Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Do Nothing, Then Do Less

Mar 15, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, sheds light on the surprising benefits of doing less. She and Tim Harford explore 'masterly inactivity,' exemplified by Chuck Yeager’s critical moment in the cockpit. By analyzing various real-world scenarios—from sports to healthcare—they reveal how subtraction enhances well-being. The conversation also emphasizes the power of saying no to create space for what truly matters, promoting happiness through simplicity.
35:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • In critical moments, doing less can be more effective than taking hasty actions, as seen in Chuck Yeager's experience.
  • Subtraction in problem-solving, like removing pedals from bikes, can lead to innovative solutions and successful outcomes.

Deep dives

The Unshakable: Stories of Hard Choices and Moments of Triumph

Small business owners can gain valuable insights from The Unshakable podcast series, shedding light on the moments that defined successful businesses. By focusing on do-or-die scenarios faced by entrepreneurs, the series showcases how pivotal decisions shape business outcomes, making it a must-listen for small business owners striving for success.

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