A Conversation with Glen Van Peski
Glen wasn’t thrilled when I used the word obsessed.
Our conversation began, “You seem like a normal guy, but I think you’re obsessed.” Glen Van Peski’s book, “take less. do more,” reflects his drive to do things better.
When I asked, “Are you still counting the coffee beans you take on a hike?” Glen reached for a zippy bag with 8 beans in it. (See the video)
The whole thing started when he was “shlepping a pack that weighed over 70lbs,” on his first backpacking trip with his son, Brian. Glen is on a trip as I type this. His base pack weight is 5.6lbs. “Which is a little on the heavy side for me,” he said.
Annoying:
“Always thinking about better ways to do things … can be frankly annoying to people.”
Unrequested advice feels like criticism. Soften obsession by competing with yourself. “I’m trying to optimize for me.”
Enough:
Glen strives to build margin in his life. Margin in time, money, and energy.
“More money is not going to change my lifestyle. It’s not going to make me happier.”
How much is enough?
A clear definition of success enables you to decide how much is enough.
Define your aspirations based on your definition of success.
Bacon and relationships:
On October 28, 2019, I wrote, “Be like bacon.” Over the years Glen has sent me bacon related items. A towel that says, “Bacon is basically the duct tape of food.” A bacon chocolate bar. Bacon lip balm. Bacon hot chocolate.
Bacon makes everything better.
“Getting things done that you want to get done is going to involve other people… you need to focus time and energy and attention on … building relationships…”
Click here to purchase Glen’s book: “take less. do more.“
Special offer: If you send a picture of your receipt to glenvanpeski@gmail.com he will send a handwritten signature plate. Please include your name and mailing address.
Watch our interview for more insights from Glen Van Peski.
Fantastic interview!!! I am a huge fan of obsession. It is hard to be excellent at something without a little bit of obsession.
Thanks, John. Glen is a wonderful person.
Thought provoking post. I do feel it is important to differentiate passion vs. obsession.
Thanks, Scott. Obsession is: an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind.
It’s often used in a negative context. Passion feels weaker than obsession. I aim for being direct. sometimes I overshoot. In the interview we used “freakishly interested,” among other things.
I’m delighted you dropped in.
Good opportunity to listen to the conversation.
Dan I liked your quick summarizing of the wisdom that Glen was sharing. Thank you. I am sure there will be a Vegetarian version of Bacon.. Ha Ha.