Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Explore the psychology of motivation as Dr. Ayelet Fishbach challenges the myth that willpower is key to achieving goals. Discover the importance of aligning intrinsic motivations with your aspirations and learn how to set both SMART and aspirational 'North Star' goals. Delve into the dark side of stretch goals and how they can lead to unethical outcomes, like in the Wells Fargo scandal. Celebrate small achievements and enjoy the progress along your journey to success, while understanding the emotional drivers behind your motivation.

In this engaging conversation with David Robson, an award-winning science journalist and author, listeners uncover how to transform disagreements into opportunities for connection. Robson discusses the importance of compassionate curiosity and listening in building deeper relationships. He emphasizes effective communication strategies and the art of successful conversation. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Robson reveals how reframing expectations can enhance our interactions and foster a more constructive dialogue, bridging divides.

This episode dives into transformative reads for leadership, exploring innovative strategies like paradoxical thinking. Discover distinctions between jobs and callings, and how meaningful work can combat burnout. The hosts highlight the significance of rituals in personal relationships, unpacking their power to strengthen connections. Financial behaviors are examined through intriguing insights on spending habits, while the importance of social connections is emphasized. Wrap it all up with a light-hearted holiday cheer and gratitude for their listeners!

Imagine spending a day with historical icons and fictional characters! This lively discussion dives into the legacies of figures like Kurt Lewin and Aristotle, reflecting on their timeless wisdom about happiness and curiosity. Explore the philosophical implications of curiosity and the impact of history's thinkers. It's a delightful blend of humor and deep reflection, prompting listeners to consider who they would choose and what lessons could be gained from such encounters.

Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety and perfectionism, discusses the pitfalls of Toxic Productivity, a term she coined to describe the unhealthy obsession with achievement. She outlines warning signs, like emotional dysregulation, and explores societal pressures that fuel this issue. Israa offers practical strategies to reclaim time and emotional energy, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and setting boundaries. Join them as they challenge productivity myths and highlight the importance of balance for overall well-being.

Wendy Smith, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of "Both/And Thinking," joins to discuss how embracing paradoxes can enhance decision-making and creativity. She highlights the shift from binary choices to a more nuanced perspective, enriching both personal and leadership dilemmas. Wendy shares insights on combating polarization through nuanced thinking, the emotional complexities leaders face, and the importance of understanding identity in decision-making. Plus, she humorously tackles ice cream dilemmas as perfect examples of 'both/and' thinking!

Steve Martin, faculty director at Columbia Business School and a bestselling author on persuasion, explores how the science of influence can reshape workplaces. He introduces the 'influence equation'—a blend of evidence, economics, and emotion—as a framework for ethical persuasion. Steve discusses practical strategies for making small tweaks that drive meaningful behavioral shifts and emphasizes the need to embed behavioral insights across organizations. His insights are valuable for anyone looking to harness influence effectively in their professional interactions.

In a world filled with job uncertainty and holiday anxieties, the discussion reveals how our brains often amplify stress through negativity bias. Listeners learn effective strategies like reframing self-talk and practicing gratitude to improve emotional management. The power of healthy habits, including quality sleep and digital detoxes, is emphasized alongside the importance of social connections. An inspiring journey of fostering rescue dogs highlights personal growth and the joy of selfless acts. Join the conversation and discover stress-busting techniques.

Brad Shuck, a psychology and organizational behavior professor at the University of Louisville, discusses the transformative power of gratitude in workplace culture. He emphasizes that true engagement stems from recognizing employee contributions, challenging the notion that perks like pizza parties suffice. Brad highlights the critical role of leaders in shaping a bottom-up culture and fostering psychological safety. He offers practical strategies for revolutionizing workplace environments, ensuring employees feel valued and innovation flourishes.

Join Annie Duke, a renowned decision strategist and author, as she explores the mind-bending implications of immortality. The conversation kicks off with a quirky babysitting prank that sparked her fear of death. Can you imagine 80-year-old presidents and archaeology becoming a snooze? They tackle emotional ramifications like outliving loved ones, societal shifts, and even the risk of boredom. With a dose of humor, they delve into the ethical dilemmas and practical challenges of a world where living to a thousand could be the norm.