030: “What’s Worth Being Relentless About?” (lessons from Chris Jones)

After an energizing and raw conversation with Chris Jones, Erik reflects on what it actually means to be relentless—and why so few of us live that way. In this solo reflection, Erik opens up about his own honest recognition that he’s notrelentlessly wired, at least not by default, and explores what it takes to become someone who is.

This isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a tactical, psychological dive into the challenge of pursuing anything with obsession—and the discomfort required to even discover what’s worth chasing in the first place. Erik distills the biggest ideas from the interview and shares how you can start experimenting with your own “relentless vector.”

🎯 Top Insights from the Interview

• Relentlessness is an exclusive behavior. To pursue something relentlessly is to not pursue a thousand other worthy things.
• Finding your “why” isn’t easy. Most of us struggle not because we lack willpower—but because we lack clarity on what truly matters.
• Stress is a crucible. Most people only discover what lights them up when they're pushed to the edge.
• Alignment is energy. If you're drained, it might not be because you're weak—but because you're misaligned.
• Pursuit beats potential. Wanting to be relentless isn’t enough. You’ve got to live into discomfort and notice what gives you energy back.

🧩 The Personal Layer

Erik shares candidly: “I’m not relentless.” That realization isn't a shameful one—it’s a mirror. This episode becomes a meditation on self-honesty, the complexity of identity (entrepreneur, father, husband, friend), and the deep need to live an aligned life. Through his own lens, Erik invites listeners into a more spacious, strategic way of thinking about ambition.

He reflects on the tension between knowing what you could do and figuring out what you should—a tension that often requires stress, stillness, and sharp reflection to resolve.

🧰 From Insight to Action

Here’s how to start discovering what’s worth being relentless about:

• Block two hours. Go to a coffee shop with a blank page. Write until something strikes a nerve.
• Ask better questions. What do I want? What would I pursue even if it failed?
• Recruit an ally. Find someone who knows your energy patterns better than you do.
• Chase challenge. Stress and strain often point toward passion. Don’t avoid them—study them.
• Reflect backward. Look at moments you didn’t want to do something, but came out energized. That’s your breadcrumb trail.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“Relentlessness isn’t a decision. It’s a reflection of what matters so much that you can’t not do it.” — Erik“If you’re not being relentless, it’s probably not because you’re lazy. It’s because you haven’t found the thing yet.” — Erik“Doing hard things on purpose is how you make meaning.” — Erik“Don’t confuse busy with brave. One is distraction. The other is direction.” — Erik

🔗 Links & Resources

• Visit Chris’ Website relentlesschrisjones.com
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
• Buy Chris’ book Relentless AF on Amazon