"We try to stick to routines and we try to go through very long lists of tasks, often ignoring our mental health in the process. There is a lot more to think about on a daily basis, but our brains haven't evolved."
This episode explores how cognitive overload and the pressure to maximize productivity lead to anxiety, burnout, and rigid goal-setting. Neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff introduces the concept of the "maximized brain," where ambition overrides curiosity, often resulting in overwhelm. She contrasts this with the "experimental mindset," which embraces small, curiosity-driven experiments instead of rigid goals. Drawing from her own journey—leaving Google, failing at a startup, and rediscovering her passion for neuroscience—she explains how tiny experiments can lead to personal growth. She also discusses three limiting mindsets (cynical, escapist, and perfectionist) and how shifting to an experimental approach can lead to a more fulfilling, conscious life.
00:00 Taking control of your mindset00:16 The experimental mindset01:22 What is the maximalist brain?02:20 How did you discover the experimental mindset?04:29 Why is mindset so important?05:18 What are the mindsets that hold us back?07:29 What mindset should we strive for?08:39 How do you cultivate an experimental mindset?12:04 How do you analyze the collected data?13:43 How have you personally employed the experimental mindset?15:20 What are some tiny experiments anyone can do?16:33 Why should we commit to curiosity?17:29 The illusion of certainty19:13 How are uncertainty and anxiety linked?20:07 Why did our brains evolve to fear uncertainty?21:10 How should we approach uncertainty instead?22:20 What is the linear model of success?23:50 How can we go from linear success to fluid experimentation?24:36 How can labeling emotions help manage uncertainty?27:28 Why do humans struggle with transitional periods?30:04 The 3 cognitive scripts that rule your life30:44 What is a cognitive script?32:11 What is the sequel script?33:35 What is the crowd pleaser script?34:20 What is the epic script?36:29 What should we do when we notice we are following a cognitive script?38:04 In defense of procrastination40:38 How can the triple check inform what we do next?42:09 What are magic windows?43:02 What is mindful productivity?43:41 What is mindful productivity’s most valuable resource?44:27 How does managing emotions influence productivity?45:10 What does death by two arrows mean?45:54 What’s the hardest part of knowing what to do next?46:34 How can we practice self-anthropology?
About Anne-Laure Le Cunff:Anne-Laure Le Cunff is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and writer. A former Google executive, she went back to university to earn a Ph.D. In Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London. As the founder of Ness Labs and author of its widely read newsletter, she writes about evidence-based ways for people to make the most of their minds, navigate uncertainty, and practice lifelong learning. Her work has been featured in peer-reviewed academic journals and mainstream publications such as WIRED, Forbes, Rolling Stone, Fortune, Entrepreneur, and more
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