The SOVRN Report
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The SOVRN Report
Are You Ready to Play? A Guide to Becoming the Programmer of Your Life
Ever feel like life is a game you're not quite winning? We're about to change that narrative with insights from Michael Volts's compelling book, "Are You Ready to Play? A Guide to Becoming the Programmer of your Life." Equip yourself with the mindset to shift from a passive character in your own story to the active programmer of your life's narrative. We challenge the status quo by exploring what it means to break free from life's autopilot mode, shedding light on the power of curiosity and questioning the limiting beliefs that hold us back. This isn't just about self-discovery—it's about crafting a life filled with purpose and intention, just like leveling up your favorite video game.
Join us as we unpack Volts's transformative stages: transitioning from being a character to a player, and ultimately evolving into the creator of your own existence. But with great power comes great responsibility, and we shine a light on the ethical considerations of being a life programmer. Learn how to build a strong support network and cultivate resilience amidst a world brimming with differing perspectives and information overload. We explore how aligning your actions with your core values can lead not only to personal empowerment but also to the fortification of communities and even nations. Prepare for a journey that promises to redefine how you engage with the world around you.
Welcome to the Deep Dive. Today we're going to take a deep dive into this idea that we can, like, go beyond just living life and actually design it.
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:We'll be looking at. Are you Ready to Play? A Guide to Becoming the Programmer of your Life by Michael Volz.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Like you, were a character just following a script someone else wrote.
Speaker 2:It's a fascinating concept, isn't it?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Volz uses this video game analogy in his book.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And it really clicked with me. He breaks down how we can approach life with more intention, almost like we're taking control of the controller.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's unpack this a little bit.
Speaker 2:So Volz talks about three stages Right being the character becoming the player and evolving into the programmer Right, and he suggests that a lot of people might be stuck in that first stage, just going through the motions as the character. They're accepting the default settings of life without questioning if there's another way to play.
Speaker 1:And that's where that like autopilot mode comes in right.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:The book even poses this question, and I want you to think about this too. Listener, when was the last time you genuinely considered that you might be wrong about something?
Speaker 2:Oh, wow.
Speaker 1:You know something you hold dear as a belief. It can be a real eye opener to realize how much we cling to our assumptions.
Speaker 2:It really is, because transitioning to the player stage is all about embracing curiosity.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And that sometimes means questioning what you thought you knew. It's about actively seeking out new perspectives, realizing that our beliefs are fluid and can evolve as we learn and grow.
Speaker 1:It's like leveling up in a game.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Gaining experience and refining your strategies as you go Right, and you know me, I love a good level up moment. But here's where Volz takes it a step further with becoming the programmer. He's saying what if you didn't just play the game, you actually shaped the game itself.
Speaker 2:Now that's where things get really interesting. Imagine not just playing by the rules, but creating new possibilities, both for yourself and others.
Speaker 1:Think of the people who made a real impact. They weren't content with the status quo, they innovated and created change. Right, like they weren't afraid to rewrite the code. But Volz also cautions us saying not all programmers are benevolent, right. It made me think of those players who find exploits in games, who might prioritize their own gain over the well-being of the community.
Speaker 2:That's such a good point. It highlights the ethical responsibility that comes with being a programmer in life. He's emphasizing that it's not enough to just create change, but to ensure those changes contribute to a better world for everyone.
Speaker 1:It's about being mindful of the impact our actions have on the larger system. But how do we even begin stepping into that programmer role? Voltz offers some concrete steps to get us started right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and I think one of the most crucial steps is surrounding ourselves with the right people. You know those who are also in that player mindset, always seeking to learn, grow and challenge the status quo. Think of it like building your guild, a network of support as you level up.
Speaker 1:It's like finding your tribe you know those who challenge and inspire you to become the best version of yourself. Because, let's face it, growth rarely happens in our comfort zones.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and you know, the Voltz talks about the importance of self-sufficiency in this process.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's about cultivating the strength and resilience to face challenges head on.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:To become comfortable with uncertainty and understand that setbacks are just part of the journey.
Speaker 1:Which is especially important in today's world. I mean, we're constantly bombarded with information, different perspectives, sometimes conflicting advice.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It can be overwhelming to navigate if you're not grounded in your own values and equipped to think critically.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. It's not about shutting out external input altogether. It's about being discerning, about questioning what we consume and how it aligns with our own internal compass. It's about having the confidence to make decisions that resonate with our true selves, even if they go against the grain.
Speaker 1:And that kind of individual empowerment can have a ripple effect. Vaults even touches on this idea of individual strength translating to the strength of a nation. Wow, he suggests that when individuals are empowered to think for themselves, to be self-sufficient and resilient, it strengthens the fabric of society as a whole. Resilient, it strengthens the fabric of society as a whole.
Speaker 2:That's a powerful idea. Imagine a society where everyone feels equipped to contribute their unique talents and perspectives, right when people are encouraged to think critically and challenge the status quo, all while being grounded in a strong sense of personal responsibility. That's a recipe for incredible progress and innovation.
Speaker 1:It's like everyone leveling up together, right, and I think that speaks to the importance of community and collaboration in this process of becoming a programmer. Volz mentions this concept of the positive network. Did that stand out to you at all?
Speaker 2:It did, it did. It seems to be a community of like-minded individuals who are all on this journey of personal growth and empowerment. Yeah, they're supporting each other, sharing knowledge and creating a space where people can explore these ideas and put them into practice in a supportive environment.
Speaker 1:It's like they're building a microcosm of that ideal world we were just talking about Right, and they also talk about something called a positive life operating system. Oh, it piqued my curiosity. Have you ever come across that term before?
Speaker 2:I haven't, but based on the context, it sounds like a structured approach to personal development. Okay, perhaps it's a set of principles or practices, even tools, that can help individuals cultivate those essential programmer qualities critical thinking, self-sufficiency and resilience.
Speaker 1:It's almost like they're providing a framework, a roadmap for those who are ready to transition from character to player to programmer in their own lives, and I love that they emphasize the collective aspect of this journey. They're not just saying go figure it out on your own. They're recognizing the power of community and shared experience.
Speaker 2:It's a reminder that we're not alone on this path. There are people who've walked this road before, who face their own challenges and come out stronger on the other side, and they're often eager to share those lessons and support others who are on a similar journey.
Speaker 1:So we've covered a lot of ground today, from feeling stuck as a character to the exciting possibility of becoming the programmer of our own lives. So where do you see yourself in this framework?
Speaker 2:It's a question worth sitting with, isn't it? It's not about judging where you are on the journey, but more about recognizing the potential within each of us. We all have this capacity to not just play the game of life, but to start rewriting the rules to create a reality that's more aligned with who we want to be.
Speaker 1:It's like realizing you're not just a character in someone else's story. You have the power to pick up the pen and start writing your own. And as we step into those roles of player and programmer, I think it creates a ripple effect. It's like we're all contributing to a more conscious and empowered way of being.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And as you go about your day, think about the video game analogy.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Are you simply reacting to the game as it is Right, or are you actively trying to shape the reality you want to experience? It's a powerful shift in perspective.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and just like in those epic multiplayer games, you don't have to go it alone, right? Remember there are mentors, allies, even whole communities out there who can support you on your journey. Seek them out, learn from their experiences and remember the most rewarding games are often the ones we play together.
Speaker 2:So keep exploring, keep questioning and never underestimate your own ability to level up in the game of life. You have the power to become the programmer of your own extraordinary journey.
Speaker 1:That's it for today's Deep Dive. We hope this sparked some new insights for you. Until next time, keep playing the game with intention and remember you hold the controller.