The Science of Self

Mental Model #23: Avoid the Path of Least Resistance. Does something appear too easy? It's too good to be true. Avoid it. Seek resistance, because that's a sign that you are on the right path. On a daily basis, we are faced with two choices: the easy thing and the right thing. We usually don't even realize we have a choice, but when you start to honestly categorize your choices, you might discover that your instinct to avoid resistance is self-sabotage.Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/mentalmodelshollinsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#MentalModel #AvoidThePathOfLeastResistance #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf #ListenHearValidate

Make a promise to yourself that even though you may occasionally have setbacks, you will never skip your task for two days in a row. One day is understandable, but two days makes a habit. If you slip up, go into learning mode and ask why so you can ensure you don’t do the same the following day. Get the audiobook on Audible at http://bit.ly/41HabitsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think. #comfortzone #incrementalimprovement #realisticgoals #NeverSkipTwoDaysInARow #41Habits #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf

When it comes to relaxing, there are a few methods that run counter to what you might assume is most helpful. Some people just want to turn into a vegetable on the couch, and that works, to a certain degree. But video games, television, and reading are all excellent ways of combining rest, relaxation, and beneficial mental engagement. They all emphasize different modes of thought— video games force you to adapt to quicker reaction speeds and problem- solving; reading and television allow you to inhabit the minds of others. The media itself is not important, actually; it’s just that it is pleasurable mental engagement that leaves you feeling better about yourself after the fact. Questions or comments regarding the podcast? Email the show at Podcast@NewtonMG.com or let us know what you think at http://bit.ly/hollinscommentGet the audiobook on Audible at http://bit.ly/brainboostblueprintShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think. For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-home For production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg #attentionspan #ComerKidd #EmanueleCastano #emotionalintelligence #fluidintelligence #instantgratification #intellectualcapacity #KevinWarwick #RaymondMar #Warwick #ReadingAndWatchingTelevision #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf

Mental Model #22: Avoid To-Do Lists. In fact, construct don't-do lists. Narrowing down what you should be avoiding, and what really doesn't matter, will drastically free up your time. This means you will have less stress and anxiety and know exactly what your priorities are.Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/mentalmodelshollinsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#EisenhowerMatrix #trivialtasks #urgenttasks #uselesstasks #AvoidTo-DoLists #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf

Impulses are the polar opposite of self-discipline, and they are things we must consciously train against indulging in. Oh, but its hard. Impulses are behind every subconscious thought that we struggle to rein in. How can we ever hope to combat this? Generally, we must try to interject space and time between a thought and an action. We can do this by simply counting slowly to 10, labeling your thoughts and feelings, writing down the facts of a situation, and asking yourself why five times and making sure to answer honestly.Show notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-home Peter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.

Practicing meditation and mindfulness is the most predictable tip for relaxation. Stop ruminating on the past or the future. Try to not even focus on the present. Attempt to clear your mind and think only about one thing, such as your breathing. It sounds like the easiest thing in the world, and yet, you’ll struggle to do it. But pursuing this seemingly tiny goal will result in massive neurological changes that will improve your resistance to stress and anxiety, and wire your system for more resilience. Questions or comments regarding the podcast? Email the show at Podcast@NewtonMG.com or let us know what you think at http://bit.ly/hollinscommentShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think. #BrainBoostBlueprint #EnergyConservationMode #FacialExpressions #HolisticConnection #Lazar #Meditation #MeditationPractice #Mindfulness #NeuroscientistSaraLazar #PsychologicalBenefits #ACalmMindCanInTurnSootheTheBody #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf #TheBrainBoostBlueprint #

It's easy to start and maintain a mini habit. Remember, this is how you start to address the person you are training yourself to be. First, you think about a regular goal you'd like to pursue. It can be vague, like "fitness," or it can be more specific, like "Work out 45 minutes or more every day." Once you establish the end goal, you can then minify it into the smallest behavior that gets the process started.Questions or comments regarding the podcast? Email the show at HollinsPodcast@NewtonMG.com or let us know what you think at http://bit.ly/hollinscommentHear it Here - https://bit.ly/mindovermatterhollinsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#CouchPotato #CultivateDiscipline #Guise #Habit #HabitualPatterns #MentalEffort #MiniHabit #SmallPositiveAction #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf

All of us have natural advantages in some things, and despite how hard we work, we will never be more than mediocre in other areas. Recognize your strengths, and while you shouldn't stop trying to improve upon your weaknesses, understand where you will have the most impact.Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/mentalmodelshollinsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#CharlieMunger #Munger #NaturalTalent #StrategicAdvantages #MentalModel #AvoidYourNon-GeniusZones #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf

Impulses are the polar opposite of self-discipline, and they are things we must consciously train against indulging in. Oh, but it’s hard. Impulses are behind every subconscious thought that we struggle to rein in. How can we ever hope to combat this? Generally, we must try to interject space and time between a thought and an action. We can do this by simply counting slowly to 10, labeling your thoughts and feelings, writing down the facts of a situation, and asking yourself why five times and making sure to answer honestly.Practical Self-Discipline: Become a Relentless Goal-Achieving and Temptation-Busting Machine (A Guide for Procrastinators, Slackers, and Couch Potatoes) By Peter HollinsGet the audiobook on Audible at https://bit.ly/practicalselfdisciplineShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#ConsistentDiscipline #DefensiveResponses #EuropeanMolecularBiologyLaboratory #ImpulseControl #ImpulsiveBehavior #NeuralConnections #PrefrontalCortex #ControlYourImpulses #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf #ListenHearValidate

Stoicism is about finding your power within—your self-control and discipline to live a good life. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor who championed Stoic philosophy, advanced the idea that the quality of your life would depend on your ability to use reason as the ruling element in the way you conduct yourself, deal with others, and handle situations. He advocated mental toughness amidst adversity and fortitude of character amidst miseries. Stoicism recognizes the hardships inherent in life as well as the reality and inevitability of death. Acknowledging that such are inescapable in the human condition, adherents of Stoic philosophy strive to veer away from complaining about such things and instead shift their focus to those that are within human power to change and control—the perspective and attitude taken in the face of challenge and adversity.Questions or comments regarding the podcast? Email the show at HollinsPodcast@NewtonMG.com or let us know what you think at http://bit.ly/hollinscommentHear it here - http://bit.ly/philosophieshollinsShow notes and/or episode transcripts are available at https://bit.ly/self-growth-homePeter Hollins is a bestselling author, human psychology researcher, and a dedicated student of the human condition. Visit https://bit.ly/peterhollins to pick up your FREE human nature cheat sheet: 7 surprising psychology studies that will change the way you think.For narration information visit Russell Newton at https://bit.ly/VoW-homeFor production information visit Newton Media Group LLC at https://bit.ly/newtonmg#Aurelius #DeliberateHardship #innerfortitude #mentalendurance #SelfDiscipline #serenityprayer #Stoic #toleratediscomfort #WhyStoicismAndSelfDisciplineAreCloselyEntwined # #RussellNewton #NewtonMG #PeterHollins #TheScienceofSelf