How to End Cravings and Stop Bad Habits (Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter)
Oct 27, 2023
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Michael Easter, author of Scarcity Brain, discusses breaking scarcity loops, combating addiction, the negative impact of gamification and social media, and the importance of evaluating belongings and embracing adventure.
Resolving bad habits should be prioritized before developing new habits, by eliminating their sources and creating the right environment and mindset.
Addiction should not solely be viewed as a disease, but rather as an issue that can be overcome by making big changes, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and finding purpose.
Deep dives
Fixing Bad Habits and Resolving Behaviors
The podcast explores the importance of resolving our bad habits and behaviors before focusing on developing new habits. It emphasizes the need to root out the sources of bad habits and create the right environment and mindset to eliminate them.
The Scarcity Loop and its Impact
The podcast discusses the concept of the scarcity loop, which is a pattern our brains follow that drives certain behaviors. It explains how scarcity cues, such as unpredictable rewards and quick repeatability, can shape our actions, using examples like slot machines and food scavenging.
Challenging the Disease Model of Addiction
The podcast challenges the idea that addiction is solely a disease, citing recent research. It explores how treating addiction as a disease can hinder recovery and motivation. It suggests making big changes, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and finding purpose to overcome addiction.
Escaping the Scarcity Loop Through Abundance
The podcast discusses shifting from scarcity loops to abundance loops, where hobbies and activities satisfy the need for opportunity, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability in positive ways. It highlights the importance of finding hobbies aligned with personal interests and leveraging them to break free from unhealthy behaviors.
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Timestamps:
[00:00] We Should Focus on Bad Habits [02:40] The Scarcity Loop [06:19] How to Break the Scarcity Loop [08:50] Scarcity Cues [12:02] Addiction is not a Disease [15:25] How to Combat Addiction [18:15] Gamification & Scarcity Loops [22:02] Food Cravings [27:19] We’re All Hoarders [30:29] Drowning in Information [34:12] How to We Stop Craving More?
If you enjoyed this show, please let me know on Twitter (@nateliason) or Instagram (@nat_eliason)
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