Behavior Gap Radio

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the concept of confirmation bias, illustrating its insidious nature through personal stories. He recounts his own experiences, from avoiding the scale on days after poor eating choices to misinterpreting dates for a wilderness first responder course, to demonstrate how this cognitive bias leads us to ignore evidence that contradicts our beliefs. Carl explains how confirmation bias protects our ego by reinforcing our existing views, making it challenging to accept that we might be wrong. He offers practical advice on combating this bias by intentionally seeking out contradictory information and considering alternative perspectives. Join Carl as he explores the pitfalls of confirmation bias and shares strategies to overcome it!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/

Today, Carl talks about the importance of sound decision-making processes, particularly in high-stakes environments like the mountains and financial markets. He explores the often-overlooked rigor needed in decision-making and the concept of "non-event feedback," where bad decisions can lead to seemingly good outcomes by sheer luck. Carl highlights the necessity of understanding the environment in which decisions are made to ensure that processes are aligned with the risks involved. 

Carl reflects on the immediate consequences of his last-minute, intense approach to tasks. After missing the start of a long-anticipated wilderness first responder course due to a critical scheduling oversight, Carl shares the humbling experience and its lessons. He recounts how his ingrained work habits and cognitive biases led to this error, prompting a reassessment of his productivity methods. Tune in to hear Carl’s candid exploration of the downsides of procrastination and the importance of double-checking details, as well as his insights on adapting and improving his approach to avoid future pitfalls!

Today, on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the unconventional but highly effective way he manages his professional tasks and continuing education requirements. By leveraging the power of intense, focused work sessions followed by ample downtime, Carl discovers that cramming and crushing tasks right before deadlines might be more suited to his productivity style than a traditional, steady workflow. He reflects on the benefits and potential pitfalls of this approach.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/

Imagine if everyone you encountered had a visible net worth sign above their heads, updated hourly. In this hypothetical exploration, Carl challenges listeners to consider how their perceptions and behaviors would change based on this transparency. 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/

Carl talks through the concept of compensated risk in finance and investing. With insightful clarity, Carl distinguishes between compensated and uncompensated risks, emphasizing the importance of optimizing investment strategies for reliable returns. Through relatable analogies and practical advice, Carl empowers listeners to navigate the complexities of investing by identifying and mitigating uncompensated risks. If you liked this episode, you'd LOVE Carl's Weekly Letter. 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 of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl challenges the societal pressure to conform to external expectations and the relentless pursuit of materialistic ideals. He explores the illusion of "keeping up" and the true sources of happiness and longevity, rooted in meaningful connections and experiences. Tune in to reflect on what truly matters and break free from the cycle of consumption-driven happiness!If you liked this episode, you'd LOVE Carl's Weekly Letter. 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/

Today, Carl talks about a moment when he woke up early in the morning feeling anxious and scared about money. He shares how he realized that, at that moment, everything was actually okay. Carl talks about how he used to worry a lot about the future and feel bad about things from the past, but now he's learning to find happiness in just being in the now. Listen to this episode as a reminder to enjoy the simple moments of life and be thankful for what you have right now.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/

Come along with Carl as he thinks deeply about the words of Blaise Pascal from 1654: "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone." He ponders why people often feel lonely even when surrounded by others. Carl talks about how important it is to spend time alone, even when life gets busy. Using his own experiences and ideas from poet David Whyte, Carl talks about how sometimes being alone can feel scary or make us wish for company. He also shares how he wants to get better at enjoying quiet moments and thinking deeply!

Today, on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about the age-old advice of not counting chickens before they hatch. Carl shares his own experiences grappling with the line between potential and reality. He explores the fine balance between optimism and practicality, stressing the value of embracing uncertainty and avoiding premature celebrations. 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/