

Appendix B: All the evidence-based advice we found on how to be more successful in any job
Discover the pitfalls of traditional self-help advice and learn evidence-backed alternatives for boosting productivity. Hear practical strategies for developing successful habits while prioritizing mental health. Explore the power of effective networking and the impact of relocating to industry hubs. Uncover techniques for career happiness, such as gratitude journaling and skill development. Delve into the importance of diverse skill sets and aligning personal values with life goals for fulfillment.
58:55
Prioritize Basic Self-Care
- Take care of yourself by prioritizing the basics: sleep, exercise, diet, and friendships.
- Improving these has a bigger impact on happiness and productivity than factors like income.
Make Mental Health A Priority
- Prioritize mental health by seeking diagnosis and treatment for any issues.
- Use evidence-based therapies like CBT and seek a therapist with a good match for you.
Combat Back Pain and RSI
- Prevent back pain and RSI by setting up your workspace properly and maintaining good posture.
- Exercise regularly and change positions often to reduce risk.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Building Habits for Success: The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health
01:36 • 4min
Prioritizing Mental Health and Building Success Strategies
05:19 • 21min
Networking and Location Impact
26:43 • 6min
Strategies for Happiness and Career Growth
32:39 • 16min
The Value of Diverse Skill Sets
48:49 • 6min
Cultivating Values and Character for a Fulfilling Life
54:38 • 2min
Cultivating Honesty and Compound Growth for Success
56:35 • 2min

#3779
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
The Charisma Myth


Olivia Fox Cabane
The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane combines fun stories, sound science, and practical tools to explain how charisma can be learned and developed.
Cabane breaks down charisma into its fundamental components, including presence, power, and warmth.
The book describes four types of charisma: focus charisma, visionary charisma, kindness charisma, and explains how these qualities can be developed through specific behaviors and mental states.
It emphasizes that charisma is not an innate quality but rather a skill that can be acquired through practice and the right mental approaches.

#1497
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
The Start-up of You
Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career


Reid Hoffman

Ben Casnocha
This book, written by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha, provides a blueprint for thriving in your job and building a career by applying the lessons of Silicon Valley's most innovative entrepreneurs.
It emphasizes the importance of being nimble, investing in oneself, building professional networks, taking intelligent risks, and making uncertainty and volatility work to your advantage.
The authors argue that these entrepreneurial skills are essential for professionals to get ahead in today's dynamic job market.
The book is not a job-hunting manual but rather a guide to adopting a start-up mindset to adapt to the future, expand your network, gain a competitive edge, and seize new opportunities.

#1146
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
The how of happiness


Sonja Lyubomirsky
In *The How of Happiness*, Sonja Lyubomirsky offers a detailed yet easy-to-follow plan to increase happiness.
Drawing on her extensive research, Lyubomirsky explains that while 50% of happiness is determined by genetics and 10% by life circumstances, 40% can be controlled through intentional thoughts and behaviors.
The book provides over a dozen uniquely formulated happiness-increasing strategies, including practicing optimism, savoring life's pleasures, and staying active.
It also includes diagnostic quizzes to help readers understand their 'happiness set point' and select activities that best fit their personality, resources, and goals.
Lyubomirsky emphasizes the importance of personalizing these strategies to achieve long-term happiness.

#20
• Mentioned in 226 episodes
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love


Cal Newport
In this book, Cal Newport challenges the conventional wisdom that following one's passion is the key to career happiness.
Instead, he argues that passion often follows mastery and that developing valuable skills and expertise is essential for creating work you love.
Newport presents four rules: Don't follow your passion, Be so good they can't ignore you, Turn down a promotion, and Think small, act big.
He supports his arguments with case studies from various professionals who have found satisfaction in their careers through hard work and skill development.

#2062
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
How to Measure Anything

Douglas W Hubbard
Douglas Hubbard's "How to Measure Anything" provides a practical framework for quantifying even the seemingly unmeasurable.
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding uncertainty and using Bayesian methods to improve decision-making.
Hubbard presents a systematic approach to identifying and addressing sources of uncertainty, helping readers make more informed choices.
The book is widely used by professionals in various fields, including business, engineering, and science.
It offers valuable insights into the challenges of measurement and the importance of using data effectively to improve decision-making.

#1834
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Decisive
How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work


Chip Heath


Dan Heath
In 'Decisive', Chip and Dan Heath address the critical topic of decision-making, highlighting the biases and irrationalities that disrupt our choices.
The book introduces a four-step process—WRAP (Widen your options, Reality-test your assumptions, Attain distance before deciding, Prepare to be wrong)—designed to counteract these biases.
Through engaging stories and practical tools, the Heaths provide strategies to stop agonizing over decisions, make group decisions without destructive politics, and ensure that valuable opportunities are not overlooked.

#666
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Peak
Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

Anders Ericsson


Robert Pool
This book summarizes Anders Ericsson's 30-year research on the acquisition of expertise.
It introduces the concept of 'deliberate practice,' a specific learning method used by experts to achieve superior performance.
The authors distinguish between different types of practice, such as naive practice, purposeful practice, and deliberate practice, emphasizing the importance of mental representations in achieving expertise.
The book also addresses the misconception of the '10,000-hour rule' popularized by Malcolm Gladwell and provides practical tips for improving skills in various areas.

#368
• Mentioned in 45 episodes
Never Eat Alone
And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time


Keith Ferrazzi
In 'Never Eat Alone,' Keith Ferrazzi shares his insights on networking and relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and mutual success.
The book outlines specific steps and an inner mindset for connecting with others, highlighting principles such as generosity, constant communication, and reciprocity without keeping score.
Ferrazzi draws from his own experiences and those of highly connected individuals to provide practical advice on handling rejection, attending events, and maintaining long-lasting connections in both personal and professional settings.

#4733
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Flourish
A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being


Martin Seligman
In 'Flourish', Martin E.P.
Seligman presents a new concept of well-being that goes beyond traditional psychology's focus on alleviating suffering.
He introduces the PERMA model, which consists of Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
These pillars are essential for a life of profound fulfillment.
The book discusses how these elements can be applied in various aspects of life, including education, economics, therapy, and public policy.
It also includes inspiring stories of Positive Psychology in action, such as the U.S.
Army's training in emotional resilience and innovative school programs.
Seligman's work is grounded in extensive research and provides practical exercises for readers to explore their own attitudes and aims.

#15
• Mentioned in 251 episodes
How to Win Friends and Influence People


Dale Carnegie
First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills.
The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment.
Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument.
The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours.
It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations.

#145
• Mentioned in 87 episodes
Tiny Habits
The Small Changes That Change Everything


BJ Fogg
In 'Tiny Habits,' Dr. BJ Fogg presents a breakthrough method for habit formation based on 20 years of research and his experience coaching thousands of people.
The book introduces the 'Behavior Design' approach, which emphasizes the importance of motivation, ability, and prompts in creating new habits.
Fogg's method, known as the ABC (Anchor, Behavior, Celebration) method, involves anchoring new habits to existing routines, performing the behavior, and celebrating each success to reinforce the habit.
The book provides step-by-step guides and practical techniques to make habit formation easy, enjoyable, and rewarding, helping readers to increase productivity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

#2
• Mentioned in 796 episodes
Atomic Habits


James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones.
The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results.
Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation.
The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth.

#26803
It's Not Always Depression

Hilary Jacobs Hendel
In 'It's Not Always Depression,' Hilary Jacobs Hendel presents a unique therapeutic approach that draws on the latest science about the healing power of emotions.
The book introduces the Change Triangle, a tool that helps individuals identify and work through emotional defenses, secondary emotions, and core emotions.
Hendel shares patient stories and dynamic exercises to help readers connect with healing emotions, ease anxiety and depression, and discover their authentic selves.
The approach is based on Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), which focuses on fully experiencing core emotions to achieve an openhearted state of calm, curiosity, connection, compassion, confidence, courage, and clarity.

#2654
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Triumph of the City
null

Ed Glazer

#523
• Mentioned in 34 episodes
Feeling Good
The New Mood Therapy

David D. Burns MD
This book, written by Dr. David D. Burns, outlines scientifically proven techniques based on CBT to help readers overcome negative thoughts and develop a positive outlook on life.
It addresses common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem by identifying and correcting cognitive distortions.
The book provides practical advice on recognizing and changing negative thought patterns, handling criticism, building self-esteem, and improving overall mental well-being.
#25379
Who's your city?

Richard Florida

#3861
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Connected


James Fowler

Nicholas Christakis
In *Connected*, Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler reveal the surprising ways in which social networks shape our lives.
They explain how emotions are contagious, health behaviors spread, and how social networks influence our ideas, relationships, and behavior.
The book challenges traditional notions of individuality by highlighting the powerful role of networks in shaping our experiences.

#183
• Mentioned in 71 episodes
Give and Take
A Revolutionary Approach to Success


Adam Grant
In 'Give and Take', Adam Grant examines the surprising forces that shape success, highlighting the differences between givers, matchers, and takers.
Givers contribute to others without expecting anything in return, matchers aim to trade evenly, and takers strive to get as much as possible from others.
Grant uses cutting-edge evidence and captivating stories to show how these styles impact success across various industries.
The book emphasizes the benefits and challenges of adopting a giver mentality and provides practical advice on how to build successful relationships and achieve extraordinary results.

#691
• Mentioned in 28 episodes
The Road to Character


David Brooks
In 'The Road to Character,' David Brooks delves into the lives of some of the world’s greatest thinkers and leaders to illustrate how they built strong inner characters.
The book contrasts 'résumé virtues' (external achievements) with 'eulogy virtues' (internal character strengths like kindness, bravery, and honesty).
Brooks examines figures such as Frances Perkins, Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, and others, highlighting their personal struggles and the virtues they developed.
He argues that modern society often prioritizes external success over internal character, and he provides practical advice on how to rebalance these aspects of life.
The book is a call to rethink priorities and strive for a life marked by humility, moral depth, and meaningful relationships.

#1232
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Reasons and Persons

Derek Parfit
Derek Parfit's "Reasons and Persons" is a landmark work in contemporary philosophy, profoundly impacting discussions on personal identity, ethics, and rationality.
Parfit challenges traditional notions of the self, arguing that our sense of personal identity is less coherent than we assume.
He explores the implications of this for our moral obligations, particularly concerning future generations.
The book delves into the complexities of decision-making under uncertainty, examining how we should weigh our present interests against the potential consequences of our actions for the future.
Parfit's rigorous analysis and thought-provoking arguments have had a lasting influence on various fields, including ethics, political philosophy, and decision theory.
His work continues to stimulate debate and inspire new research.

#1556
• Mentioned in 16 episodes
The Scout Mindset
None


Julia Galef
Dans "The Scout Mindset", Julia Galef explore la différence entre deux approches mentales : le "Mindset du Soldat", axé sur la défense de ses croyances, et le "Mindset du Scout", qui privilégie la recherche de la vérité, même si cela remet en question ses propres convictions.
L'auteure argumente que le Mindset du Scout est essentiel pour une prise de décision rationnelle et efficace.
Le livre propose des outils et des techniques pour cultiver ce Mindset, en encourageant l'ouverture d'esprit, la remise en question et l'acceptation de l'incertitude.
Galef utilise des exemples concrets et des anecdotes pour illustrer ses points, rendant le livre accessible à un large public.
L'ouvrage est une invitation à adopter une approche plus objective et plus rigoureuse dans la formation de ses opinions et dans la prise de décisions.

#3953
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
A Mind for Numbers
How to Excel at Math and Science


Barbara Oakley
In 'A Mind for Numbers', Dr. Barbara Oakley provides practical advice and scientific insights on how to excel in math and science, even for those who have struggled in these subjects.
The book highlights the importance of using both focused and diffuse modes of thinking, managing time effectively, and applying strategies such as interleaved practice and spaced repetition.
Oakley shares her personal journey from being a mathphobe to becoming an engineering professor, illustrating that anyone can improve their skills in these areas with the right approach.

#11844
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Being Good
A Short Introduction to Ethics

Simon Blackburn
In 'Being Good: A Short Introduction to Ethics,' Simon Blackburn provides a thorough and engaging exploration of the field of ethics.
The book addresses skepticism about ethics, discussing how cynicism and self-consciousness can complicate ethical considerations.
Blackburn draws on historical, political, and personal examples to illustrate the relevance of ethics in everyday life, covering topics such as abortion, euthanasia, personal rights, and the meaning of life.
He distills the arguments of philosophers like Hume, Kant, and Aristotle, emphasizing the importance of conscience, truth, and human progress.
The book challenges readers to think critically about their ethical standards and the ethical climate of their time, advocating for a balanced and nuanced approach to ethical issues.

#6
• Mentioned in 357 episodes
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World


Cal Newport
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.
The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'.
Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.

#58
• Mentioned in 142 episodes
Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance


Angela Duckworth
In this book, Angela Duckworth presents a compelling argument that success is driven more by grit, a fusion of relentless passion and perseverance, than by talent.
She explains what grit is, how to identify and develop it, and how it can be grown through stages such as developing interests, consistent practice, finding a pro-social purpose, and cultivating optimism.
The book is structured in three parts: explaining what grit is and why it matters, how to grow grit from the inside out, and how to grow grit from the outside in, targeting parents, coaches, teachers, and organizational leaders.
Duckworth supports her arguments with personal stories, historical insights, and interviews with high achievers from various fields.

#675
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Originals
How Non-Conformists Move the World


Adam Grant
In 'Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World', Adam Grant delves into the creative process and the mindset of individuals who challenge the status quo.
The book discusses how originals manage risk while following their vision, the importance of quantity over quality in idea generation, and the role of procrastination and strategic timing in creative output.
Grant also addresses how to communicate original ideas effectively, deal with emotional turmoil, and instill originality in various contexts, including business and child-rearing.
The book challenges common myths about success and creativity, offering practical advice and anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples.

#133
• Mentioned in 93 episodes
I will teach you to be rich


Ramit Sethi
This book, updated for a new era, provides a simple and powerful 6-week program to manage finances.
Ramit Sethi focuses on behavioral psychology to help readers save more, earn more, and automate their finances.
Key lessons include focusing on big wins rather than small savings, automating financial tasks, and spending guilt-free on things you love while cutting back on unnecessary expenses.
The book also covers topics like crushing debt, setting up high-interest bank accounts, and long-term investing in index funds.

#1171
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Mindfulness
How To Live Well By Paying Attention

Louise L. Hay

Ed Halliwell

#5053
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD


Russell A. Barkley

#12707
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Cognitive behavioral therapy for adult ADHD

J. Russell Ramsay


Anthony Rostain
The trouble with self-help advice is that it’s often based on barely any evidence.
Much other advice is just one person’s opinion, or useless clichés. But at 80,000 Hours, we’ve found that there are a number of evidence-backed steps that anyone can take to become more productive and successful in their career, and life in general. And as we saw in an earlier article, people can keep improving their skills for decades.