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The Next Big Idea Daily

Achieve Big Change With Small Acts

Apr 11, 2025
Greg Walton, a Stanford psychologist and author of *Ordinary Magic*, discusses how small acts and mindset shifts can trigger profound changes. He emphasizes overcoming feelings of inadequacy by harnessing ordinary magic to foster personal growth and improve relationships. Walton shares insights on reshaping negative self-doubts into resilience, and highlights transformative programs aimed at bolstering belonging among marginalized students. Through storytelling and support systems, he reveals how these small, mindful actions can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
15:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Subtle psychological shifts through wise interventions can foster significant relationship improvements by encouraging regular reflection on feelings.
  • Creating supportive environments for sharing personal stories enhances students' sense of belonging, ultimately leading to better engagement and academic success.

Deep dives

Recognizing the Ordinary Magic of Change

Subtle psychological shifts, termed wise interventions, can lead to significant changes in one’s life, according to insights shared in the discussion. For instance, it was highlighted that addressing persistent conflicts in relationships can be as simple as dedicating just a few minutes every few months to reflect on one's feelings. This small act can help stabilize marriages by fostering understanding. The transformative power of these small changes illustrates that everyone has the potential to become an 'ordinary magician' in their own life and the lives of others.

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