Choiceology with Katy Milkman

Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and author of "Grit," explores the science of self-control, emphasizing techniques to manage impulses effectively. Yuhuru Williams, a historian and advocate for racial justice, discusses Jackie Robinson's remarkable composure in the face of adversity and how it reshaped perceptions in baseball. They reveal how mastering self-control can lead to success, highlighting practical strategies like situational design to strengthen willpower and enhance personal discipline.

Katy Milkman chats with Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of 'Grit,' who has delved deep into self-control and perseverance. They explore how self-control manifests in everyday choices and the surprising insights from the famous marshmallow test. Angela offers practical strategies to enhance self-control, like modifying environments and using simple hacks to reduce temptation. She also distinguishes between grit and self-control, highlighting the importance of cultivating resilience through supportive relationships and structured environments.

Mary Murphy, a professor at Indiana University, dives into the fascinating world of mindsets, drawing from her research on motivation and growth. She explores how the labels we give ourselves, like 'talented' or 'not,' shape our abilities. Murphy highlights the differences between growth and fixed mindsets, explaining how the latter can hinder performance. She discusses practical strategies to shift from a fixed mindset, emphasizing the power of perseverance and adaptability in various aspects of life, including learning and investing.

Join Clayton Critcher, a UC Berkeley marketing and psychology professor, as he delves into the fascinating concept of doubling-back aversion—the reluctance to start over even when it’s the best choice. He shares the story of the Panama Canal's costly mistakes due to this bias. Listeners learn practical strategies to overcome this instinct, such as reframing wasted efforts and adopting a more flexible mindset. It’s a compelling exploration of how our minds trick us into resisting the smart pivot.

Liev Hukset Wang is the Head of Communications at the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, dedicated to preserving Thor Heyerdahl's legacy. Colin Fisher, an Associate Professor at UCL, focuses on innovation and teamwork. They discuss the remarkable Kon-Tiki expedition, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and clear goals in achieving success. Colin shares insights on avoiding social loafing and fostering group synergy through effective collaboration, debunking myths about team dynamics with compelling historical examples.

Historian Adrian Phillips, author of works on British royalty during WWII, shares insights on King George VI's struggles with his stutter and public speaking. Seth Tichenor, a speech-language pathologist, discusses the emotional challenges faced by individuals with speech impediments in public roles. The conversation dives into the spotlight effect—how we overestimate others' scrutiny of our mistakes—highlighting that often, our blunders barely register with those around us. It's a blend of history and psychology that reminds us to embrace our imperfections.

Joe Schwarcz, a chemistry professor at McGill University, delves into the Vitamin C controversy stemming from Linus Pauling's unfounded health claims. His story reveals how a revered scientist can influence public perception despite lacking solid evidence. Florian Zimmermann, an economics professor at the University of Bonn, discusses correlation neglect, illustrating how multiple recommendations from a single source can skew our understanding. Both guests highlight the importance of critically evaluating information sources in a world swamped with repetitive messages.

It's a new season of Choiceology, an original podcast from Charles Schwab. New episodes arrive every two weeks, so please follow us in your favorite podcasting app.Important DisclosuresThe comments, views, and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab.Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable source. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed and Charles Schwab & Co. expressly disclaims any liability, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from errors or omissions in this publication. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.The book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content.0725-PKW2 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ellen Evers, an Associate Professor of Marketing at UC Berkeley, shares intriguing insights on how categorizing experiences can enhance our happiness. The discussion dives into the concept of hedonic editing—strategically pacing joyful moments to boost well-being. Listeners will learn about the benefits of spreading fun throughout the year instead of saving it all for special occasions. Additionally, Sally Millington's journey to try 52 new things showcases how embracing challenges can transform self-doubt into personal growth and confidence.

In this engaging discussion, Devin Pope, a Steven G. Rothmeier Professor at the Booth School of Business, reveals how cognitive biases shape our economic decisions. He explores intriguing concepts like left digit bias, showing why we might pay more for a car that has 29,999 miles instead of 30,000. The conversation includes fascinating insights into pricing strategies in music, diamonds, and even medical decisions, emphasizing how numbers significantly influence our choices in surprising ways.