Selective Career Balance

Ariel Helwani shares his evolution in balancing work and personal life, particularly how he shifted from feeling compelled to attend every event to being more selective while maintaining career success and prioritizing family.

Key Points:

• Career Evolution:

  • Previously felt need to be "omnipresent" at every event
  • Followed Woody Allen's principle that "80% of success is just showing up"
  • Now realizes that constant presence isn't necessary for success
  • Can be selective while maintaining influence and audience

• Family Prioritization:

  • Would choose son's soccer game over major UFC events
  • Finds joy in being present for family moments
  • Values being there for kids at their current life stage
  • Balances family time with career fulfillment

• Work Satisfaction:

  • Works daily but mostly with pleasure
  • Feels happiest ever in current career state
  • Creates content that feels fulfilling
  • Appreciates feedback from audience about positive impact

• Personal Growth:

  • Took 2-month break after leaving ESPN
  • Reconnected with family during pandemic
  • Working on being more present and less attached to phone
  • Found peace in new work-life arrangement

• Impact on Audience:

  • Receives messages about helping people through tough times
  • Provides escape during pandemic through content
  • Creates 8 hours of weekly content for listeners
  • Values connection with audience over event attendance

• Current Work Philosophy:

  • Chooses projects and collaborators intentionally
  • Maintains influence without constant physical presence
  • Focuses on quality content creation
  • Balances multiple projects while maintaining personal life