Behavior Gap Radio

Have you ever thought about whether pursuing a creative life can lead to stability? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl tackles that question (inspired by a recent conversation with university students). He shares that while most people optimize for ease and stability, he’s more interested in doing hard things and creating meaningful experiences, like hosting retreats at his home. Using the metaphor of “seeing the mountains,” Carl explains that once you’ve experienced something truly transformative, you can’t go back to settling for less. Have you seen your own “mountains,” and how has that shaped the way you design your life?Do you want announcements about future retreats at Carl's home? Just tell him where to send your invitation: https://dancingwithdragons.com/

How do you know if you’re spending too much? Today, Carl explores the tricky question of defining what is sufficient for our needs, noting that the answer is deeply personal and varies from one person to the next. He points out that outward measures, like spending less than you make, can be helpful, but ultimately, it's an internal calibration that matters most. Have you ever caught yourself judging someone else’s financial decisions only to realize you don’t really know what’s going on in their life? Carl shares examples of spending that may seem illogical but are essential for someone’s well-being or relationships. The key takeaway: We’re always recalibrating our needs, and there’s no simple checklist for what’s “enough.” Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl Richards dives into the challenge of focusing attention, especially in today’s world with endless distractions at our fingertips. How often do you truly invest your attention? He offers a simple exercise: Count your breaths to see how quickly your mind can wander. Have you ever spent time with someone but not truly paid attention? Carl emphasizes the difference between spending time and investing attention, noting that people can feel the difference. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Isn’t it easy to judge how others spend their money? In this episode, Carl explores the tendency we have to make quick judgments about people's financial decisions—whether it's a fancy car, an expensive truck, or even rocks for a garden. Have you ever found yourself silently critiquing someone's spending, only to later realize you don’t know the full story? Carl shares examples, including a friend who spent money on expensive adventures during a difficult time in his life, explaining how those trips were actually helping him survive. What if, instead of judging, we paused to consider the story behind the spending? Carl suggests that by shifting from judgment to empathy, we might better understand others—and ourselves.

Carl explores the four sources of capital—time, energy, attention, and money—with a focus on the question: Where would we be without money? What role does money play in our lives? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about its dual nature, offering freedom on one hand and creating power struggles on the other. 

Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares the acronym TEAM—Time, Energy, Attention, and Money—as four key sources of capital. Why should we think beyond just money? How valuable are time, energy, and attention in comparison? Hear the thoughtful reasoning behind this framework and get a sneak peek into Carl's upcoming book on the subject.Do you want to know about Carl's next book release? Tell him where to send your announcement: https://www.thesocietyofadvice.com/book

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl discusses the often-overlooked aspect of financial planning: understanding your current position. While it might seem simple, Carl explains that assessing where you are today is actually a complex process influenced by emotions and personal values. Using the metaphor of an explorer's map, he shows how your starting point—whether it's a balance sheet or your core values—shapes your financial journey. Tune in to learn why getting clear about your present is an ongoing practice and how it impacts your path to financial goals.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a personal story about his surprising reaction to using a credit card—an instinctive response rooted in old financial anxieties. Why do these ingrained behaviors stick with us even when they're no longer helpful? And how can we start changing these patterns? Carl offers a compassionate approach by recognizing and thanking these old habits for their past role, then suggests a kinder way to rewire our mindset about money. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Discover how childhood memories shape our relationship with money. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on early experiences that influence adult financial behaviors. By examining these narratives, the conversation reveals how increased awareness can pave the way for a healthier financial mindset.

Explore the intriguing concept of alignment in capital relationships, including time, money, and energy. Personal stories illustrate the balance between imbalance in our lives. The discussion encourages a mindful approach to managing resources effectively. Tune in to discover how to foster insights around prioritizing what truly matters.