Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Optimism and Influence with Dr. Tali Sharot

Jan 4, 2021

50:05

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Dr. Tali Sharot, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, discusses optimism bias and its influence on behavior. Topics include the origins of optimism bias, cultivating optimism, memory biases, changing behavior on a national scale, and what influences behavior. The conversation explores the interplay between expectations and emotions in relationships, strategies for behavior change on climate change, and the impact of optimism bias on behavior and surprise responses.

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Quick takeaways

Optimism bias influences decision-making and perception of the future positively and negatively.

Evolutionary advantages of optimism bias include reduced stress levels and enhanced survival prospects.

Environmental factors can impact the expression of optimism bias, emphasizing its adaptive nature for survival.

Deep dives

The Optimism Bias and its Effects

The podcast episode explores the concept of the optimism bias, which is our tendency to overestimate positive outcomes and underestimate negative events in our lives. This bias affects our decision-making processes and our perceptions of the future, leading us to envision a better future than what reality might statistically suggest. While this bias can lead to taking risks or avoiding precautions, it can also motivate us positively, enhancing our efforts and self-fulfilling prophecies.

Optimism and Happiness Across Ages

01:29

Balancing the Optimism Bias

01:20

Intro

3min

Exploring Optimism Bias and Its Impact on Survival and Well-being

20min

Exploring the Influence of Expectations and Emotional Reactions in Relationships

4min

Behavior Change and Decision-making Dynamics

7min

Strategies for Influencing Behavior Change on Climate Change

16min

Exploring Optimism Bias, Behavior Change, and Influence

3min

What allows people to push on even during the darkest times? And how can we use that answer to influence our behavior, or the behavior of other people? Today Rick and Forrest are joined by Dr. Tali Sharot to explore the optimism bias, how optimism can exist alongside negativity, and how we can influence others more effectively.

About our Guest: Dr. Sharot is a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, and the director of the Affective Brain Lab. She’s also the author of a number of wonderful books, including The Optimism Bias: A Tour of the Irrationally Positive Brain, and The Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others.

Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.

Key Ideas:

1:30: What is the optimism bias, and how does it appear in people’s lives?

3:30: Where does the optimism bias come from? Did we evolve it?

8:45: How can someone cultivate an attitude of optimism?

13:00: Bringing good things into our awareness.

16:30: The negativity bias vs. the optimism bias.

19:30: Negativity, positivity, and memory.

23:00: The impact of surprise on our memory.

27:30: What helps us change our behavior and form new habits?

30:00: Changing behavior and beliefs on a national scale.

34:30: What really influences people's behavior?

40:00: Is human nature more positive or more negative?

44:00: Recap

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