No Stupid Questions 45. How Much Better Do You Really Want to Be?
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Oct 26, 2025 The hosts discuss the preference for relative versus absolute success, revealing how ego plays into social comparisons. They explore the benefits of surrounding ourselves with high-achieving peers, boosting performance in various fields. A fascinating debate arises about whether virtues can spread like skills among friends. Additionally, they delve into the role of filler words in speech, examining their impact on perceived intelligence and authority. The conversation wraps up with a call for clear communication while embracing each other's unique speech patterns.
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Perception Is Mostly Relative
- Human judgments about success, happiness, and preferences are fundamentally comparative rather than absolute.
- Subtle framing and available comparisons can shift choices and perceptions quickly.
Choose People Who Stretch You
- Surround yourself with people slightly better than you to learn and perform faster.
- Avoid extremes: choose peers who are reachable to create desirable difficulty and growth.
Big Pond Lowers Self-View
- Being in a stronger peer group can lower your academic self-concept even while raising actual ability.
- Daily comparisons make you feel average even when the whole group is high-performing.
