle to maintain a personal life amidst rising fame.

• They describe themselves as an empath who values deep connections with friends, enjoying both social interaction and quiet companionship.

Protecting Emotional Vulnerability

• The importance of guarding emotional well-being is highlighted; the speaker feels that external pressures can diminish personal joy.

• A poignant anecdote about losing a pet illustrates how public expectations can intrude on personal grief.

Public Interactions and Boundaries

• The speaker recounts an uncomfortable encounter at a gas station where they were approached for a photo shortly after experiencing loss.

• They express frustration over fans prioritizing their own desires over the speaker's need for privacy during intimate moments.

Learning from Experiences with Fans

• Reflecting on past interactions, the speaker emphasizes that many fans lack awareness of appropriate boundaries in public settings.

Understanding Personal Energy Management

The Epiphany of Energy Matching

• The speaker shares a realization about not needing to match others' energy levels, reflecting on past experiences where they felt compelled to elevate their mood for fans or acquaintances.

• Acknowledges the hard truth that they may not be as excited to meet fans as the fans are to meet them, emphasizing personal authenticity in interactions.

• Discusses the importance of maintaining one's own energy level and being comfortable with a more relaxed demeanor during social interactions.

Balancing Public Persona and Personal Life

• Highlights the difference between public appearances and private moments, noting that there is a time and place for high-energy interactions versus quieter times.

• Introduces jewelry pieces that symbolize courage, particularly a lion piece which serves as a reminder of personal values like bravery and calmness.

Importance of Keeping Close Relationships

• Emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with long-term friends who provide grounding support amidst fame and success.

• Reflects on the challenges of having "yes men" around, stressing the need for honest feedback from trusted friends to maintain humility.

Navigating Relationships Amidst Fame

• Discusses how achieving professional heights brings attention from women who may have ulterior motives, highlighting his mother's concerns about settling down.

What Qualities Does He Look for in a Partner?

Importance of Caring Nature

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of finding a partner who is genuinely caring and selfless, expressing that it's challenging to find someone who needs nothing from him.

Materialism vs. Personal Connection

• He reflects on his relationship with material possessions, noting that while he appreciates nice things, it makes gift-giving difficult since he doesn't prioritize material items.

Thoughts on Parenting and Education

Vision for Fatherhood

• The speaker shares his aspiration to be an involved father, aiming to spend quality time with his children during their formative years rather than being absent due to work commitments.

Critique of Traditional Schooling

• He criticizes the traditional education system as outdated, arguing that it was designed to create workers rather than foster genuine learning or creativity.

Personal Experiences with Education

Discontent with School Curriculum

• The speaker expresses frustration over the irrelevance of subjects like algebra and calculus in real life, questioning their practical application outside school.

Alternative Educational Approach

• He plans to hire a tutor for his future children, focusing on experiential learning through adventures and physical activities like gymnastics and Jiu-Jitsu instead of conventional schooling.

Reflections on Academic Pressure

Social Skills Development

• Emphasizing the importance of social skills, he wants his children to engage in activities that promote interaction with peers to avoid social awkwardness.

Criticism of Teaching Methods

• The speaker critiques teachers who merely deliver information without engaging students meaningfully, highlighting a lack of motivation within the educational system.

Impact of Academic Performance on Self-Worth

Negative Effects of Grading Systems

• He recounts personal experiences where poor academic performance affected self-esteem negatively, illustrating how grading can lead students to tie their worth to grades.

Broader Perspective on Life Goals

• The speaker encourages young people not to define themselves solely by academic success or failure, advocating for a more balanced view of life beyond grades and career pressures.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Defining Legacy

Why Does Immortality Matter?

The Desire for Legacy and Recognition

• The speaker expresses a desire for immortality, questioning whether this stems from ego or selfishness. They emphasize the importance of their lineage, mentioning royal ties to the EUR tribe.

• They reflect on the significance of being remembered in history, drawing parallels with King Tut's burial practices and his desire for legacy despite not enjoying material wealth posthumously.

• The speaker aims to ensure that their name is revered in history, aspiring to be recognized as one of the best in their field while also being a good person who enjoys life.

Impact Through Feelings

• They highlight the importance of how people feel about them rather than just what they say or do, wanting to create memorable experiences akin to those felt by fans during Michael Jordan's NBA reign.

• The speaker believes that while people may forget specific actions or words, they will always remember how someone made them feel.

Philanthropy and Service

• As individuals reach success, they often turn to philanthropy; the speaker acknowledges feeling compelled to help others as part of their legacy.

• They discuss providing opportunities and experiences for those around them instead of simply giving handouts, aiming to inspire others through shared experiences.

Anonymous Acts of Kindness

• The speaker mentions doing charitable acts without seeking recognition, referencing Jay-Z’s quote about anonymous giving as a form of true generosity.

• They admire public figures like Shaquille O'Neal for spreading joy through generous acts but prefer more discreet ways of helping others.

Personal Reflections on Emotions

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about supporting someone going through tough times by offering encouragement and companionship during significant events like fights.

Valentine's Day Traditions and Personal Reflections

Valentine's Day Memes and Experiences

• The speaker shares a past tradition of posting memes on Valentine's Day, which began in 2014. They found it entertaining despite knowing some people might be annoyed.

• During their first experience with this tradition, they posted around 80 times throughout the day while waiting for a fight, showcasing their humorous take on the holiday.

Discussion of Athleticism and Guests

• The speaker reflects on their lack of interest in sports as a child, mentioning Manchester United legend Patrice Evra as a guest who has an inspiring background.

• Evra's journey from Africa to becoming a football legend is highlighted, emphasizing his significance in Manchester United history.

Profound Questions About Happiness

• A question posed by Evra—"Are you happy right now?"—is introduced as significant and thought-provoking.

• The speaker affirms their happiness but acknowledges its fleeting nature, recognizing that life is full of changes and temporary moments.

Embracing Happiness Amidst Change

• They express contentment with their current situation but are aware that challenges will arise; they choose to enjoy happiness while it lasts.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting both good and bad times, stating "this too shall pass" when facing difficulties.

Setting Boundaries and Saying No

• Reflecting on personal growth, the speaker discusses improving at saying no to unwanted interactions after realizing past mistakes related to people pleasing.

• They describe how being overly friendly when drunk led to regrettable situations where boundaries were crossed.

Learning from Experience

• The speaker mentions learning not to explain themselves when declining requests; they reference advice from Chill Suon about losing power when explaining oneself.

The Journey of Self-Belief and Manifestation

The Nature of Greatness

• The speaker reflects on their self-awareness, stating they always knew they were destined for greatness, even without knowing the specific path.

• A discussion arises about whether self-belief or innate destiny drives greatness, likening it to the philosophical question of "which came first: the chicken or the egg?"

Delusion and Preparation

• The speaker describes a mindset where belief in one's potential can seem delusional; they reference a quote about greatness and madness being closely related.

• They share a personal anecdote about preparing for success by imagining themselves driving a sports car, illustrating how mental preparation is crucial.

Power of Imagination

• The speaker emphasizes that everything originates from imagination, highlighting its role in creation and manifestation.

• They express astonishment at their ability to manifest desires into reality, noting that this power often goes unrecognized.

Action and Direction

• A metaphor is used comparing life to driving a car: one must set goals (satnav) while also putting in the work (driving), as both are essential for achieving dreams.

• The importance of combining vision with hard work is stressed; magic happens when both elements align.

Privilege and Perspective

• The speaker acknowledges their privilege in being able to dream big compared to others who may be focused on survival due to socioeconomic circumstances.

• They reflect on immigrant experiences, contrasting their current opportunities with those faced by previous generations who prioritized survival over self-actualization.

Modern Struggles vs. Real Problems

• Observations are made regarding contemporary issues people face today versus real struggles experienced by others globally; many complaints stem from lack of genuine hardship.

• The speaker critiques societal tendencies to create problems when there are none significant enough, suggesting that true struggle fosters growth and resilience.

Expectations and Happiness

Understanding Expectations and Happiness

The Relationship Between Expectations and Happiness

• Discussion on how unmet expectations lead to unhappiness, emphasizing that the "Delta" between expectation and reality defines emotional responses.

• Example from Botswana illustrates that a simple bowl of rice can create happiness when expectations are low, highlighting relativity in personal problems.

Personal Life Insights

• Inquiry about interesting questions related to personal life that are rarely asked; reflects on the guarded nature of discussing family and relationships.

• Speaker expresses reluctance to share personal anecdotes, indicating a preference for privacy regarding family matters.

Guarding Personal Information

• Emphasis on keeping love life and family private; speaker compares themselves to public figures like the Kardashians, asserting they won't commodify their personal experiences.

• Acknowledgment of respect from others regarding their boundaries around personal topics, allowing for limited sharing without pressure.

Marketing and Branding Insights

• Brief mention of background in computer graphic design contributing to social media skills; highlights authenticity in self-presentation through creative expression.

Authenticity in Expression