The Problem With Agency: George Mack

The Problem With...

George Mack joins James Smith for an unfiltered conversation that will change how you think about ambition, success, and the hidden traps of productivity.

They dive deep into the concept of agency (why some people take control of their lives while others stay stuck) and how it shows up across business, relationships, happiness, and identity.

From the “busy trap” to the myth of hustle culture, George unpacks the subtle ways we self-sabotage under the illusion of progress. He questions whether high agency is even healthy… or just a sophisticated form of burnout.

James and George explore the psychology of success, the role of genetics, language and culture in shaping mindset, and how becoming a parent can snap you out of your grind obsession.

He explains:

◼️ Why high agency can be a hidden mental illness

◼️ The real reason some people stay stuck (and how to escape)

◼️ How productivity becomes a trap disguised as progress

◼️ Why writing things down on a whiteboard might change your life

◼️ What jiu-jitsu teaches us about fear, ego, and self-awareness

Timestamps:

00:00 The Problem With Low Agency

02:04 The Jail Cell Test

05:16 Can You Train Agency?

09:05 Context-Dependent Agency

15:15 Life in Austin, Texas

18:04 UK Cynicism vs American Naivety

24:06 The Happiness Paradox

30:02 Language Shapes Thinking

36:07 Hater or Inspired? The Choice Is Yours

42:07 The Busy Trap

46:03 The $1,500 Chicken Sandwich Story

51:34 Parenthood: The Ultimate Agency Hack

59:58 Jiu-Jitsu and Personal Growth

1:03:02 The Gap and The Gain

1:07:26 Warren Buffett's Investment Exercise

1:12:25 Practical Agency Hacks

1:17:20 The A1 Paper That Changed Everything

1:29:11 Eat Frogs, Lick Toads

1:32:35 Why Jiu-Jitsu Hits All Four Brain Chemicals

1:35:31 Closing Advice

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