Doug Holladay: Ambassador; Professor; And Author

Society has changed quickly and drastically due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Hoping to fill some of the void in our lives as we cope with a new normal, we’ve invited one of our most talked-about guests, former U.S. Special Ambassador and current Georgetown Professor Doug Holladay, back for another episode of the Up2 Podcast. Doug joins host Adam Kaufman remotely for a candid conversion on the positive aspects of being alone, how to get comfortable with who we are, and the merits of practicing gratitude.

With the current social-distancing state of our world, there is an overwhelming fear of loneliness and isolation. Although this period can be unsettling, Adam and Doug discuss the benefits of time spent alone.

As French mathematician and thinker, Blaise Pascal, wrote “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone” Doug recommends starting with small steps, such as a walk with no electronics, to grow more comfortable with silence.

“It’s really brave to try to discover who you are...how can I get comfortable with just me?”

Adam and Doug also visit an important topic: how to embrace our perceived weaknesses. Although it can be intimidating, sharing our shortcomings can deepen our relationships. As humans, we are most drawn to those who are authentic and vulnerable with us, rather than those who only voice their achievements. 

“The more authentic we are and the more we get in touch with ourselves, the more comfortable we get, the more relatable we are, the more connected, all the things we long for that this loneliness epidemic only highlights in the whole culture. We get these things because we're starting to admit our fears, our questions. And that's okay to admit them.”

Doug believes that humility and gratitude are the twin characters of happiness. Although humility is a core value on the Up2 Podcast, Doug and Adam dive deeper into the topic of gratitude. Doug shares his personal practice of keeping a daily gratitude list, some items big, others small, serving as a chance to observe his surroundings in a positive light. 

“Gratitude enables you to develop a language and a practice of contentment. So gratitude enables you to say, ‘Wow, I have a lot. I've been really blessed.’”

Doug Holladay brings an inspirational light to us all during a chapter that can feel dark. He encourages us to take this difficult time and use it as an opportunity to become more comfortable and confident in who we are and appreciate every moment that we have. 

“All that we have is this moment. But we contaminate the present moment by regrets about the past, which we can do nothing about, or fear of the future. The only moment we have is this moment.”

Visit dougholladay.com to learn more about Doug and pre-order his new book, “Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life”. 

Click here and listen to his full episode on the Up2 podcast or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.  Click here to read the full episode transcript.

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