The High Performance Podcast

The 90 Second Habit That Can Change Your Life, with Mo Gawdat

40 snips
Jun 18, 2025
Mo Gawdat, former chief business officer at Google X and author of "Solve for Happy," shares his profound journey through grief after losing his son. He introduces the 90-second rule, revealing how emotions only physically last 90 seconds and how we can choose our reactions afterward. Mo discusses techniques to navigate emotions, transform grief into resilience, and foster lasting happiness. He emphasizes the need for radical acceptance and explores the true meaning of fulfillment beyond material success, making this conversation a powerful guide for emotional clarity.
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INSIGHT

The 90-Second Emotion Rule

  • Our body's emotional response to anger or stress lasts only 90 seconds according to neuroscience.
  • What happens after those 90 seconds is our conscious choice, not biology.
ANECDOTE

Tragic Loss of Son Ali

  • Mo Gawdat lost his 21-year-old son Ali due to a preventable surgical error.
  • This tragedy profoundly changed Mo's life perspective and mission.
ADVICE

Three Questions to Manage Emotions

  • Quickly bounce back from unhappiness by asking: Is it true? Can I do something? Can I accept it and act despite it?
  • If the thought is untrue, let it go; if actionable, do it; if not, accept and move forward.
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