Jason Karp, founder and CEO of HumanCo, shares his transformative journey from a successful hedge fund manager to a health and wellness advocate.
He discusses the life-altering decisions he made to prioritize his health, the lessons he learned from his experiences, and the insights he gained about living a healthier life.
All the things that are literally killing off more people than anything we know of is related to lifestyle and diet. – Jason Karp
Detrimental Effects of Modern Diet
The modern American diet, particularly high consumption of non-organic wheat products, can have harmful effects on health.
These products often contain traces of harmful herbicides and cause inflammation, disrupting the gut microbiome and leading to various health issues.
Self-Awareness for Personal Growth
Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for personal growth.
Karp emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement, and expresses concern about the rigidity of the current education system, which he believes hinders exploration and learning from failure.
Stoicism and the ‘Beginner’s Mind’
The teachings of the Stoics, particularly the concept of the ‘beginner’s mind’, can broaden one’s understanding of the human condition.
This mindset, which emphasizes learning from everyone, had a profound impact on Karp’s perspective on learning and personal growth.
Learning from Everyone
Everyone has something to teach you, regardless of their status or position.
This mindset, influenced by the Stoics, played a significant role in Karp’s personal growth and learning journey.
Redefining Success
Success is not solely defined by professional achievements.
Despite his accomplishments in the financial sector, Karp’s health issues led him to redefine success, prioritizing health and wellness over financial gain.
Risk-Taking as a Life Skill
Risk-taking, a trait Karp developed during his childhood, played a significant role in shaping his approach to business and life.
It encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and make transformative decisions.
Power of Quotes
Quotes can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and knowledge.
Karp’s habit of collecting quotes, which began in his teenage years, provided him with distilled wisdom that guided him through various stages of his life.
I think some of the lessons that were the most impactful to me were on beginner’s mind. So there was an old quote basically about that everybody has something to teach you regardless of who they are. – Jason Karp
Influence of Sun Tzu’s Art of War
Sun Tzu’s Art of War, particularly its teachings on preparation and pre-emptive strategy, shaped Karp’s approach to challenges and obstacles.
It taught him the importance of strategic planning and foresight.
Self-Reflection and Change
Self-reflection can lead to transformative changes.
Karp’s shift from a successful but unhealthy lifestyle to a focus on health and wellness underscores the importance of self-reflection and the willingness to change.
Harnessing ADHD
ADHD, often seen as a hindrance, can be harnessed to improve focus and performance.
Karp’s ability to hyperfocus on tasks of interest, a characteristic of his ADHD, significantly improved his academic performance.
Inspiration from Quotes on Failure and Perseverance
Quotes about failure and perseverance can provide solace and motivation during challenging times.
Despite his struggles with ADHD, Karp found inspiration in quotes from figures like Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt, which shaped his worldview.
Influence of Games on Decision-Making
An interest in games, particularly those involving chance and probabilities, influenced Karp’s decision-making process.
It taught him to analyze situations and make strategic decisions, a skill that proved beneficial in his professional life.
