Exploring the 8/4 Rule with Jonathan Goodman: Life, Fitness, and Personal Development
In the latest episode of Can’t Be Contained, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jonathan Goodman, a dear friend and brilliant mind. We delved into his “8/4 Rule,” where he suggests spending eight months at home and four months abroad to experience the richness that comes from contrasting environments. This simple yet profound approach has reshaped how I see balance and creativity in my life.
Jonathan also spoke about his “triangle of life”—balancing health, relationships, and work. It resonated with me deeply, especially his idea of intense focus on one area while maintaining a baseline in others. This strategy has helped me prioritize without feeling overwhelmed. Another gem from our conversation was the concept of “leapfrog skills.” Jonathan’s method of dedicating 60 days to mastering a new skill and then teaching it — something I’m eager to try! It’s such a practical way to embrace continuous growth.
Show Notes:
00:00 Embrace contrast, balance life’s competing priorities.
04:32 Seeking ROI in life, fueled by impact.
09:05 Commitment to long-term work for success.
12:34 Focus on personal priorities for happiness.
15:15 Rediscover yourself by exploring familiar places anonymously.
19:52 Leapfrog skills improve career success exponentially.
22:56 Focus on wealth management strategy for 60 days.
24:44 Learning investments through shared knowledge and conversations.
30:06 Rejects slow improvement for achieving success.
33:28 Fitness industry struggles with effectiveness and accountability.
35:57 Bodies and businesses adapt to comfortable states.
40:25 People stop evolving in midlife, resume later.
43:02 Realizing online work’s potential sparked ambition.
46:07 Phil transformed Dalio’s PDF into a product.
50:21 Friendship led to endorsement; a meeting failed.
51:57 A must-read business book, highly recommended.
From commitment in relationships to redefining personal norms, this episode is filled with insights that have truly influenced my thinking. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did.
About Jonathan Goodman
Jonathan Goodman is a renowned author, speaker, and business strategist known for his expertise in personal development and decision-making. With a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, he wrote The Obvious Choice, a best-selling guide that empowers readers to make clear, effective decisions in both life and work. Through his engaging storytelling and practical insights, Goodman has inspired countless readers to overcome obstacles and align their choices with their goals. He frequently speaks at conferences and consults with businesses to foster growth and resilience in today’s fast-paced world.
Links:
The Obvious Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success-ebook/dp/B0CX4R99TS?tag=pausebw-20
Website: https://www.theptdc.com/
IG: @itscoachgoodman
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKt_rWty06ukHErS3ffkAMw
About the host, Samantha Skelly
Samantha Skelly is a breathwork pioneer, serial entrepreneur, and #1 Best Selling Author who has spent the last decade revolutionizing the personal and spiritual development industries. She founded one of the largest breathwork companies worldwide. Pause Breathwork has a mission to help 1,000,000 people worldwide tap into their infinite potential using breathwork. It has grown into a multi-million dollar wellness company that has certified nearly 1,500 people in 27 countries, and thousands more use the Pause Breathwork Mobile App every day. She’s also a passionate speaker who has shared her message on over 400 stages, appearing on networks and in publications worldwide.
Check out our community for more details, programs, and tips on how to thrive as a breathwork facilitator and somatic coach!
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About the Can’t Be Contained Podcast
Can’t Be Contained’ is the unscripted, unedited – fully uncontained journal entries & real-life experiences of those who follow their bliss & intuitive hits, the freedom seekers, the sacred rebels – the ones who are here to disrupt what preceded us & create what is ahead of us. Subscribe now to stay tuned for every episode!
