How to Get Unstuck — with Adam Alter

121 snips

Jun 8, 2023

Adam Alter, a marketing and psychology professor at NYU and author of "Anatomy of a Breakthrough," shares insights on overcoming feelings of being stuck. He discusses strategies for navigating career choices, emphasizing the balance between exploring new paths and honing in on specific goals. Alter also reflects on the broader implications of technology on social connections and personal growth. Plus, he makes a compelling case for why Lionel Messi is the greatest soccer player of all time!

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ADVICE

Getting Unstuck

Recognize feeling stuck when lacking progress or satisfaction.
Slow down, assess the situation, strategize, then act.

ANECDOTE

Messi's Strategy

Lionel Messi, despite pre-game anxiety, strategically observes the first few minutes of each match.
This allows him to analyze opponents' weaknesses and his team's dynamics, maximizing his later effectiveness.

ADVICE

Explore then Exploit

Explore various options early in your career, saying "yes" to opportunities.
Later, exploit the most promising path by focusing intensely and saying "no" to distractions.

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Irresistible

The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked

Adam Alter

In 'Irresistible,' Adam Alter delves into the world of behavioral addiction, tracing the historical understanding of addiction and its expansion beyond substance abuse to include behaviors such as gaming, social media, and smartphone use. Alter explains how technology companies deliberately design products to be irresistible, using techniques like 'Ludic Loops' and 'gamification' to keep users engaged. The book also discusses the potential for these addictive technologies to have both positive and negative effects on our well-being and provides insights into how we can mitigate their damaging impacts[2][4][5].

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