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Instead of piling on more, what if we focused on what we could remove? In this snackable episode from our Essential series, Kelly speaks with American scientist, engineering professor, and best-selling author Leidy Klotz, who wrote the New York Times bestseller Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. You'll learn about the science behind our natural tendency to add rather than subtract, and how we can counter this instinct by consciously considering subtraction as a powerful option. Plus, Kelly and Leidy share practical examples of how to apply the power of subtraction in everyday life. Listen to the full conversation in Episode 155: Subtract, The Science of Less with Leidy Klotz.
Why do we instinctively add more—but rarely consider taking things away? In this episode, Leidy Klotz joins us to explore the hidden power of subtraction and why our brains are wired to overlook it. Drawing from his book Subtract, Leidy explains how this instinct to add can lead to unnecessary complexity, missed opportunities, and burnout. But this conversation goes far beyond minimalism—it's about rethinking how we approach challenges and choices in every area of life. We also dive into practical ways to shift our mindset and discover Leidy's unexpected path to becoming a behavioral science expert. If you've ever felt buried under the weight of “more,” this episode will open your eyes to the liberating potential of “less".Take a brief survey for the show to influence future episodes.Links Discussed in This Episode |Connect with Leidy:InstagramWebsiteBook: Subtract: The Untapped Science of LessAbout Leidy|Leidy Klotz is an award-winning professor, international speaker, and the acclaimed author of Subtract, whose groundbreaking research – published in both Nature and Science – has shifted our understanding of how to approach problems and create change. Leidy knows design – the craft of changing things from how they are to how we want them to be. Which, he reminds us, is something we all do every day.Leidy has given more than 100 invited talks for organizations and universities including Stanford, MIT, and every member of the Ivy League (except Yale). He has been interviewed for Hidden Brain (NPR), Freakonomics, and The Atlantic. And he has written for The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Scientific American, and The Washington Post.An experienced educator, Leidy has taught thousands of students as a professor at the University of Virginia, including 21 Ph.D. advisees whose designs and teaching shape the world. Diversity and inclusion are core tenets of Leidy's work, as more than three quarters of his advisees are from groups underrepresented in their respective fields.Before he taught design, Leidy designed schools in New Jersey. And before that, he played professional soccer.Episode Sponsors |The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less. Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the Minimalist Moms Podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.If you've been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I'd love to help you achieve your goals! We'll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away. For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Dr. Leidy Klotz is a professor at the University of Virginia, and the author of the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. In this episode, we talk about how his research contributes to our understanding of how to approach and solve problems and how to change and innovate. This is an insightful conversation between two psychologists who really love to study how people think and act! Dr. Klotz's research is about so much more than creativity, but his research is linked to a lot of creativity topics, including editing during the process, architectural design, and education. Please take a look at Dr. Leidy Klotz's book, which is called Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, and visit his web site at leidyklotz.com. Music by license from SoundStripe: "Uptown Lovers Instrumental" by AFTERNOONZ "Miss Missy" by AFTERNOONZ "What's the Big Deal" by Ryan Saranich Copyright (c) 2024 Keith Sawyer
This season, every episode of OMG focuses on a question that directors really need to answer. OMG is written, produced, narrated and scored by Matt Fullbrook. TRANSCRIPT: Question #26: How might subtraction help to solve our stickiest issues? Back in episode 189, I talked about the amazing work by Leidy Klotz and others on a cognitive bias called “subtraction neglect”. Basically, subtraction neglect describes that our brains find it really easy to consider solutions to problems that involve adding stuff and really hard to think of solutions that involve taking things away. Unlike most cognitive biases, we can short circuit subtraction neglect just by asking “how might we solve this problem through subtraction?” So that's what I'm urging you to do in today's episode. Think of a typical board meeting – and I don't care if your meetings are one hour long or three days long – I think it's safe to assume that you discuss approximately two important problems per hour. Maybe more, maybe less, but two-ish on average. Every single one of those problems will be compromised by subtraction neglect. Even more important are the problems that you've put up with forever – maybe you even assume they *can't* be solved. Things like information overload or getting stuck in the weeds or whatever. Instinctively, we can see that trying to solve those problems through addition could sorta work, but will probably unintentionally make things a bit worse. But if we get into the habit of asking “how might we solve this problem through subtraction?” We're opening ourselves to a whole new world of ideas.
Revisiting Steve's 2021 conversation with the economist and MacArthur “genius” about how to make memories stickier, why change is undervalued, and how to find something new to say on the subject of scarcity. SOURCE:Sendhil Mullainathan, university professor of computation and behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. RESOURCES:"Fictional Money, Real Costs: Impacts of Financial Salience on Disadvantaged Students," by Claire Duquennois (American Economic Review, 2022)."Do Financial Concerns Make Workers Less Productive?" by Supreet Kaur, Sendhil Mullainathan, Suanna Oh, and Frank Schilbach (NBER Working Paper, 2022).Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, by Leidy Klotz (2021)."Heads or Tails: The Impact of a Coin Toss on Major Life Decisions and Subsequent Happiness," by Steve Levitt (NBER Working Paper, 2016).Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir (2013)."The End of History Illusion," by Jordi Quoidbach, Daniel T. Gilbert, and Timothy D. Wilson (Science, 2013). EXTRAS:"Leidy Klotz on Why the Best Solutions Involve Less — Not More," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021)."Sendhil Mullainathan Explains How to Generate an Idea a Minute," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2021).
Creating a Meaningful Business [00:18:35] I do believe that it starts with that intention, like I mentioned the five years prior of knowing this is my path, but releasing the how of getting there.” [00:34:01] I had to figure out and think about how am I defining my worth, and how am I making money? What are my streams of income? How am I managing my money after I get it and ensuring that I'm articulating my value to clients? [00:43:05] I have a high yield savings account that I put all of my money for taxes for our best friends at the IRS into, and then allow that to make extra money while it's sitting in there. And it has been the best thing for me and my business. Mentioned in this episode: Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, by Leidy Klotz: https://www.amazon.com/Subtract-Untapped-Science-Leidy-Klotz/dp/1250249864 WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INVESTING? If you're new to passive real estate investing, our FREE 7-day email course is perfect for you. It was designed to teach you all the basics to help you confidently begin your passive investing journey and achieve the financial freedom and lifestyle of your dreams. CONNECT WITH USIf you have done any of these actionable exercises, tell us how it went by sending an email to podcast@goodegginvestments.com. Connect with GoodeggWebsite - https://goodegginvestments.com/YouTube - @GoodegginvestmentsInstagram - @goodegginvestments Connect with Whitney PopaWebsite - https://www.popaandassociates.com/Independent Press - https://www.ourwestpress.com/A Wave Called Grief Book - https://www.ourwestpress.com/books Audio/video editing and show notes by Podcast Abundance. Find out how they can help you too by visiting www.podcastabundance.com/services
Three Key Actions for Financial Freedom: 1. Clarify Your Vision: Define what financial freedom and a life by design mean to you.2. Daily Check-In: Ask yourself if you're closer to your vision today than you were yesterday. 3. One Action a Day: Identify one thing you can do each day to move closer to your vision. The Art of Simplifying[00:02:48] We're all conditioned to add more, to build bigger as a business owner, to scale faster, to add more team members. But sometimes the solution actually lies in subtracting and taking things away. [00:28:09] Start keeping a stop doing list and just start putting some things on there that you know you don't want to do anymore. Maybe you don't know how to stop doing them yet, but you can start strategizing about how to get them off your list. [00:38:09] Nobody goes from zero to financial freedom like that. Everybody does it step by step by step. And the more that you do it, the bigger those steps will get, that you'll be able to make bigger strides faster because you'll have that momentum behind you. Mentioned in this episode: Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, by Leidy Klotz: https://www.amazon.com/Subtract-Untapped-Science-Leidy-Klotz/dp/1250249864 WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INVESTING? If you're new to passive real estate investing, our FREE 7-day email course is perfect for you. It was designed to teach you all the basics to help you confidently begin your passive investing journey and achieve the financial freedom and lifestyle of your dreams. CONNECT WITH USIf you have done any of these actionable exercises, tell us how it went by sending an email to podcast@goodegginvestments.com. Connect with GoodeggWebsite - https://goodegginvestments.com/YouTube - @GoodegginvestmentsInstagram - @goodegginvestments
Join us for our Life of Purpose series this month as we revisit some of our most impactful episodes. Dive deep into expert insights and practical strategies on health, performance, and community, helping you achieve personal and professional fulfillment.To-do lists abound, our streets get wider, ideas flow and more is never enough. Our world is getting smaller with every new thing we add to it but do we ever stop to subtract? What can we take away from ourselves? What are we missing in our constant pursuit of more and why is it so difficult for us to stop? How do we achieve... less? Find out in this fascinating episode with Leidy Klotz. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's world, our first instinct is to add. Do more. Consume more information. But, should we be subtracting instead? Doing less. Simplifying. In today's episode, Stephanie talks with author Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract, and why taking away should be part of our decision-making toolkit. Links from the episode: Check out CosmoLex! Subtract by Leidy Klotz If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
In today's world, our first instinct is to add. Do more. Consume more information. But, should we be subtracting instead? Doing less. Simplifying. In today's episode, Stephanie talks with author Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract, and why taking away should be part of our decision-making toolkit. Links from the episode: Check out CosmoLex! Subtract by Leidy Klotz If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free!
Today, we're diving into the intriguing concept of simplicity vs. complexity. Have you ever noticed how we naturally tend to add more stuff to our lives instead of taking things away? Let's explore why that is and how we can shift our mindset to embrace simplicity. This week, I was fascinated by a conversation on the Hidden Brain podcast with Leidy Klotz, a professor at Virginia University. He shared a story about building blocks with his child. He would tend towards adding blocks while his son would take them away. It got me thinking about our cultural tendencies to complicate things and how we might benefit from doing the opposite. Do we need all this complexity, or is there a way to live more meaningfully by stripping back? What are we hiding from or masking with the complexity? Join me as I reflect on my life and the accumulated clutter, especially in our busy schedules. I'll share insights on how saying 'no' can empower and how Eastern philosophies like Buddhism advocate for a simpler, more focused existence. Whether it's our personal lives or business strategies, sometimes less truly is more. So, here's my invitation to you: take a moment to look at your life and see where you might be adding unnecessary complexity. Could you simplify things and find more joy in the process? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, so feel free to reach out. Let's chat and maybe even have a conversation about how you can simplify your life, too. The links to focus coaching are below. Life Passion & Business Podcast is about finding answers to life's big questions through weekly interviews with guest speakers. The Shortcast is my ongoing commitment to staying inquisitive and passionate about life with whatever is alive for me each week. Follow the links below to discover what else is on offer. The Five Questions eBook: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/the-five-questions Focus Coaching: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/focus-coaching/ Support The Podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lifeandpassion Midlife Survey: https://lifepassionandbusiness.com/midlife-challenge/
TUNE IN TO LEARN: What if the secret to achieving extraordinary results lies not in doing more, but in doing less? Join me on today's episode as we uncover the transformative power of subtraction. Through personal experiences and insights from historical figures and modern research, we'll explore how focusing on fewer tasks with greater intention can lead to mastery. Touching on Kevin Kelly's "1,000 True Fans" and the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, we'll discuss the importance of identifying your unique contributions through self-reflection and experimentation, and YES, through doing less. You'll gain practical strategies inspired by Leidy Klotz's "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less" and Cal Newport's "Slow Productivity" to streamline your life and focus on what truly matters. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the essence of prioritizing core elements and routines essential to maintaining creativity, productivity, and well-being. Learn from influential figures like Brené Brown, Maria Shankar, and Rick Rubin, who underscore the importance of seemingly non-essential activities vital to their success. By mastering the art of selectivity in our noisy world, you'll discover the powerful impact of meditation, self-reflection, and subtracting obstacles from your life. Tune in, and take the first step towards a more focused, intentional, and meaningful living.
The human drive to invent new things has led to pathbreaking achievements in medicine, science and society. But our desire to create can keep us from seeing one of the most powerful paths to progress: subtraction. In a favorite conversation from 2022, engineer Leidy Klotz shares how streamlining and simplifying is sometimes the best path to innovation. Today's episode concludes our Innovation 2.0 series. If you've enjoyed these episodes, please tell a friend about them! They can find all of the stories in this series in this podcast feed, or at https://hiddenbrain.org/. Thanks for listening!
Join me as we continue to embrace the concept of 'less but better' with my guest Leidy Klotz, an adept professor and the author of "Subtraction." Together, we tackle the transformative power of subtraction and simplification in leading a more meaningful and efficient lifestyle. Discover the significance of questioning the necessity of additions and the pervasive 'more is better' culture. This conversation illuminates the need for open communication and collaboration to let go of non-essential tasks and embrace a culture that values simplicity. We'll reflect on the iconic partnership of Jony Ive and Steve Jobs and the power of saying no to maintain focus on our true priorities. By the end of our discussion, you'll be inspired to consider how subtraction can be integrated into your organizational culture and personal life, fostering continuous growth and a higher point of contribution. Buy Leidy's book. Visit Leidy''s website. Follow Leidy in LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join me and behavioral science pioneer Leidy Klotz as we uncover the untapped potential of subtraction in our everyday lives. Listen in as we share personal anecdotes and research that reveal our innate tendency to add rather than remove, despite the clear benefits of simplicity. We tackle the intricacies of simplification, not just in our personal habits but extending into complex systems like legislation and workplace practices. We discuss the challenges of recognizing and celebrating the often invisible work of subtraction, despite its crucial role in achieving elegance and efficiency. The power of simplicity shines through as we examine how master innovators like Anna Keichline and tech titans such as Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have used the art of subtraction to revolutionize industries. From one-click purchasing to hollowed-out bricks, the stories shared in this episode underscore the impact of starting with a 'zero step' mentality. So, if you're looking to refine your approach to problem-solving and innovation, this is your cue to strip away the excess and embrace the elegance of less. Tune in and be inspired to identify areas in your life ripe for simplification and join us on this journey toward clarity and efficiency. Buy Leidy's book. Visit Leidy''s website. Follow Leidy in LinkedIn. Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and courses. Join The Essentialism Academy. Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tim Harford is a busy guy. He's got two podcasts, has written 10 books, and has a standing column in the FT called the Undercover Economist. But recently he's been trying to do less – and not just less bad stuff. He's cutting down on things that are productive, like kickboxing practice and reading New Yorker articles. The idea came to Tim after reading a book called Subtraction by Leidy Klotz, in which Klotz looks at research that shows that humans have a bias against subtraction. Instead, our idea of fixing things often involves adding. Tim tells Lilah how his subtraction experiment is going and why giving up on one activity can help you enjoy the activities that you choose to stick with.-------We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. You can email us at lifeandart@ft.com.-------Links (all FT links get you past the paywall): – Tim recently wrote about the art of subtraction here: https://on.ft.com/3U5A3BK– He is on X @TimHarford– You can check out recent episodes of Tim's “More or Less” podcast from the BBC here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qshd/episodes/player-------Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart-------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. Clips courtesy of Paramount Pictures.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, you will hear an insightful conversation between host Melina Palmer and guest Ben Guttmann, author of Attention!: The Power of Simple Decisions in a Distracted World. Guttmann shares his expertise on the importance of simplicity in communication and offers practical advice on creating messages that resonate with the audience. Through examples and analogies, Guttmann highlights the "Frankenstein problem" of overloading messages with too much information, stressing the need for focus and clarity. He emphasizes the concept of fluency in messaging and how it leads to simplicity and resonance. The episode also delves into the paradox of choice, the difference between nice and kind messaging, and the significance of context in crafting effective messages. If you're a communicator or marketer looking to improve your messaging and connect with your audience on a deeper level, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode: Master the art of simplicity in communication to captivate your audience and convey your message with clarity and impact. Create messages that cut through the noise and resonate with your target audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. Harness the power of context in your messaging to ensure your audience understands the relevance and importance of your message, increasing its effectiveness. Craft messages that leave a lasting impact on your audience, turning them into loyal customers and advocates for your brand. Avoid the pitfalls of fragmented communication by delivering cohesive and consistent messages that strengthen your brand and build trust with your audience. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces Ben Guttmann, author of the book Simply Put, and provides a brief overview of his background in marketing and communications. 00:03:10 - Example of Simple Messaging Ben shares an example of a project he worked on for a power plant in New York City. The power plant needed an internal rallying cry to help employees feel a sense of identity and purpose. The slogan they developed, "Making New York Happen," became a powerful message that resonated with the employees. 00:06:47 - Internal Messaging with External Potential Ben discusses another project he worked on, a pro bono campaign to combat littering in New York City parks. The campaign aimed to tap into the identity of being a "real New Yorker" and encourage people to not litter. Although the campaign was not launched due to timing issues, it demonstrates how internal messaging can have external potential. 00:10:57 - Empathy in Messaging Ben emphasizes the importance of empathy in messaging. He explains that effective messaging should meet people where they are and speak their language. Understanding the audience's perspective and using language that resonates with them is key to creating impactful messages. 00:12:50 - Simplifying Complex Messages Ben and Melina discuss the challenge of simplifying complex messages. Ben highlights the importance of finding the core message and eliminating unnecessary complexity. By focusing on the key point and delivering it clearly, messages can become more memorable and effective. 00:14:49 - The Problem of Having Too Much Stuff in Your Message Ben discusses the common problem of having too much information in a message, leading to a lack of focus and effectiveness. He uses the analogy of a website redesign and refers to his own website as "Franken-site" to illustrate this issue. 00:17:14 - The Frankenstein Idea in Communication Ben introduces the concept of the "Frankenstein idea" in communication, where multiple components are put together in a message without considering their compatibility. He compares it to the monster in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, highlighting the importance of focus and coherence in communication. 00:20:56 - The Sender and Receiver in Communication Ben emphasizes the distinction between senders and receivers in communication. He explains that as senders, it is our responsibility to ensure our message is heard and understood by the receivers, as they are not inherently interested in what we have to say. Humility and effective messaging are key. 00:23:03 - The Burden of the Sender Ben discusses the burden of the sender in communication. He highlights that it is the sender's responsibility to create a message that is valuable and engaging for the receiver, as they do not wake up wanting to hear the sender's message. The sender must pay the postage to ensure their message is heard. 00:29:41 - The Power of Focusing on One Idea It's better to pick one piece of an idea and focus on it, even if it's not the strongest. Commitment leads to better messaging and concept development. 00:31:26 - Mediocre Feedback vs. Love or Hate Mediocre feedback is worse than receiving love or hate for your work. The distance between love and hate is shorter than between apathy and passion. A little bit of nuance and commitment can turn an imperfect concept into something better. 00:33:22 - The Paradox of Choice Having too many options can lead to indecision and apathy. When there are fewer options, people are more likely to rally behind and appreciate what they have chosen. 00:35:04 - The Importance of Kindness in Messaging Kindness in messaging goes beyond being nice. It means caring about the well-being and outcome of the receiver. Simple and clear messages, like a parking sign that says "Don't even think about parking here," can be kind and effective. 00:39:57 - Respecting People's Time It's important to respect people's time and not waste it with cluttered or irrelevant messaging. When messages are concise and get to the point, people are more likely to pay attention and take action. 00:44:22 - The Importance of Contrast Ben emphasizes the importance of contrast in communication, stating that without quiet, there can be no loud. He explains that knowing what exists is crucial in order to stand out and connect with your audience. 00:44:56 - Standing Out and Resonating Ben discusses the significance of context and resonating with your audience. He highlights the need to understand what resonates with your audience in order to make an impact. 00:45:20 - Connecting and Getting More Information Ben directs listeners to his website, Benguttmann.com, where they can find his blog, sign up for his newsletter, and download the first chapter of his book for free. He encourages connecting with him on LinkedIn or other platforms. 00:45:53 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Ben: Ben's website Ben's LinkedIn Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Simply Put, by Ben Guttmann Subtract, by Leidy Klotz For The Culture, by Marcus Collins The Hype Handbook, by Michael Schein What Your Customer Wants And Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Top Recommended Next Episode: The Hype Handbook with Michael Schein (ep 350) Already Heard That One? Try These: Do You Subtract Enough? w/ Leidy Klotz (ep 322) Framing (ep 296) Availability Bias (ep 310) Bikeshedding (ep 99) Curse of Knowledge (ep 176) Understanding the Problem (ep 126) For the Culture (ep 305) Herding (ep 264) Social Proof (ep 87) Ikea Effect (ep 112) What Is Value? (ep 234) Paradox of Choice (ep 171) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Why Many Men Think They Could Win a Point Off Serena Williams
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Leidy Klotz, a professor at the University of Virginia appointed in the Schools of Engineering, Architecture, and Business and author of the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy Klotz shares some of the reasons why we typically look to add rather than consider subtraction when looking to solve problems and improve systems. Leidy Klotz also discusses how subtraction can benefit leaders of organizations and managers of teams. Finally, Leidy Klotz shares how we can ensure that we don't overlook the power of subtraction in our organizations and daily lives. Some highlights:-Why Leidy Klotz left professional soccer to pursue his education and become a professor-Leidy Klotz on finding patterns and how they impact the world-Why do we typically miss subtraction and look first to addition-Leidy Klotz on the biological and social contributors to a desire to add -How organizations can benefit from the power of subtraction -How leaders can use subtraction during the decision-making process-Leidy Klotz on effectively achieving the organization's purpose through subtractionMentioned:-Annie Paul, author of The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain Connect with Leidy Klotz:Leidy Klotz websiteSubtract: The Untapped Science of Less on AmazonLeidy Klotz on TwitterLeidy Klotz on LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Full Show Notes at 81.balancingbusypodcast.comHave you ever felt the overwhelming urge to add more to your life, be it tasks, commitments, or possessions, thinking it will bring you closer to your ideal existence? I know I have. But what if the secret to a more fulfilling life lies not in addition, but in subtraction? Intrigued? Join me as I delve into a fascinating conversation with Leidy Klotz, the brilliant mind behind the concept of subtraction. Together, we explore the art of revealing and why sometimes, less truly is more. Links You Need:I love connecting with listeners!! Let me know what you think of this episode or if there's a topic you want me to cover by sending me a DM on Instagram!You can find Leidy and all his resources at LeidyKlotz.com | Leidy on XOther Episodes You'll Love:Episode 47: 10 (Simple) Ways To Sneak In More TimeEpisode 22: Keeping a Clean Home When You Don't Have Time with Becky from Clean MamaEpisode 51: Moms Don't Have Time to Read….Or Do We? With Zibby Owens
In this Inspiration Loves Company episode, we welcome scientist and author, Leidy Klotz, who studies and writes about design and problem-solving. We delve into Leidy's acclaimed book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, and how we can learn to resist our tendencies to think bigger is better. Instead, Leidy shares successful subtraction examples so we can see, firsthand, how less is more. Join us as we unpack how to make things better and change our mindsets to effect positive change through subtraction.
When you're faced with difficulties in life, how often do you consider taking something away, rather than adding on something new? Professor Leidy Klotz takes on this counter-intuitive idea in his 2021 book Subtract .Professor Klotz is a Professor at the University of Virginia who studies the science of design, and his work exists at the cross section between design, sustainability and the science of decision making.In addition to his book Leidy's is extensively published in the scientific literature and his research has appeared in both Nature and Science. Leidy is a frequent guest on interview programs including Hidden Brain, Freakonomics, NPR, and for The Atlantic. His writing has appeared in outlets such as The Washington Post, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Scientific American. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi - Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcastJoin Our Mailing List! - https://thinkingmindpod.aidaform.com/mailinglistsignupSUPPORT: buymeacoffee.com/thinkingmind
What if the best answer to a curious, generative question like, "What are all the ways we could...?" is "Do less"? UVA Engineering professor Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less makes the case to consider subtraction as a viable, reliable, and all-too-often overlooked strategy in a world that is biased to always add more. And in a twist I definitely didn't see coming, Leidy takes analogous thinking to a whole new level of subtraction. "Analogies," he says, "are one of the only ways to remove wrong ideas." Leidy Klotz: https://www.leidyklotz.com Theme music by Sean Balick. “Hash Out” by Sunday at Slims, via Blue Dot Sessions.
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer interviews Marcey Rader, author of the book Work Well, Play More. They delve into the importance of habits in achieving efficiency and work-life balance. Marcey shares her personal journey of making small, manageable changes in her life and emphasizes the need to focus on the behaviors underlying productivity. She highlights the value of breaking down goals into smaller tasks and tracking progress to stay motivated. The conversation also covers strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and incorporating movement into daily routines. Whether you're a busy professional looking to enhance your productivity or seeking a better work-life balance, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Marcey's expertise and improve your efficiency and overall well-being. In this episode: Uncover the critical crossroads of health, productivity, and behavioral economics, providing an enriched understanding of personal and professional efficiency. Appreciate the transformational power of habits in attaining a meaningful work-life balance, preparing you for a balanced and fruitful lifestyle. Realize the necessity of establishing boundaries and prioritizing tasks, seeding the prevention of potential fatigue and burnout. Delve into the profound significance of immersing oneself in work and taking necessary breaks, instilling a refreshed sense of focus and vigor. Relate to Marcey Rader's personal journey, promoting an invaluable dimension of empathy and connection to her work. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces Marcey Rader, an author and health, productivity, and digital wellness expert. They discuss the importance of health in powering productivity and how habits and behavior change play a significant role in achieving work-life balance. 00:05:16 - Background and Journey, Marcey shares her journey from working in clinical research to becoming a productivity coach and speaker. She talks about how her own struggles with burnout and health issues inspired her to help others find a healthier and more efficient approach to work and life. 00:10:41 - Minimalism and Productivity, Marcey discusses how reading the book The Power of Less by Leo Babauta sparked her interest in minimalism and productivity. She shares how adopting minimalist principles and simplifying her life helped her improve her focus, efficiency, and work-life balance. 00:13:25 - Personal Experience and Empathy, Melina and Marcey emphasize the importance of personal experience and empathy when helping others make behavior changes. They discuss the value of relatability and understanding in guiding individuals towards healthier habits and a more productive lifestyle. 00:14:51 - Overcoming Overwhelm, Melina and Marcey address the feeling of overwhelm that many people experience when trying to make multiple behavior changes at once. They emphasize the importance of breaking changes down into smaller, manageable steps and starting with one area at a time for sustainable progress. 00:16:40 - Making Small Changes for Personal Growth, Marcey Rader shares her method of making personal and behavioral changes by breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks. She shares her experience of creating a list of 100 things she wanted to change about herself and how she tracked her progress by checking off each task every day. (And, yes, acknowledges this approach may not be for everyone.) 00:19:20 - The Importance of Small Wins, Marcey emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins and finding quick wins to build momentum. She shares her personal journey of gradually increasing her vegetable intake and how she started with just one serving a day and gradually worked her way up to five or six servings. 00:23:17 - Work Well, Play More Book Overview, Marcey discusses her book, Work Well, Play More, which covers topics of productivity, clutter, and health. The book is divided into twelve months, and each month focuses on a different area with novice, pro, and master levels. It can be used as a guide for making changes at your own pace and choosing your own adventure. 00:28:03 - Tackling Decluttering in Different Areas, Marcey explains how her book caters to different levels of expertise in each area. She shares examples of decluttering tips, such as cleaning up contacts in your phone, and how she personally used the process of decluttering contacts to reconnect with people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 00:30:10 - Top Tips from the Book, Marcey shares a top tip from each section of the book: productivity, health, and clutter. 00:34:59 - Being Flexible with Dietary Restrictions, Marcey shares her experience of being gluten-free for digestive reasons but not wanting to restrict her diet too much. She emphasizes the importance of looking for flexibility and balance in everything, including one's dietary choices. 00:35:36 - Breaking Habits and the Two-Minute Rule, Melina and Marcey discuss the challenge of breaking habits. Marcey shares about OHIO and Melina introduces the concept of the two-minute rule. They explain how tackling small tasks immediately can lead to a significant impact on productivity and organization. 00:37:15 - Organizing Information for the Book, Marcey shares her process of organizing the information for her book by using sticky notes and categorizing them by topic. She explains how this method helped her create a cohesive journey for her readers. 00:42:02 - Working with Companies, Marcey explains her approach when working with companies, which includes assessing their email behaviors, communication, time management, and meeting effectiveness. She also shares an example of implementing "design days" to promote deep focus and productivity within a company. 00:46:58 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader Subtract, by Leidy Klotz The Power of Less, by Leo Babauta Essentialism, by Greg McKeown Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Connect with Marcey: Follow Marcey on LinkedIn Follow RaderCo on YouTube RaderCo website Top Recommended Next Episode: Habits (ep 256) Already Heard That One? Try These: Loss Aversion (ep 316) Good Habits, Bad Habits with Wendy Wood (ep 127) Framing (ep 296) Magic Words, with Jonah Berger (ep 301) Reciprocity (ep 238) The Overwhelmed Brain and Its Impact on Decision Making (ep 32) Priming (ep 252) Solving Modern Problems with a Stone-Age Brain (ep 237) Subtract, with Leidy Klotz (ep 322) Anchoring & Adjustment (ep 11) Bikeshedding (ep 99) How To Change, with Katy Milkman (ep 151) How To Set, Achieve and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70) Indistractible, with Nir Eyal (ep 290) Bikeshedding (ep 99) Planning Fallacy (ep 114) Get Ready for Act Two, with Kate Gigax (ep 321) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Marcey's Powered Path Playbook Health Powered Productivity podcast
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, guest Leidy Klotz shares his research on the psychology of subtraction and its importance in decision-making and problem-solving. Klotz discusses how our natural instinct is to add rather than subtract when trying to improve a situation, and he provides insights into why this is the case. He explains that humans have a desire to display competence, and adding to a situation is a visible way to demonstrate that we can deal with the world effectively. However, Klotz argues that we can also display competence through subtracting, but it may require more effort to make it noticeable. He shares studies conducted with LEGO structures, itineraries, recipes, and computer grids, which consistently showed that people overwhelmingly choose to add rather than subtract. The episode explores concepts such as loss aversion and the IKEA effect, which contribute to our preference for adding. The conversation also touches on the concepts of minimalism and essentialism, and how subtracting can be a powerful tool for displaying competence and achieving goals effectively. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the psychological biases that hinder effective decision-making and problem-solving, and learn practical strategies to prioritize and achieve what truly matters. In this episode: Discover the pivotal role subtraction plays in effective decision-making and problem-solving. Learn how our instinctive preference for addition can obstruct optimal solutions. Grasp how to confront biases and initiate shifts towards a subtractive mindset. Understand the immense benefits of streamlining and eliminating needless aspects of daily life. Acquire empowering strategies for integrating subtraction practices into your everyday living. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina Palmer introduces the episode and its focus on the power of subtraction with Dr. Leidy Klotz. She emphasizes the importance of optimization, reduction, and efficiency in various areas of life. 00:03:20 - Dr. Leidy Klotz's Background, Dr. Klotz shares his background in engineering and how his interest in sustainability led him to behavioral science. He highlights the overlap between engineering, architecture, and behavioral science in terms of creative application and design. 00:08:56 - Uncommon Paths to Behavioral Science, The conversation explores the diverse backgrounds of behavioral scientists, including Dr. Klotz's experience as a professional soccer player. They discuss how different disciplines, like marketing and sports, can contribute to the field of behavioral science. 00:11:50 - Personal Backgrounds and Professional Work, Melina and Dr. Klotz discuss how personal backgrounds, such as being an opera singer or playing basketball, can shape a person's approach to problem-solving. They highlight the value of diverse experiences in the field of behavioral science. 00:13:35 - Introduction to Subtract, Dr. Klotz introduces his book, Subtract, and explains how it explores the concept of subtraction as a means of optimization. He discusses the relationship between design, sustainability, and the creative application of behavioral science principles. 00:15:26 - The Instinct to Add, Leidy discusses how our first instinct when trying to improve something is to add, rather than subtract. This instinct is seen across various contexts, including LEGO structures and itineraries. The guest also mentions a study where people were given a task to make quadrants symmetrical and found that people overwhelmingly added blocks instead of removing them. 00:17:27 - Overlooking Subtraction, The guest explains that our tendency to overlook subtraction is due to various factors such as loss aversion, the endowment effect, and the IKEA effect. The book explores these factors and delves into the biological, cultural, and economic forces that contribute to our preference for adding. 00:18:47 - Science-Informed Strategies, Leidy discusses the latter half of the book, which focuses on utilizing science-informed strategies to get better at subtraction. By understanding the science behind our inclination to add, we can develop strategies to improve our ability to subtract. Leidy emphasizes the importance of creating a list of "stop doings" instead of solely focusing on a long list of to-dos. 00:21:06 - Minimalism and Essentialism, Leidy notes the connection between the book's concept of subtraction and minimalism and essentialism. He and Melina highlight the value of decluttering and getting rid of excess in order to display competence. Leidy also mentions the satisfaction that comes from having a focused to-do list with achievable tasks. 00:30:08 - The Importance of Subtraction, The conversation begins with the idea that subtraction is often overlooked in our society, and how we need to shift our mindset to value subtraction as much as addition. The guest, Leidy Klotz, mentions historical figures like Da Vinci and Lao Tzu who understood the importance of subtraction for design perfection and gaining wisdom. 00:31:01 - Subtraction as a Valuable Skill, Klotz discusses how his book aims to help people understand the science and stories behind subtraction, and encourages readers to adapt the principles to their own lives. He emphasizes the importance of subtracting first and how it can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. 00:32:48 - Overcoming Challenges with Subtraction, Klotz addresses the challenges people face when considering subtraction, such as loss aversion and the fear of regret or guilt. He suggests mindset shifts, such as reframing subtraction as a positive improvement and emphasizing the benefits of subtracting. He also highlights the role of valence in perception and the value of thinking of add and subtract as complementary approaches. 00:35:53 - Add and Subtract, Klotz discusses the misconception that add and subtract are opposites and explains how they can coexist as complementary ways to make change. He encourages people to consider both options and think about the potential gains and losses associated with each. This mindset shift can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving. 00:44:27 - Introduction to the Book Work Well, Play More, Melina introduces the book Work Well, Play More by Marcey Rader, which builds upon the concepts of productivity and distraction introduced in "Indistractable." The book focuses on three areas: productivity, clutter, and health, providing a twelve-month approach to improve each area and reclaim time and mental well-being. 00:45:02 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Subtract, by Leidy Klotz The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo Essentialism, by Greg McKeown How to Change, by Katy Milkman Work Well, Play More, by Marcey Rader Connect with Leidy: Leidy on LinkedIn Leidy on Twitter Leidy's website Top Recommended Next Episode: Quit, with Annie Duke (ep 227) Already Heard That One? Try These: NUDGES and Choice Architecture (ep 35) Non-Obvious Thinking, with Rohit Bhargava (ep 297) Endowment Effect (ep 139) Focusing Illusion (ep 89) Indistractible, with Nir Eyal (ep 290) How To Change, with Katy Milkman (ep 151) The Elements of Choice, with Eric Johnson (ep 174) Functional Fixedness (ep 194) A More Beautiful Question, with Warren Berger (ep 200) Evolutionary Ideas, with Sam Tatam (ep 204) Anchoring & Adjustment (ep 11) Bikeshedding (ep 99) The Overwhelmed Brain and Its Impact on Decision Making (ep 32) IKEA Effect (ep 112) Loss Aversion (ep 316) Behavioral Storytelling, with David Paull (ep 289) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Leidy at the University of Virginia
Leidy Klotz is a professor at the University of Virginia and is the author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less." During our conversation, Leidy talks about why humans are so wired to add to, rather than subtract from, their life, how addition is a signal of competence that we are hard-wired to display, and the downsides of this natural tendency.Leidy also talks about the many ways in which subtracting can be beneficial: from quitting smoking and high-sugar diets, to removing modern addictions like excessive social media use, to getting rid of work meetings to create slack for creativity and focus.The power of subtraction can't be unseen once it's glimpsed. Evolution operates by removing what doesn't work, the "via negativa" concept notes that we know what is wrong with more clarity than what is right, that knowledge grows by subtraction, and human wellbeing is often best boosted by removing a toxic relationship, a toxic boss, or toxic stress. There is a humility in this approach, and as Leidy notes, perhaps we all need to be more-often prompted to tweak our life goals and New Years' resolutions to include habits that need to be subtracted, in addition to those we want to add.------------Support via VenmoSupport on SubstackSupport on Patreon------------Show notesRate on SpotifyRate on Apple PodcastsSocial media and all episodes------------+1:30(00:00) Intro(01:23) How "Subtract" came to be (03:56) Coming to the theme of subtraction (07:03) Why humans are so wired to add (11:13) Subtraction as a proactive act (19:15) Cultural differences regarding subtraction (27:28) "Via negativa" (33:30) Evolution is an act of subtraction (35:20) Quotes about subtraction (45:34) Subtraction to fight modern addictions (55:08) Subtraction in New Year's Resolutions
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In this episode, explore the fascinating concept of loss aversion and its implications in business. Yes, it applies to marketing and sales strategies, but loss aversion is more than that. Loss aversion is the tendency for individuals to prefer avoiding losses rather than acquiring gains. This cognitive bias can be harnessed to increase customer engagement and conversion rates. Throughout the episode, host Melina Palmer delves into various examples and case studies to illustrate how businesses can leverage loss aversion to influence decision-making. From offering money-back guarantees to triggering the fear of regret, the key is to focus on avoiding losses rather than promoting gains. (Don't worry, it doesn't have to be negative.) By framing offers and rewards as something that has already been gained and must be maintained through specific actions, businesses can tap into the deep-rooted fear of loss within our subconscious brains. For business owners and marketers seeking to improve their marketing and sales strategies, this episode is a must-listen. Understanding the science behind loss aversion and learning how to apply it in your marketing efforts can significantly impact your bottom line. By appealing to people's fear of loss, you can increase engagement, drive conversions, and ultimately achieve greater success in your business. Throughout the episode, you'll hear real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate how businesses can leverage loss aversion to influence consumer behavior. In this episode: Gain insights into the persuasive power of loss aversion in business. Identify how diverse fields such as consulting, tax, and real estate harness loss aversion. Experience how loss aversion can work within the wedding industry. Harness the potential of digital sales by applying loss aversion through creative messaging and pop-up interventions. Understand how your own loss aversion can be used to help you get more done with Melina's "Loss Aversion Jar" and more. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Introduction to the episode and the importance of loss aversion in understanding consumer behavior–regardless of industry or role. 00:03:12 - Loss Aversion Defined, Loss aversion is the concept of valuing losses more than gains. People are more averse to losing something than gaining something. Research has found again and again that it takes double the joy felt by a gain to equal the pain felt by a loss. So, if you lose $20 you need to gain $40 to feel whole. 00:06:01 - The Power of Loss, Our brains are wired to avoid losses, and this behavior is deeply ingrained. Traditional economic models that focus on gains overlook the power of loss aversion. 00:10:26 - Practical Applications, Flipping the messaging from potential gain to potential loss can be a powerful motivator. Examples include financial institutions offering money upfront and entrepreneurs using regular check-ins to hold clients accountable. 00:13:59 - Long-Term Goals and Commitments, Loss aversion can be leveraged to help clients stay committed to long-term goals. Regular check-ins and accountability help prevent procrastination and maintain focus. 00:17:07 - Loss Aversion Jar, Melina's loss aversion jar technique and how it can help people keep themselves and their clients on track. 00:18:14 - Applied Example for Accountants, Melina explains how people are more motivated to seek help with taxes if they anticipate owing money rather than expecting a refund. Highlights the fear of being audited and suggests messaging that emphasizes reducing the amount owed instead of the potential return someone might receive. 00:20:21 - Visualizing Product Ownership, Melina explores the concept of perceived ownership and loss aversion in relation to physical products. She recommends strategies such as allowing customers to touch and interact with products to increase their attachment and desire to own them. 00:23:33 - Applied Examples from the Wedding Industry, When Melina bought her wedding dress, there was an ingenious loss aversion technique that helped her to buy her dress (and feel great about it) on the first visit to the first shop she went to. This was a big win for all involved. Learn how they did it and what this might look like in your business. 00:26:25 - Over-the-Top Online Sales Tactics, Melina critiques an extreme example of using loss aversion in online sales, where customers are presented with a long and exaggerated paragraph highlighting the potential loss of not purchasing. She emphasizes the importance of subtlety and avoiding tactics that may turn customers away. 00:33:43 - Overcoming the Fear of Change, Melina encourages listeners to embrace change and work to let go of their own loss aversion, familiarity bias, and status quo bias. Taking risks and trying new things can lead to growth and success. 00:34:39 - Embracing Change for Growth, Melina emphasizes the importance of making space for new opportunities by letting go of things that no longer serve us. She invites listeners to share their experiences and changes with her. 00:35:10 - Feedback and Continuous Improvement, Melina values listener feedback and wants to know what resonates with them. She mentions the need for businesses to adapt and evolve to stay successful. 00:36:24 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Subtract, by Leidy Klotz Alchemy, by Rory Sutherland What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo Top Recommended Next Episode: Framing (ep 296) Already Heard That One? Try These: Priming (ep 252) Herding (ep 264) Mixed Signals, with Uri Gneezy (ep 273) Unlocking Employee Motivation with Kurt Nelson (ep 295) Secrets of Incentives and Motivation, with Tim Houlihan (ep 109) Why Less is Not a Loss, with Leidy Klotz (ep 162) The Power of Touch (ep 302) Booms, Bubbles, and Busts (ep 30) Status Quo Bias (ep 142) Endowment Effect (ep 139) How To Set, Achieve, and Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 70) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Econometrica What Is Loss Aversion? What Is Loss Aversion? Losses attract more attention than comparable gains. Loss aversion These Are the People Who Are Most Likely to Get Audited
The "cult of never enough" encourages the belief that more money, possessions and achievements will make us happy. But Manisha Thakor has learnt through personal experience that emotional wealth is more important than financial wealth. Listen to learn how to redefine your success. Manisha Thakor is the author of the book Money Zen: Escape the Cult of Never Enough and Reclaim Your Life. In this episode of Behavioral Grooves, she discusses with Kurt and Tim how she chased the American dream of financial success for 30 years before realizing it had become a nightmare. She became a workaholic and lost sight of what truly brings happiness. Manisha talks about how the "cult of never enough" encourages the belief that more money, possessions and achievements will make us happy. However, she realized that emotional wealth is more important than financial wealth. She discusses the importance of financial health over wealth, which includes having enough to meet your needs without stress. How does society measure success in terms of money, power and productivity rather than by character and contribution? Manisha talks about the Buddhist concept of the "hungry ghost" which represents our insatiable desires. She argues that the answer is often "less" - shedding commitments, possessions and being still in nature. Listen to find out how to redefine success beyond financial wealth and move towards a balance of financial health and emotional wealth. If you'd like to support the work of Behavioral Grooves, you can become a Behavioral Grooves Patreon member. Topics (3:45) Welcome and speed round questions. (5:54) What is a busy badge? (8:57) The social comparison aspect of wealth. (13:00) The rise of the Blackberry culture. (20:34) What you do is who you are? (24:13) Chasing after the American Dream. (28:46) A classic second generation immigrant story. (31:08) Emotional wealth and financial health. (38:42) What is the Hungry Ghost? (42:58) The music Manisha would take to a desert island. (46:29) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim on redefining success. © 2023 Behavioral Grooves Links Manisha Thakor's book, MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough": https://amzn.to/3JtuuXV Episode 102, Cristina Bicchieri: Social Norms are Bundles of Expectations: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/cristina-bicchieri-social-norms-are-bundles-of-expectations/ Dr Malissa Clark – University of Georgia: https://psychology.uga.edu/directory/people/malissa-clark Matthew A. Killingsworth, Daniel Kahneman and Barbara Mellers (2022) “Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolved”: https://www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10.1073/pnas.2208661120 Episode 215, Secrets of Subtraction: Donut Holes, Lego and Bruce Springsteen with Leidy Klotz: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/subtraction-with-leidy-klotz/ Schulte Brigid, “Why being too busy makes us feel so good,” Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-being-too-busy-makes-us-feel-so-good/2014/03/14/c098f6c8-9e81-11e3-a050-dc3322a94fa7_story.html DeGreeff, B., Burnett, A., & Cooley, D. (2009). “Communicating authenticity or inauthenticity in a fast-paced world,” Journal of Happiness Studies: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225649342_Communicating_and_Philosophizing_About_Authenticity_or_Inauthenticity_in_a_Fast-Paced_World The Hungry Ghost: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungry_ghost MoneyZen quiz online: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/646d1000fec8ca0014804a9e Behavioral Grooves Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves Musical Links Vivaldi “Four Seasons”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA Lionel Hampton “Flying Home”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rTICMVXQQ
They met as rivals on the soccer field. Then they became teammates.Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly.-- Here are some tips on how to make a great recording on your phone.Thank you!
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
Dr. Vanessa Patrick, a respected marketing professor at the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business, is revered for her notable research on the psychology of saying no. This research acts as the foundation of her book, The Power of Saying No. The seemingly simple act can be a strenuous inner struggle, but Vanessa insists it's an essential skill for preserving personal dignity and establishing a balanced life. Understanding the psychology behind our hesitance to refuse can liberate individuals from overcommitment and enable them to set healthier boundaries. In her conversation with Melina Palmer, Vanessa articulated that the challenge of saying no often stems from our fear of negatively impacting relationships or tarnishing our reputation. However, people's constant attempt to please others leads them to become a pushover, gradually erasing their individuality. Vanessa conveyed that saying no (using her method of empowered refusal) allows you to not just create and uphold your unique identity but also to avoid turning into a person who mindlessly accepts every request. In this episode: Discover the influence of saying no and how it enhances the quality of relationships and life. Learn actionable strategies to establish personal boundaries and become uncompromisingly committed to them. Recognize the primary function of personal motivations and beliefs in setting energized refusal. Grasp the dilemma of saying no in contrasting situations and the art of diluting social pressure. Acquaint yourself with the principle of opportunity cost and its immense relevance to making mindful trade-offs. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Dr. Vanessa Patrick is the author of The Power of Saying No and a professor of marketing. Her research focuses on understanding why people struggle with saying no and the importance of setting boundaries. In this episode, she discusses the dual drivers behind saying yes when we want to say no. 00:05:39 - The Fear of Saying No, Dr. Patrick explains that the fear of saying no stems from our desire to be liked and our concern for our reputation. We often say yes to maintain relationships and be seen as competent. However, saying no strategically can actually help us develop our unique skills and be known for our expertise. 00:07:50 - The Motivation Behind Studying Saying No, Dr. Patrick shares that her initial research focused on self-discipline and resisting temptation through self-talk. After publishing her findings, she realized the widespread struggle with saying no and the importance of understanding how to say no effectively. This led her to further explore the topic and eventually write her book. 00:11:25 - The Power of "Don't" vs. "Can't" Dr. Patrick introduces the concept of using "don't" instead of "can't" when saying no. By saying "I don't" instead of "I can't," we appear more empowered and in control. This small shift in language can make a significant difference in how others perceive our refusal. 00:16:05 - Building Personal Policies, Vanessa Patrick discusses the importance of reflecting on our beliefs and values to establish personal policies that guide our actions and decisions. These policies, similar to mental budgets, help us stick to our desired goals and make it easier to say no in various situations. 00:18:04 - Being the "Kind of Person" Who Says No, Vanessa emphasizes the power of framing our decisions as reflections of our identity. By saying "I'm the kind of person who..." we can effectively communicate our boundaries and say no more effectively. 00:19:26 - Navigating Asks in the Workplace, Vanessa provides a framework for deciphering asks in the workplace. She distinguishes between urgent and important tasks that require immediate action, and non-promotable tasks that may distract from our main responsibilities. She highlights the importance of balancing participation in non-promotable tasks and ensuring fairness in task distribution. 00:23:24 - Finding Value in Non-Promotable Tasks, Vanessa acknowledges that some individuals may find value in non-promotable tasks, such as party planning, as it aligns with their personal interests or provides visibility. However, she encourages individuals to ensure they are not solely responsible for these tasks and to create an environment where everyone's strengths are leveraged. 00:27:28 - Reframing Saying No, Vanessa reminds us that saying no is not a rejection of the person making the request, but a refusal of the ask. By reframing our mindset, saying no can become much easier. 00:32:25 - Is It A Salt or Lasagna Ask?, Vanessa explains the concept of "pass the salt" asks, which are easy and low-cost requests that can have a high benefit for the person asking. She also introduces the idea of "bake your famous lasagna" asks, which are requests that are costly for the person asked but have no real impact. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of saying no to these types of asks and prioritizing the "Hero's Journey" asks that make a difference in the world. 00:35:13 - Opportunity Cost and Saying No, Vanessa discusses the concept of opportunity cost and how every time we say yes to something, we are saying no to other opportunities. She highlights the need to intentionally consider the opportunity cost of our decisions and the importance of saying no to things that don't align with our values and goals. 00:37:10 - The (Non)Selfishness of Saying No, Vanessa challenges the notion that saying no is selfish, explaining that it is actually selfish for someone to ask us to do something that doesn't matter to us or leverage our strengths. She encourages individuals to recognize their right to say no and not feel guilty about it. 00:38:02 - Tips and Resources for Saying No, Melina mentions that Vanessa's book provides valuable tips and strategies for saying no, especially in different situations such as with bosses. Vanessa emphasizes the power of an empowered refusal, which effectively conveys your stance based on your values and priorities. She encourages individuals to own their no's and not make excuses or be wishy washy -- own those nos! 00:39:04 - Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: The Power of Saying No, by Vanessa Patrick Influence Is Your Superpower, by Zoe Chance You Have More Influence Than You Think, by Vanessa Bohns Magic Words, by Jonah Berger What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Connect with Vanessa: Vanessa on Twitter Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn Vanessa's Website Top Recommended Next Episode: Influence Is Your Superpower, with Zoe Chance (ep 308) Already Heard That One? Try These: Behavioral Science in the Wild, with Dilip Soman (ep 241) Framing (ep 296) You Have More Influence Than You Think, with Vanessa Bohns (ep 197) Influence, with Robert Cialdini (ep 157) Getting Along, with Amy Gallo (ep 269) A More Just Future, with Dolly Chugh (ep 247) Priming (ep 252) Framing (ep 296) Magic Words, with Jonah Berger (ep 301) Game Theory (ep 228) Inequity Aversion (ep 224) Mental Accounting (ep 282) Get It Done, with Ayelet Fishbach (ep 186) Defaults (ep 38) Subtract, with Leidy Klotz (ep 162) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter
In a recent episode with Leidy Klotz, we discussed how our brains are wired to add, not subtract. This means that we need prompts to help us figure out what to subtract from our lives for increased success. So in this solo episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I am sharing some tips for you on how to focus on the right things and subtract the wrong things. Topics We Cover in This Episode: How to find your Grow Big Index How understanding your value in the marketplace can help you find what you need to get rid of The two calendar-driven ways to find what to subtract The event-driven ways to subtract How you can keep these three triggers top of mind during your workflow As Leidy says, to do great things, we need to subtract the less valuable things. Baking these three triggers into your workflow should help you keep this top of mind so you can regularly remove the things that you need to. If you haven't already listened to the episode with Leidy Klotz, make sure to do so. It was a fantastic interview and Leidy had so much value to offer. You can tune in here. Resources Mentioned: Listen to my conversation with Leidy Klotz
In a recent episode with Leidy Klotz, we discussed how our brains are wired to add, not subtract. This means that we need prompts to help us figure out what to subtract from our lives for increased success. So in this solo episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I am sharing some tips for you on how to focus on the right things and subtract the wrong things. Topics We Cover in This Episode: How to find your Grow Big Index How understanding your value in the marketplace can help you find what you need to get rid of The two calendar-driven ways to find what to subtract The event-driven ways to subtract How you can keep these three triggers top of mind during your workflow As Leidy says, to do great things, we need to subtract the less valuable things. Baking these three triggers into your workflow should help you keep this top of mind so you can regularly remove the things that you need to. If you haven't already listened to the episode with Leidy Klotz, make sure to do so. It was a fantastic interview and Leidy had so much value to offer. You can tune in here. Resources Mentioned: Listen to my conversation with Leidy Klotz
In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I sat down with Leidy Klotz to talk about the mindset of subtracting versus adding. Often when we want to make something better, we want to add to it, but sometimes the answer is actually to take something away. Lady is here to explain this concept to us and show us how we can apply that to our work in our organizations for increased success. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why we automatically think to add instead of subtract Strategies to decide when to add and when to take away How the rule of three applies to this concept How to apply the idea of subtraction to deepening relationships Subtracting things to get your time back What to do when you're finding yourself overwhelmed How to figure out what to subtract How we can be more successful in managing our energy The power of a to-don't list I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Leidy! As he says, when you add something, you are saying no to every other possible thing so it's very important to be mindful about what you add to your plate as opposed to taking away. If you want to learn more about Leidy, you can check out his website here. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Leidy including his speaking Check out the research and book showing how to spend money to save time (and other ways to spend money to make you happy) Listen to the episode with Molly Fletcher on Being Relentlessly Curious and Over-Delivering In Your Relationships Tune in to our episode with Vanessa Van Edwards where she illustrates how to captivate your prospect Check out Voxer Check out Marco Polo
In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I sat down with Leidy Klotz to talk about the mindset of subtracting versus adding. Often when we want to make something better, we want to add to it, but sometimes the answer is actually to take something away. Lady is here to explain this concept to us and show us how we can apply that to our work in our organizations for increased success. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why we automatically think to add instead of subtract Strategies to decide when to add and when to take away How the rule of three applies to this concept How to apply the idea of subtraction to deepening relationships Subtracting things to get your time back What to do when you're finding yourself overwhelmed How to figure out what to subtract How we can be more successful in managing our energy The power of a to-don't list I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Leidy! As he says, when you add something, you are saying no to every other possible thing so it's very important to be mindful about what you add to your plate as opposed to taking away. If you want to learn more about Leidy, you can check out his website here. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Leidy including his speaking Check out the research and book showing how to spend money to save time (and other ways to spend money to make you happy) Listen to the episode with Molly Fletcher on Being Relentlessly Curious and Over-Delivering In Your Relationships Tune in to our episode with Vanessa Van Edwards where she illustrates how to captivate your prospect Check out Voxer Check out Marco Polo
In this episode our host Preethy Padmanabhan has a thought-provoking conversation with Kay Sarathy, SVP Insurance Applications, Berkley Technology Services about the book Subtract:The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz. Kay Sarathy shares her experiences deploying some of the techniques from the book in the digital transformation journey she is leading. In the book Subtract, the author draws our attention to the hard truth that biological, cultural, and economic forces around us encourage us to do more, not less. Our failure to subtract is a root cause for our cluttered calendars, closets, and inboxes. Klotz's pioneering research shows us what is true whether we're building Lego models, cities, grilled-cheese sandwiches, or strategic plans: Our minds tend to add before taking away, and this is holding us back.
We live in a society of "more is better". The argument goes that a big business is obviously better than a small one. But, is that actually true? What if you could actually achieve more with less? On this episode, Joel Miller speaks with Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy shares the subtle yet powerful biological and psychological reasons behind our 'addition bias' and how we can recalibrate our mindsets to view subtraction as an equally valid – and often better – choice. The conversation culminates in Leidy's description of the 'meeting doomsday' tactic - a powerful strategy that could free up hours on your calendar every week.In this episode, you'll learn:How subtraction can often be more beneficial than addition, especially in small business environments.The need to shift from the common assumption that more is always better, and how to build processes that incorporate subtraction as a strategic choice.The biological and psychological influences driving our "addition bias"To learn more about Dr. Klotz and his book, visit https://www.leidyklotz.com/.For more podcasts, visit www.businessaccelerator.com/podcast.The Business Accelerator podcast is a reflection of the values and processes inside the BusinessAccelerator coaching program. If you want a free Business Growth Coaching Call, visit www.businessaccelerator.com/coach.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We live in a society of "more is better". The argument goes that a big business is obviously better than a small one. But, is that actually true? What if you could actually achieve more with less? On this episode, Joel Miller speaks with Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy shares the subtle yet powerful biological and psychological reasons behind our 'addition bias' and how we can recalibrate our mindsets to view subtraction as an equally valid – and often better – choice. The conversation culminates in Leidy's description of the 'meeting doomsday' tactic - a powerful strategy that could free up hours on your calendar every week.In this episode, you'll learn:How subtraction can often be more beneficial than addition, especially in small business environments.The need to shift from the common assumption that more is always better, and how to build processes that incorporate subtraction as a strategic choice.The biological and psychological influences driving our "addition bias"To learn more about Dr. Klotz and his book, visit https://www.leidyklotz.com/.For more podcasts, visit www.businessaccelerator.com/podcast.The Business Accelerator podcast is a reflection of the values and processes inside the BusinessAccelerator coaching program. If you want a free Business Growth Coaching Call, visit www.businessaccelerator.com/coach.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
My guest today is Leidy Klotz. Leidy is a Professor at the University of Virginia, with appointments in Engineering, Architecture, and Business. He studies the science of design: how we transform things from how they are to how we want them to be. He has secured over $10 million in competitive funding to support this new area of research. To share research insights with those who can use them, he has written more than 80 articles and two books. His most recent book is called Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less.Some of the topics we explore include:- The research and insights that led to writing his book Subtract-How neglecting to consider subtraction can create challenges in our lives -The role that our environmental spaces can play in wellbeing -The similarities and difference between subtracting and minimalism-How Leidy works to integrate these ideas work into his own life- How subtraction can be useful in places like therapy, music, and relationships—————————————————————————Leidy website: https://www.leidyklotz.com/Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less: https://a.co/d/hzbeMBg—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth
Recommend this show by sharing the link: pod.link/2Pages Way, way back, when it was raining too hard to go out and kick a ball around, my brother, Nigel, and I had a game we occasionally played - pick-up sticks. If you don't know this game, imagine about 30 different-coloured bamboo skewers in a pile. You had to remove them, one by one, without shifting the delicately-balanced structure. This is the first memory I have of a game where the goal was to remove things. This wasn't Lego or Monopoly where you strive to build, this was surgery. Get book links and resources at https://www.mbs.works/2-pages-podcast/ Leidy Klotz is a professor at The University of Virginia and the author of one of my favorite books on change, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy reads two pages from ‘Soccer in Sun and Shadow' by Eduardo Galeano. [reading begins at 11:50] Hear us discuss: Finding balance between play and work. [15:32] | How to enjoy subtraction and enter the flow state: “Subtraction is additional work.” [16:57] | The connection between grief and the discipline of less. [20:16] | Knowing when to subtract: “When you expand your view of a situation, you might see that the thing you're trying to do is being done somewhere else.” [22:22] | A story of identifying the essential. [26:43] | Prizes and punishments of change: “We don't have to choose between adding and subtracting; they're both complementary approaches to making changes.” [29:20]
In today's episode, we cover the science of subtraction with Leidy Klotz. Leidy studies the science of design, his research has appeared in both Nature and Science, and his book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, was ranked as one of the most influential titles in the fields of design and behavioral science. As humans, we gravitate toward acquiring things and activities to add value to our lives, but many times we can add value to our lives by removing things from it—why is our biology working against us, how can you determine what to subtract from your life, and how do you get your family, friends, and coworkers on board? What to Listen For Introduction – 0:00 How can you make your life more fulfilling by removing things from your life? Why does our biology prime us to add things to our life even if those things don't enrich our lives? Reduce Distractions to Increase Fulfillment – 16:28 What questions can you ask to determine what you should remove from your life to improve your life? What pushes you to add unnecessary things to your life – 31:53 What are the forces around you that are always nudging you to add things to your life that end up unnecessarily complicating your life? Getting people on board with the concept of subtraction – 44:40 What can you say to people to convince them that removing things from their lives will improve their lives? Many of us go through life without taking the time to analyze what brings value to our lives and what doesn't. Our biology drives us to seek out things that we think will make us happy but often those things don't actually bring long-term fulfillment. Consider evaluating what you have in your life and see if there are any areas where you could declutter your life for more contentment, or to free up time to focus on the things that do bring value to your life. When was the last time you took inventory of your life and considered ways you could simplify? A Word From Our Sponsors Are you ready to take your career to the next level in 2023? Looking to grow your high-value social circle? You are one relationship away from changing your entire life. Listen: your social circle, professional network, and lack of confidence are thwarting your attempts at accelerating your career. But there's something you can do about it. We've packaged our best insights inside a course called, Social Capital. And, as a thank you for being a podcast listener, we want to give you this training for FREE to start 2023. To get your hands on this training and immediately start improving your relationships, go to theartofcharm.com/sc Do you LOVE the toolbox episodes? Did you know that every week we give a LIVE mini-toolbox lesson inside our Private Facebook Group? Best of all it is FREE to join. Join today and get access to all of our live training and level up your communication, leadership, influence and persuasion skills. With 14,000 members it's a great place to network, learn and overcome any obstacle that's in your way. Running out of things to say in conversation… and still struggling to get people interested in you? That's an uncomfortable position to be in. Don't want to risk getting tongue-tied and screwing things up the next time you meet someone? Check out Conversation Magic now to make sure you don't crash and burn. With our bulletproof formula, you'll be flirting up a storm, sparking fun and engaging conversations, and making high-value friends anywhere! Resources from this Episode Leidy Klotz's website Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some new research caught recently our attention because it reinforces and expands on a concept that we introduced about 6 months ago in our episode on the Law of Subtraction. When we recorded that, we weren't aware that our so-called “law of subtraction” had been studied by University of Virginia professor Leidy Klotz. In this episode, we explore some of that research and how we can use this insight to create better solutions to our challenges. --Don't forget to find out more about what we call the Dieter's Mindset at http://weighless.life/mindset
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Go to betterhelp.com/minimalists to get 10% off your first month. Instead of piling on ‘to-dos' and accumulating more, this episode will inspire you to consider ‘stop-doings' and choosing less! Kelly speaks with American scientist, engineering professor, and international best-selling author, Leidy Klotz, to discuss how subtraction can help us let go of unhealthy habits and make room for more of what matters. You will learn that we often overlook subtraction and default to more in an attempt to feel better, and in Leidy's latest international seller, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, he shares numerous evidence-based studies to prove how using subtraction to solve problems is a powerful option. Be inspired by Leidy's insights on the power of subtraction and start paving your way to a more meaningful life. Book: Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less Website: Leidyklotz.com
Quick question—when you do math, what's easier for you: addition or subtraction? For most of us, I'm guessing the answer is addition. While you may think it's because we learn addition before subtraction, another part of the answer is less apparent. For our survival, we have evolved to seek more and we have an aversion to the idea of less. Yet, all of us know that less truly can be more. When is that true? When is that not true? How can we override our tendencies to acquire when it's not good for us? And, related to less being more, why do donuts have holes? My expert guest answers these, and many other questions related to the science of less being more. Leidy Klotz, Ph.D. (https://www.leidyklotz.com/) is a professor at the University of Virginia's Schools of Engineering, Architecture, and Business where he's part of an initiative merging the fields of engineering AND behavioral science. He's also the author of a book I loved called Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Thought leaders of all types love the book, including SuperPsyched guest, Dr. Barry Schwartz, who said, “Subtract is simply brilliant.” So, listen in as Leidy and I have an engaging and user-friendly conversation about the untapped science of less. Book Link: https://tinyurl.com/436pt7th
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Mike Rucker, author of the brand new book, The Fun Habit, which just came out a couple of days ago on January 3, 2023. Mike is an organizational psychologist and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association whose work has been published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research. His ideas about fun and health have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Fast Company, The Telegraph, Psychology Today, Forbes, Vox, Thrive Global, Mindbodygreen, and more. He was named one of ten digital changemakers by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness. And, not surprisingly, today's conversation is all about fun! We also talk about framing and word choice and how fun and change really do go together. It's a great chat that I can't wait to share with you. Show Notes: [00:41] In today's conversation, I am joined by Dr. Mike Rucker, author of the brand new book The Fun Habit. [02:32] Mike shares about himself and his background. He is an organizational psychologist by trade but focuses more on behavioral science. [02:44] His new book, The Fun Habit looks at living a life more joyfully through actively pursuing the activities you engage in rather than pursuing happiness. [04:04] From 2009-2016 he optimized his life and tried to extrapolate as much happiness as he could. [06:33] He found out that the more he tried to chase happiness the unhappier he was and he wanted to figure out why. [09:08] We can have more longevity with certain tasks if we add a component that makes it pleasurable for us. We do mundane things – with a little creativity, we can reframe them. [12:07] If we take control over how we spend our time and we bias it towards fun things, ultimately we are going to perceive the world in a more positive and optimistic light. [14:41] If you don't take time off the table for yourself you are not showing up as the best version of yourself. [16:42] When our lives are overly habituated and we are always doing the same stuff we store those memories as single units. [18:58] Most people live this habituated life and that becomes comfortable, but you forget that you can have a little bit of time for yourself. [20:42] Disruption is a great opportunity for change. [21:42] The initial step is to sit down and brainstorm what you would like to do more for fun. This could include past hobbies, things you authentically feel connected to, and things you long to do. Par your list down to 8-15 things so it is actionable. [23:34] An important second step is to make sure it is not an exercise of adding things to your already busy life. Mike suggests doing a time audit. [26:16] We need to swap out the “low-hanging fruit” activities for ones that light us up more. [27:15] First create space in your schedule. Once you have that, use the list you made to integrate things that are more fun into your life. [28:29] A lot of times the biggest impact is looking for a way to change an activity so it is better, or adding something on. [30:56] When you hear about fun interventions at work you need to make sure everyone can come in and have fun at the activity in a safe place. Leaders need to be setting an example. [33:07] Fun in the workplace generally unites you around a common goal. Cohesion comes from wanting to accomplish something together. [35:16] Because our brains work in micro-moments and microdecisions, we really need to be looking at the little things. (Change is more than just the big stuff that requires a project team.) [38:00] People who have a best friend at work are more loyal, happier, engaged, and better employees. Helping to incorporate fun and allowing people to connect is valuable. [40:45] You can either empower the individual so that they can have more fun and more vitality when they come back to the office or you can create it from an empathic standpoint where you are creating opportunities for organic fun. [41:37] Fun is not the same for everyone. [42:56] If the outcome of whatever you are trying to do can still be the same but allow people to do it in a way that feels comfortable to them, you are going to have more fun every time. [44:10] Melina's closing thoughts [44:54] We are a species that is meant to have fun. We should take the time and make the effort to bring fun back into our lives. Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: The Fun Habit, Mike Rucker Get It Done, by Ayelet Fishbach Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes How to Change, by Katy Milkman Indistractable, by Nir Eyal Connect with Mike: Mike's Website Mike on LinkedIn Mike on Twitter Top Recommended Next Episode: Temptation Bundling (ep 250) Already Heard That One? Try These: Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation with Ayelet Fishbach (ep 186) Using Motivation and Happiness Science to Make 2023 Your Best Year Ever (ep 249) Temptation Bundling (ep 250) How To Change, an interview Dr. Katy Milkman (ep 151) Framing (ep 16) Priming (episode 18) How to Set, Achieve & Exceed Brainy Goals (ep 248) Bikeshedding (ep 99) Habits (ep 21) Loss Aversion (ep 9) How to Become Indistractible, Interview With Author Nir Eyal (ep 78) Good Habits, Bad Habits, with Dr. Wendy Wood (ep 127) Vulnerability Loops (ep 229) Do You Subtract Enough? with Leidy Klotz (ep 162) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter
The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
In today's conversation, I am joined by Evan Nesterak, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Behavioral Scientist, a nonprofit digital and print magazine that examines the world through the science of human behavior. Previously, he led the Mindset Assessment Project, an initiative designed to bring rigorous psychological research into the world of sport and worked with Angela Duckworth at the University of Pennsylvania on character development research. This is such a fun conversation, where Evan tells some "never before publicly discussed" stories from his background and that of Behavioral Scientist, which is always fun. We get to hear all about his work and the focus at the magazine, it is full of laughs and brainy goodness. You don't want to miss it! Show Notes: [00:42] In today's conversation, I am joined by Evan Nesterak, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Behavioral Scientist, a nonprofit digital and print magazine that examines the world through the science of human behavior. [02:36] Evan shares about himself, his background, and the work that he does. [03:35] He also did some research with the US Soccer Federation where they did a study looking at the mindsets of the elite youth players in the development academy. [06:09] Evan shares how he met past Brainy Business guest Leidy Klotz. [08:50] Often when you are newer to something you are automatically put into the mentee role. It is powerful to have that script flipped and be the mentor even if you are newer into something if you have enough experience that you can add value. [11:13] He learned a lot working with Angela Duckworth and he has taken a lot of lessons since leaving the lab. [12:25] Evan shares the history of how Behavioral Scientist started. [14:00] After graduating from college, he decided to do what he now calls “real world college.” [16:24] He realized there was no place for him to read about really interesting psychology work that was happening. [17:21] In 2012 Evan and his brother started The Psych Report. They had expert psychologists write about their research in digestible, interesting, and engaging ways. [17:59] In 2016 it evolved: they teamed up with some other projects and co-founded Behavioral Scientist in 2017. [20:33] The way we think about human behavior can influence the world we design. [22:48] They compiled a team from various backgrounds and got to work. Their goal has been to stay curious, prioritize people who ask interesting and ambitious questions about human behavior, and try to answer them in rigorous and thoughtful ways. [25:12] Don't worry about trying to read everything. Try and find your trusted sources. [27:12] Being open to other formats can be a really great way to read with an eye for human behavior. [28:55] You immediately have respect for people when you write or do something outside of your comfort zone. [29:45] Melina shares about past guests Doug Kenrick and David Lundberg-Kenrick and their work. [33:04] The first thing when writing a book in academia is to take action and try and do it. [33:58] Then you need to understand what your background and strength is in writing and who you want to write for. [35:20] You have to get someone invested and a great way to do that is stories, examples, and cost and opportunities. [38:04] The more focused you can be in your writing the better. [39:09] Evan's first suggestion is to sign up for the Behavioral Scientist weekly newsletter and see if it is for you. Hopefully you will encounter things that you wouldn't necessarily seek out but you would learn something that would have an impact on your life. [41:17] Monthly they put out the Research Lead where they focus on new research topics. [44:16] Brain Meets World is a thematic print issue that traces the journey of what happens to our ideas as we bring them out to the world. [46:40] When you chase the answers all the time it never feels satisfying. [48:52] Melina's closing thoughts Thanks for listening. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let's connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Join the BE Thoughtful Revolution – our free behavioral economics community, and keep the conversation going! Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books. Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Grit, by Angela Duckworth Subtract, by Leidy Klotz The Paradox of Choice, by Barry Schwartz How to Change, by Katy Milkman Brain Meets World, by Behavioral Scientist Connect with Evan: Behavioral Scientist Website Evan on LinkedIn Evan on Twitter Top Recommended Next Episode: Do You Subtract Enough? An interview with Dr. Leidy Klotz (ep 162) Already Heard That One? Try These: Behavioral Science in the Wild with Dilip Soman (ep 241) Paradox of Choice (ep 171) How To Change, an interview Dr. Katy Milkman (ep 151) Dr. Robert Cialdini and the (Now!) 7 Principles of Persuasion (ep 157) Do Nudges Work? with Michael Hallsworth (ep 218) Solving Modern Problems with a Stone Age Brain (ep 237) Other Important Links: Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Behavioral Scientist Newsletter A large-scale field experiment shows giving advice improves academic outcomes for the advisor Writing Workshops from Behavioral Scientist The Battle for Human Nature, by Barry Schwartz Barry Schwartz – Last Collection speech
How's that “to-do” list looking? What if I were to tell you the single biggest change you could make to the list in terms of your future success would be to subtract? That's right – while our minds naturally think adding a new exercise or routine is the solution, one of the best ways to make things better actually comes down to one word: subtract.Welcome to the Health, Wellness & Performance Catalyst. Today's guest is Dr. Leidy Klotz, who studies the science of design, and the way in which our own daily choices can be positively impacted – NOT by adding something new - but instead through the use of subtraction. His research has appeared in both Nature and Science and his debut popular science book, Subtract, is among the most influential published in 2021. He is a frequent guest on programs including Hidden Brain, Freakonomics, and NPR. You've likely seen his articles in the Washington Post, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Scientific American and elsewhere.For more information about Dr. Leidy Klotz, access his website here: https://www.leidyklotz.com/ or his book can be found here.For more information about the Catalyst Community, earning your NBHWC-approved health & wellness coach certification, the annual Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium and much more, please see https://www.catalystcoachinginstitute.com/ or reach out to us Results@CatalystCoachingInstitute.comLooking for weekly tips, tricks and turbo boosts to enhance your life? Sign up for the CATALYST 5 here, a brief weekly bullet point list of 5 ideas, concepts or boosts Dr. Cooper has discovered to improve your personal and professional life! If you'd like to share the Be A Catalyst! message in your world with a cool hoodie, t-shirt, water bottle stickers and more (100% of ALL profits go to charity), please visit https://teespring.com/stores/be-a-catalyst If you are a current or future health & wellness coach, please check out our Health & Wellness Coaching Forum Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278207545599218. This is an awesome group if you are looking for encouragement, ideas, resources and more. Finally, if you enjoy the Catalyst Podcast, you might also enjoy the YouTube Coaching Channel, which provides a full library of freely available videos covering health, wellness & performance: https://www.youtube.com/c/CoachingChannelContact us: Results@CatalystCoachingInstitute.comTwitter: @Catalyst2ThriveWebsite: CatalystCoachingInstitute.com
Did you know that it is human nature to think of adding things into our lives before we think about subtracting? Like when life gets stressful … we add. Or when work gets too busy - we add. Today we are excited to talk to our guest Leidy Klotz, author of the book “Subtract”. We talk about our instinct to add, and answer the question of “What if we thought about subtracting?” We talk about a huge physical example of subtracting (San Francisco freeway) and a subtraction checklist that we can use to cue ourselves to stop and think about subtracting as well. For example, Do you really need to go to that meeting? Or are you just a passenger? Join Jim and Tyson today as they deep dive into this idea of: “Why do we think of adding before we think of subtracting? And what can we do about it?” Because one of the biggest challenges with subtracting is that it's invisible to your calendar. So what are the benefits to you personally and to your business? Listen in and take notes. 1:11 Meet Leidy Klotz …04:28 Are we built to add? Is it a survival instinct? 06:06 The exercise of removing 5 things from your calendar every week AND the benefits!08:00 How do we stop so that we can intentionally think about subtracting from our lives?10:16 Even after we do think of subtracting, it can be hard to execute — just like the San Francisco freeway … here's why …14:06 What is a checklist for subtraction? And what would be on it? 19:47 What are the recommended standards for when something should be eliminated for business and personal purposes?22:09 What about when you want to do a bunch of different things and you're trying to get it all done? (personal and business) 24:31 Time famine … and what we can do about it Jim's Hack: Drink a gallon of water a day! Benefits = clear and healthy skin, less headaches and joint aches, plus more!Tysons Tip: Pick one of the things that you've been putting off in your life and start doing it, but FIRST — remove 2 things from your calendar to free up your time to do the thing that you've been wanting to do.Guest Tip: If you like to read books, read anything by Eduardo Galiano because he wrote the best soccer book of all time called “Soccer and Son and Shadow”. Brilliant writer!
We pile on “to-dos” but don't consider “stop-doings.” We create incentives for good behavior, but don't get rid of obstacles to it. We collect new-and-improved ideas, but don't prune the outdated ones. Every day, across challenges big and small, we neglect a basic way to make things better: we don't subtract.Leidy Klotz's pioneering research shows why. Whether we're building Lego models or cities, grilled-cheese sandwiches or strategic plans, our minds tend to add before taking away. Even when we do think of it, subtraction can be harder to pull off because an array of biological, cultural, and economic forces push us towards more. But we have a choice—our blind spot need not go on taking its toll on our cities, our institutions, and our minds. By diagnosing our neglect of subtraction, we can treat it. Subtract will change how you change your world. In these pages you'll meet subtracting exemplars: design geniuses, Nobel-prize winners, rock-stars, and everyday heroes, who have subtracted to dismantle racism, advance knowledge, heal the planet, and even tell better jokes. These and more guiding lights show how we can revolutionize not just our day-to-day lives, but our collective legacy. A paradigm shift of a book, Subtract shows us how to find more of the options we've been missing—and empowers us to pursue them.
Psychologists Off The Clock: A Psychology Podcast About The Science And Practice Of Living Well
Working parenthood is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes the stress of toggling between family and professional roles can feel like too much! And... it can also be a meaningful source of joy, inspiration, and creativity. In this extra special episode, we talk to our very own co-host, Dr. Yael Schonbrun about her new book, Work, Parent Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much). Yael draws on psychology research as well as her own experience as a working mom of three, to offer ideas that will help even the most stressed of working parents! This book banishes the idea that the key to ultimate working parenthood is the ability to do it all. Instead, the key is to learn how these roles, together, help you thrive. Listen and Learn: ● How Yael's own experience as a hard-working mother of three informed her ideas for her book. ● How to shift from a “work family conflict mindset” to a “work family enrichment mindset” ● Why interruptions that feel really annoying might actually be good for you. ● Whether or not finding perfect work-life balance is a realistic goal (spoiler alert: it's not) ● The role of values in making choices about work and family ● How to deal with parental guilt effectively ● How working parenthood offers opportunities for growth ● About how cooking has offered Jill a lesson in when to grit and when to quit ● The power of rest, and what Yael is up to on her tech-free Saturday sabbath days Resources: ● Get your copy of Work, Parent, Thrive! ● Check out Yael's webpage and her POTC episodes! ● Read Yael's New York Times article on working parenthood, and other media appearances in the Wall Street Journal, Greater Good Science Center, Behavioral Scientist, Kveller, Lilith Magazine, The Wise Brain Bulletin, Psychology Today, and Motherly. ● Grab your copy of all our favorite books at bookshop.org/shop/offtheclockpsych. ● Check out Debbie, Yael, and Jill's websites to access their offerings, sign up for their newsletters, buy their books, and more! About Yael: Dr. Yael Schonbrun is a co-host of the greatest podcast of all times, Psychologists Off the Clock, and that's all you need to know about her. Just kidding! Yael Schonbrun, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock, and mother of three. She has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postgraduate training at Brown University. Yael's academic research explores the interaction between relationship problems and mental health conditions. She has authored the book Work, Parent Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much), as well as chapters in several books and dozens of scientific articles. In her private practice, writing, and podcasting, Yael uses evidence-based science to help individuals and couples learn to manage work, parenting, and marriage in more effective and fulfilling ways. Yael's writing on work, parenting, and relationships has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Greater Good Science Center, Behavioral Scientist, Kveller, Lilith Magazine, The Wise Brain Bulletin, Psychology Today, and Motherly. You can follow her on Twitter, where she posts about the science and practice of work and family. Related Episodes: - 24. Choosing Both: Straddling Meaningful Career and Parenthood with Yael Schonbrun - 33. Couples with Young Children: Relationship Challenges and Strategies with Yael Schonbrun - 83. The Tao of Work and Family Balance with Tod Perry and Carl Totton - 174. How to Work and Parent Mindfully with Lori Mihalich-Levin - 211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz - 267. You are Not a Horrible Parent with Carla Naumburg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From how we build our cities to how we shop, it can seem as though our natural human tendency is to add. But a culture of accumulation may be exactly what holds us back from the simple solution in front of us: taking things away. University of Virginia professor Leidy Klotz helps us analyze the benefits of subtraction and how less may create the space for what we truly desire. This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and is hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Matthew Simonson. Be part of How to Build a Happy Life. Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com. To support this podcast, and get unlimited access to all of The Atlantic's journalism, become a subscriber. Music by the Fix (“Saturdays”), Mindme (“Anxiety”), JADED (“Blue Steel”), and Timothy Infinite (“Rapid Years”). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You have likely heard people say that having a dog is good for you. Usually, dog lovers say that. So exactly how good is good? Do dogs really improve your health and well-being? This episode begins with an explanation. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/ Shopping malls are an American institution. For decades they have been popular places to shop, eat, go to the movies and just hang out. But are their days numbered? Is the shopping mall a dinosaur today due to online shopping and changes in the makeup of America? Listen as I discuss the past, present and future of the shopping mall with Alexandra Lange an architecture critic and author of the book Meet Me By The Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall (https://amzn.to/3cyzahi). Listen to what she has to say and you won't look at your neighborhood mall in quite the same way. When there is a problem, we tend to add something to try to fix it. If there is trouble at work, we add a new rule. If there is a problem we need to solve, we look for new ideas. When we're sick we want more medicine. Yet maybe it would be better to try to take obstacles away rather than add new rules and ideas – at least sometimes. That's the case Leidy Klotz makes. Leidy is a professor of engineering and architecture at the University of Virginia and author of the book Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less (https://amzn.to/3olHXG5). If you are one of those people who has trouble cutting back on sugar, maybe a pickle could help. Listen as I explain how this works. http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-some-pregnant-women-crave-pickles-and-ice-cream.htm PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! We really like The Jordan Harbinger Show! Check out https://jordanharbinger.com/start OR search for it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen! Get $100 off of your first month with Talkspace! To match with a licensed therapist today, go to https://Talkspace.com & make sure to use the code SYSK to get $100 off of your first month! Go to https://Shopify.com/sysk for a FREE fourteen-day trial and get full access to Shopify's entire suite of features! Redeem your rewards for cash in any amount, at any time, with Discover Card! Learn more at https://Discover.com/RedeemRewards https://www.geico.com Bundle your policies and save! It's Geico easy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices