Behavior Gap Radio

What matters most in your current situation? Which of those things can you control? What actions can you take right now? In this episode, Carl Richards discusses how to handle uncertainty in life or business. He shares his approach of staying clear-headed and making a list of things that matter in uncertain situations. Carl then narrows down that list to what can be controlled, encouraging listeners to push the boundaries of what they think is within their control. He emphasizes the importance of identifying actions to take based on this list and revisiting it when new information arises, avoiding unnecessary worry over things outside of our control.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/

How often do you find yourself comparing your success to others online? Today, on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about the struggle with comparing ourselves to others, especially on social media. He shares his own experience of feeling inadequate after comparing his social media following to someone else's success and how his wife faced similar feelings on Instagram. Carl also discusses a conversation with a friend who runs a successful farm without being distracted by social media. Carl emphasizes the importance of unplugging from social media and focusing on what truly matters in life. He suggests getting involved in local community activities as a way to stay grounded. What helps you stay focused on your own goals and avoid comparison?

Have you ever noticed how similar all financial advisor websites look? Carl challenges the sameness in the financial advice industry. Why are so many afraid to stand out? Carl urges advisors to break free from clichés and embrace authenticity! He explores the fear of being different and the courage it takes to push boundaries and show up uniquely in a crowded field.If you like this episode, you'd LOVE The Society of Advice! Learn more here: https://thesocietyofadvice.com/

Today, Carl Richards discusses the concept of "value capture" beyond financial terms, focusing on how we can capture value in other important aspects of life, like friendships, outdoor experiences, and personal fulfillment. He shares a personal story about balancing the joy of backcountry skiing, which took significant time and effort, with the more efficient alternative of Nordic skiing near his home. Carl emphasizes the importance of understanding what value we’re trying to capture through our activities and making thoughtful decisions based on that. How are you capturing value in your life? Can you adjust your approach to focus more on what truly matters to you?

In this episode, Carl shares a personal reflection on raising children and teaching the value of hard work. He talks about balancing traditional part-time jobs with meaningful opportunities like internships and leadership roles in clubs. Carl explains that while jobs like working at a coffee shop teach valuable lessons, some extracurricular activities may offer a better return on investment in terms of skills and future opportunities. For his family, prioritizing these opportunities has been key to developing values like hard work and proactivity.

Are there ways you can better align your time and energy with your values? Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the mental framework of "value creation and capture," applying it to everyday activities like spending time with friends. He emphasizes that value capture isn’t just about money but also about time, energy, and attention. By understanding the value we want to express—such as friendship or connection—we can make more aligned choices, like opting for a walk with a friend instead of a formal lunch. This approach can help us better align our resources with what truly matters. 

In this episode, Carl unpacks the “process of creating things,” removing the pressure from terms like “creative process” or “art.” He explains that creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration; it’s about creating a process that invites magic to happen. Carl shares how he schedules regular time to sit down and create, regardless of how he feels in the moment. By treating creativity like a job with structure and routine, he’s able to consistently produce work. How can you create the conditions for your own magic to show up?

Join Carl in this heartfelt episode of Behavior Gap Radio as he explores the struggle of feeling unsettled in one’s own plan. Have you ever felt like you’re searching for understanding and belonging? Why do we apologize for our complex nature? Carl reflects on a social media exchange and shares his own challenges in balancing simplicity with chasing something deeper. 

Why is it so hard to feel like we are “enough”? In this episode, Carl explores the concept of structural scarcity—a scarcity mindset built into our systems and culture. From the way we talk about getting ahead to the pressure of keeping up with others, scarcity is everywhere. Carl reflects on the challenge of living in a system that promotes competition and never-ending consumption and how difficult it is to resist moving the goalposts in life. Join Carl on this insightful journey of reflection and practice in navigating the complexities of scarcity and sufficiency.

In this episode, Carl tells the story of someone who reached out to him, struggling with a toxic relationship with money despite having $1.2 million in savings. As soon as the number is mentioned, Carl highlights how our minds tend to shift into judgment mode, trying to evaluate whether this person “should” be struggling. He challenges us to stop using net worth, income, or spending as a tool for judgment and instead focus on the real issue—money struggles often have little to do with the actual amount of money. How does your brain react when you hear someone’s financial situation? Is it possible to look beyond the numbers and empathize with their struggles?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/