The One You Feed The Science of Getting Unstuck: When to Keep Going and When to Let Go with Adam Alter
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Jan 16, 2026 
Adam Alter, a behavioral scientist and author, dives into the fascinating science of getting unstuck. He explains the emotional toll of feeling stuck and the importance of acceptance. Adam discusses cultural differences in perceptions of change and emphasizes a growth mindset. He shares practical strategies, like breaking down big goals, embracing curiosity, and how physical movement can spark creativity. With insights on persistence and the timing of exploration versus exploitation, listeners gain tools to navigate life's plateaus and creative blocks.
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The Creative Cliff Illusion
- The creative cliff illusion makes us assume the best ideas come first and then decline.
- Adam Alter shows the opposite: obvious ideas arrive early, but the interesting ones come after pushing through difficulty.
Stuckness Is Mostly Psychological
- Most feelings of being stuck are psychological and within our control, not physical constraints.
- Emotional overwhelm sabotages rational problem solving, so managing emotion is the first step.
Culture Shapes Expectations Of Change
- Cultural mindsets affect how people expect change: Westerners expect continuity, Easterners expect fluctuation.
- That expectation shapes how prepared people feel for setbacks and stuck periods.
