PsycHacks

In an auction house, the lot goes to the highest bidder. In a very real sense, the highest bidder wins because no one else in the room believed the lot was worth that much. This means that the highest bidder almost certainly overpaid, and could have secured the same lot with fewer resources. The auction house is a useful analogy for work. In what ways might you be overpaying for your returns? In this episode, I'll discuss how to increase your ROI through the strategic allocation of resources.

Exploring the benefits of memento mori in Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful goals and letting go of trivial matters for a more fulfilling life.

Turning down an offer isn't always pleasant. However, learning how to do so with confidence is an essential skill in order to safeguard your time and energy. Unfortunately, many people devalue the currency of their wills by providing "reasons" why an acceptance is infeasible or impractical. Rather than leaving the door open to an unwanted counter-offer, try practicing an alternative strategy. Just say no!

The podcast delves into the nature of identity, questioning who the true 'I' is in a thought exercise. It explains how this exercise aligns with spiritual traditions, and explores the essence of identity beyond material possessions.

Most of us use the words "need" and "want" interchangeably. However, there are important differences between the two concepts that differentially impact our emotional experience. Since "need" is technically associated with survival, it carries with it the threat of extinction. As a result, "need" can transform a mundane task into a life-or-death struggle. If you suffer from generalized anxiety, examine your habits around these two concepts.

Exploring the life lesson from the 'Kill Bill' credit sequence, highlighting the importance of having allies to overcome obstacles and adversities

Delving into the concept of 'enough,' the podcast explores the balance between needs and wants, emphasizing contentment as the key to living abundantly.

What is the best virtue with which to approach life's difficulties? Should we always strive for safety? Or is being strong a better approach? "Safe, smart, brave, strong" is my personal mantra when I go on adventures in the wilderness. In this episode, I unpack the reasoning behind the progression of these virtues, and explain how this perspective can be generalized to other domains of life.

Exploring the aftermath of loss, the discussion delves into the human tendency to ask 'why' and its psychological implications. The conversation highlights how this quest for meaning can lead to obsessive rumination. Listeners learn about the importance of limiting such questioning to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of negativity. Practical steps to break free and shift towards healing and growth are emphasized, encouraging a move from endless reflection to actionable change.

Some young people today harbor extremely negative beliefs about money. However, while money has been (and continues to be) used inappropriately, it is actually used constructively in the vast majority of cases. In this episode, I'll discuss how money is effectively utilized to incentivize altruism. It's a subtle trick of the mind by which we collectively transcend self-interest by appealing to self-interest.