Brian JohnsonChairman & Philosopher in Residence at Heroic

APN48 - Now What Needs to Be Done?

17 Dec 2025 · 0 min

Episode

17 Dec 2025 · 0 min

0:00

A short podcast mini-chapter from Brian Johnson's A Philosopher's Notes (episode APN48) featuring his reflection on the mantra "Now what needs to be done?" inspired by David Reynolds' Constructive Living. Johnson presents the phrase as a practical prompt to redirect negative emotional states into action, briefly recommends the book and mentions a personal tattoo as a symbol of self-mastery; the episode ends with a host promo for Johnson's newsletter and where to get the ebook/audiobook.

You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson More Wisdom in Less Time this is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon.
Now what needs to be done? Feeling depressed? Don't want to get out of bed? Sweet. Now what needs to be done? Feeling overwhelmed and want to give up? Awesome. Now what needs to be done? Feeling Insert your favorite crappy emotional state here and want to insert your favorite coping mechanism here. Rockin now what needs to be done? Now what needs to be done? Now what needs to be done? Now what needs to be done? That's the mantra of David Reynolds. Awesome little book, Constructive Living, which wins my award for best book you've probably never heard of. Genius recommendation from my friend Dan Millman. And somewhat random side note, I have a tattoo of the Sanskrit symbol for the third chakra on the inside of my right wrist that represents the power of self mastery and reminds me to live impeccably. It's basically shorthand for now what needs to be done.
We hope you enjoyed this mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. Want more wisdom in less time? Delivered in your inbox? Sign up for Brian's free daily newsletter, the Optimizer, and get the full ebook and audiobook at brianjohnson Me APN.