What’s Fear Got to Do With It | Fear, Growth & the Mind
What's Fear Got to Do With It | Fear, Growth & the Mind
CTRL+ALT+EDIT: The Existential Reboot at 30: Fear, Change & Joy
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CTRL+ALT+EDIT: The Existential Reboot at 30: Fear, Change & Joy

Beyond Achievement: A Story of Living Differently

About Our Guest

Nick discusses the challenge that lockdown posed whilst working in hospitality and the fear associated with a lack of direction in life. On reflection, the extreme uncertainty propelled an embrace for change and a philosophical approach to life centred around lifestyle and maximising joy.


Beyond Achievement: A Story of Living Differently

In this conversation, Nick Tsakiris shares his journey of discovering a different way to measure success and live life. Already questioning the sustainability of late nights and demanding schedules in hospitality, Nick found himself at a crossroads when the pandemic arrived. What initially appeared as a crisis evolved into an unexpected opportunity to reimagine his approach to life.

Through reflection, Nick reveals how shifting from asking “What do I want to be?” to “How do I want to live?” fundamentally changed his perspective. His story challenges our conventional notions of success and questions whether postponing joy for future achievements truly serves us.

Nick explores how being receptive to change opened doors he never expected. His journey from hospitality to cybersecurity isn’t just about career change; it’s about discovering that joy doesn’t need to be postponed for some future milestone. Drawing inspiration from the simplicity of Greek village life and even his dogs’ enthusiasm for daily walks, Nick shares how he learned to create a life that feels like a holiday rather than waiting for holidays to truly live.

This isn’t just a story about pandemic resilience or career transition. It’s about choosing to prioritise present-moment joy over future achievements, and finding the courage to create a life that aligns with our deepest values. Through Nick’s experience, we learn that embracing change, rather than resisting it, can lead us to a more authentic and fulfilling way of living.


Nick’s Tips

  1. Embrace change as an important tool.

  2. Never lose sight of what’s important in life, such as the moments we share with loved ones / family.

  3. Have as much fun as possible.


Nick’s Contact Details

Instagram: nicholastsakiris


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Time Stamps

00:00 Nick Tsakiris Intro

03:23 The Struggles of Hospitality: Late Nights and Personal Sacrifice

07:31 Finding Direction: The Search for Meaning Beyond Hospitality

11:45 Existential Questions: How Do I Want to Live?

15:02 Maximizing Happiness: Living in the Moment

19:25 Reflecting on Life Choices

24:37 Redefining Success

27:45 Navigating Career Changes

31:37 Embracing Change and Happiness

36:18 It’s A Wrap


If anything in this episode resonated with you and if you feel like you could use a little extra support, please consider reaching out to trusted local support services in your area. You don’t have to go through it alone.


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