It’s not every day you get to sit down with someone who has not only created one of the most iconic characters in television history (Dwight Schrute of The Office) but has also embarked on a profound journey to answer life’s biggest questions. I recently had the chance to do just that with my friend, the brilliant actor, author, and thinker, Rainn Wilson. Our conversation, which started with a hilarious shared history in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, quickly dove into the deep end: anxiety, the toxic side of ambition, and the necessity of a spiritual life for a creative one.
Rainn Wilson is, of course, known globally as the unforgettable Dwight Schrute from The Office. For nine seasons, he crafted a character so bizarre, so specific, and so hilariously earnest that he became a cultural touchstone. But to define Rainn by that single role would be to miss the point of the man entirely. His career is a testament to incredible range, from his early work on the stage to roles in films like Juno and Super, and his own production company, SoulPancake, which was dedicated to creating joyful and thought-provoking content.
Now, Rainn has channeled his searching, insightful nature into his book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. It’s a funny, profound, and accessible primer for anyone who feels that nagging sense that there must be something more than just the hustle. He’s not telling you what to believe; he’s inviting you to ask the questions and offering a powerful toolkit for building a more meaningful life, which is something every single one of us can use.
Our Creative Paths
Rainn and I have connected several times over the years, and it’s always a highlight. Our paths have crossed in the most wonderful ways, all centered around a shared belief in using creativity to explore and uplift the human condition. Rainn has been a guest on the show before to talk about his work with SoulPancake, a company I deeply admired for its mission to chew on life’s big questions. We also discovered a shared love for our hometown of Seattle and a common drive to use our platforms to spark important conversations.
Throughout our talk, Rainn shared several powerful concepts that felt less like abstract philosophy and more like practical tools for anyone navigating the highs and lows of a creative career. Here are a few that stuck with me.
1. Challenge the Drive of “Not Enough”
Rainn spoke candidly about how his relentless ambition as an actor was fueled by a deep-seated feeling of not being enough. Even after landing the role of a lifetime on The Office, he found himself unhappy, constantly chasing the next thing: a movie deal, more recognition, more proof. He realized his drive came from a place of lack, not a place of passion. So many of us creatives can relate. We pin our self-worth to the next project, the next award, or the next client, believing that external validation will finally make us feel whole.
How to Apply This:
- Practice the “I Am Enough” Affirmation. Rainn was prescribed this simple affirmation by a therapist, and he said it was painfully difficult to say at first. Try it. Write it on a sticky note and put it on your mirror. Say it out loud, especially on days when imposter syndrome is screaming in your ear.
- Define Success on Your Own Terms. What does a successful creative life look like to you, beyond money and fame? Is it having time for personal projects? Is it collaborating with people you admire? Is it mastering a new skill? Write it down.
- Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Outcome. When you finish a project, take a moment to honor the work itself. Appreciate the hours you put in, the problems you solved, and the things you learned, regardless of how the world receives it.
2. Find Your Spiritual Handholds
For Rainn, spirituality isn’t about virtue; it’s about necessity. It’s not about being a saintly person, but about finding practical tools to get through the day when your own willpower isn’t enough. He describes these as “handholds,” ways to connect to something bigger than your own ego, whether that’s nature, a community, a creative mission, or a higher power. This is crucial for creatives, because our work often demands we face rejection, uncertainty, and our deepest insecurities. Relying solely on our own grit can lead to burnout.
How to Apply This:
- Start a Curiosity Practice. You don’t need to join a religion. Just get curious. Read a book by a spiritual teacher like Thich Nhat Hanh or Eckhart Tolle. Listen to a podcast on philosophy. Spend time in nature without your phone.
- Find Your Community. Join a group of fellow creatives, not for networking, but for genuine connection. Start a small mastermind group, a book club, or even just a weekly walk with a friend where you talk about the big stuff.
- Embrace Service. Rainn emphasizes that a life of service is enriching. How can your creative work serve others? Even small acts matter. Mentor a younger artist. Volunteer your design skills for a local nonprofit. Use your platform to amplify a cause you care about.
3. Use Death as a Framing Device
This one sounds heavy, but it’s incredibly powerful. Rainn points out that cultures all over the world, from the Stoics to Tibetan Buddhists, contemplate death not to be morbid, but to live more fully. Thinking about the finite nature of our time on earth is the “ultimate framing device.” It clarifies what truly matters. When you remember that this is all temporary, the petty frustrations, the fear of failure, and the creative blocks start to lose their power. It pushes you to create the work that is truly important to you, right now.
How to Apply This:
- Practice “Memento Mori.” This Latin phrase means “Remember you will die.” You don’t have to dwell on it, but you can use it as a tool. When you’re procrastinating on a passion project, ask yourself, “If my time was limited, is this what I would be doing?”
- Write Your Own Eulogy. This is a classic exercise for a reason. What do you want to be remembered for? What impact do you want your work and your life to have had on others? Let the answers guide your daily actions.
- Live with Urgency and Gratitude. Contemplating the end makes the present moment vibrant. Be deeply grateful for the chance to create today. Pour your full self into your work, not because you have to, but because you get to.
PS – If you’re looking for a guide to help you build the life and career you’ve always wanted, the Seven Levers for Life is a free 7-day email course on just that.
