Podcast appearances and mentions of Nir Eyal

On this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It, I sit down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable, to unpack the real reason entrepreneurs get stuck. Nir shares how distraction doesn't come from phones, emails, or social media, but from within. He explains how boredom, stress, and loneliness drive us towards procrastination and how learning to manage internal triggers can change everything. Nir also reveals his simple mantra of consistency over intensity, showing how small, repeatable actions compound into real change in business, health, and life. Whether you are scaling a startup or just trying to stay focused through the noise, this is a practical, no-nonsense framework you can use straight away.Key Takeaways:Distraction starts from internal triggers, not external interruptions.Time management requires pain management, you must address the discomfort you're trying to escape.Consistency over intensity builds lasting progress in business, health, and creativity.You can't outsource focus, you must decide how to spend your time and attention.

In this episode, I talk with Steven Puri, co-founder of the focus app Sukha and former Hollywood executive, about focus and flow — what it feels like, why it matters, and how to increase it. We cover a range of tools and techniques, including: sound, physical space, to-do lists, community, solitude, time of day, and simple items like a pencil, paper, and a timer, along with lessons from Hollywood on creating great work and fulfilling your dreams.Connect and Learn More: Website: thesukha.coEmail: Shared in the episodeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steven-puriResources Mentioned:Apps: Brain.fm, Endel, Forest, TodoistBooks: Deep Work by Cal Newport, Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Indistractable by Nir Eyal, The Net and the Butterfly by Olivia Fox Cabane & Judah PollackCompanies: Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Disney, Dreamworks Animation, Fox Corporation, Hilton, LucasFilm, Marvel, Meta, M. Fredric, News Corp, Nike, Oura Health, Pixar, Spiegel, TikTok, Twitter, Universal Studios, Vine, YouTubeMovies: A Good Day to Die Hard, Alien vs. Predator, Ant-Man, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Independence Day: Resurgence, Live Free or Die Hard, Mission: Impossible III, My Best Friend's Wedding, Rain Man, Stargate, Star Trek, The Island, The Mask of Zorro, The Wolverine, Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the FallenPeople: Alex Kurtzman, Bob Iger, Bob Orci, Chase Carey, Dean Devlin, Elon Musk, Evan Spiegel, Francesco Cirillo, George Lucas, Hephaestus (character), Jake Paul, James Clear, James Dean, John Diemer, Judah Pollack, Logan Paul, Mark Zuckerberg, Marie Curie, Michael Jordan, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Nir Eyal, Olivia Fox Cabane, Pablo Picasso, Prometheus (character), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ronald Bass, Ronald Emmerich, Rupert Murdoch, Spike Jonze, Steve Jobs, Tony MauroPlaces: Austin, Bali, Chiang Mai, Cyprus, Kathmandu, Puerta Vallarta, San Francisco, ViennaPodcasts: Deep Questions with Cal Newport

From side hustles to workout plans to the endless new Notion boards, we all chase the high of beginning something fresh, then abandon it when the shine wears off. And it turns out that's not a personality flaw, it's neuroscience.So in this episode, I'm breaking down dopamine loops, the studies that explain them, and the tricks you can use to finally become someone who actually finishes what they start.Thank you to our amazing expert Nir Eyal, for his help with this episode!+NIR EYALIndistractable: http://geni.us/indistractableBlog: NirAndFar.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/nirandfarInstagram - http://instagram.com/neyal99+SIGN UP TO THE WORKING HARD NEWSLETTER: https://graceb.myflodesk.com/k0sfhlac34+FOLLOW THE PODCASTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/workinghard...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@workinghardpo...+DILEMMA SUBMISSIONIf you'd like to submit any dilemmas to the podcast to be answered in the bonus episodes, please send them to podcast@grace-beverley.com with the subject beginning DILEMMAS or DM us @workinghardpod on instagram!+MY LINKS: https://gracebeverley.komi.io/+RETROGRADE, SHREDDY, TALA and THE PRODUCTIVITY METHOD are my own businesses, therefore any mention of them - whilst not being a sponsorship - is monetarily endorsed. As usual, sponsorships do not change my opinions nor my honesty, but I will always disclaim to make sure motives are clear

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3754: Nir Eyal explains how to manage distractions by focusing on the internal triggers that spark them, rather than fighting the urges themselves. Through practical techniques like writing down triggers, exploring sensations with curiosity, and “surfing the urge,” he shows how to turn fleeting impulses into opportunities for self-mastery and improved focus. These methods help us stay present, avoid reactive behaviors, and build resilience against everyday temptations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/internal-triggers/ Quotes to ponder: “I'm feeling that tension in my chest right now. And there I go, trying to reach for my iPhone.” “One of Bricker's favorite techniques is the ‘leaves on a stream' method.” “This rule allows time to do what some behavioral psychologists call ‘surfing the urge.'” Episode references: American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: https://www.fredhutch.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3754: Nir Eyal explains how to manage distractions by focusing on the internal triggers that spark them, rather than fighting the urges themselves. Through practical techniques like writing down triggers, exploring sensations with curiosity, and “surfing the urge,” he shows how to turn fleeting impulses into opportunities for self-mastery and improved focus. These methods help us stay present, avoid reactive behaviors, and build resilience against everyday temptations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/internal-triggers/ Quotes to ponder: “I'm feeling that tension in my chest right now. And there I go, trying to reach for my iPhone.” “One of Bricker's favorite techniques is the ‘leaves on a stream' method.” “This rule allows time to do what some behavioral psychologists call ‘surfing the urge.'” Episode references: American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: https://www.fredhutch.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3754: Nir Eyal explains how to manage distractions by focusing on the internal triggers that spark them, rather than fighting the urges themselves. Through practical techniques like writing down triggers, exploring sensations with curiosity, and “surfing the urge,” he shows how to turn fleeting impulses into opportunities for self-mastery and improved focus. These methods help us stay present, avoid reactive behaviors, and build resilience against everyday temptations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/internal-triggers/ Quotes to ponder: “I'm feeling that tension in my chest right now. And there I go, trying to reach for my iPhone.” “One of Bricker's favorite techniques is the ‘leaves on a stream' method.” “This rule allows time to do what some behavioral psychologists call ‘surfing the urge.'” Episode references: American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center: https://www.fredhutch.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 10 years since the start of Community Pulse and, appropriately enough, we've reached the milestone of 100 episodes. To celebrate, we invited Jono Bacon -- our very first guest on the show -- and SJ Morris -- a former host of the show -- to join us and reminisce about changes in the DevRel industry as well as how we've changed personally and professionally over the last 10 years. We'll laugh a little… cry a little… and as always, learn a lot along the way. Checkouts Jason Bono * Primalbranding (https://a.co/d/0sCISVA) by Patrick Hanlon and Hooked (https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788) by Nir Eyal - awesome books, very relevant * Attio (https://attio.com/) / OpusClip (https://www.opus.pro/) / Anam (https://anam.ai/) - awesome tools * Stateshift (https://www.stateshift.com/) * MobLand on Paramount+ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MobLand) SJ Morris * Developers, Reinvented (https://ashtom.github.io/developers-reinvented) * Design from the Margins (https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/design-margins) Wesley Faulkner * Kitten TTS (https://github.com/KittenML/KittenTTS) * Add Bluesky comments and likes to your blog (https://brittanyellich.com/bluesky-comments-likes/) PJ Hagerty * The AI Con (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ai-con-emily-m-bender/1146281317?ean=9780063418561&gStoreCode=2542&gQT=2) - How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M Bender and Alex Hanna * Tyler the Creator - Don't Tap the Glass (https://combine.fm/spotify/album/1jzv3jwZbt8lYfEtMjiD1R) Jason Hand * New After Pulse site (coming) * Anyone can Play Music (https://www.amazon.com/Anyone-Can-Play-Music-Potential/dp/0593850971) by Josh Turknett * 100 repos (and demos) * ai-tools-lab.com (https://ai-tools-lab.com/) * LLM Observability Learning Course (https://learn.datadoghq.com/courses/llm-obs-getting-started) (FREE) Mary Thengvall * Upcoming book that I had a preview of and am very excited about (coming from Apress in early 2026)! Developer Relations Activity Patterns: A Unified Approach to Devrel, DX and Community Management by Scott McAllister, David Neal, Ted Neward, and Chris Woodruff * Fun (random) things have made me smile lately: * Miniature Cheese Graters (https://amzn.to/45EJNbw) * Lapel Pins (https://amzn.to/41sYj3C) Special Guests: Jono Bacon and SJ Morris.

Nir Eyal is a New York Times bestselling author and behavioral design expert. We had a wide-ranging conversation on curiosity, identity, and the unexpected ways that beliefs that shape our lives. Nir shared why curiosity is a superpower for self-improvement, the role of community in mental well-being, why “pills don't teach skills” when it comes to mental health, why testing and rewiring our beliefs is essential for personal growth, and how living with integrity aligns us with our deepest values. Show Notes: • Why curiosity is a superpower for self-improvement • How beliefs shape reality — and how to rewire them • Spotting and dismantling limiting beliefs that hold you back • The link between integrity, values, and intentional living • Why “pills don't teach skills” in mental health • The role of identity and labels in shaping behaviorConnect with Nir

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1810: Nir Eyal explains why focusing on a single "hacker metric" can dramatically improve performance and motivation. By measuring what truly matters and avoiding vanity metrics, we gain clarity, maintain momentum, and channel our energy into meaningful progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/never-take-your-eyes-off-this-hacker-metric/ Quotes to ponder: "Knowing what to measure is the key to knowing what to do." "Too many metrics are as bad as none at all." "Focusing on the one number that matters most keeps us from getting lost in a sea of data." Episode references: The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898 Lean Analytics: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Analytics-Better-Startup-Faster/dp/1449335675 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1810: Nir Eyal explains why focusing on a single "hacker metric" can dramatically improve performance and motivation. By measuring what truly matters and avoiding vanity metrics, we gain clarity, maintain momentum, and channel our energy into meaningful progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/never-take-your-eyes-off-this-hacker-metric/ Quotes to ponder: "Knowing what to measure is the key to knowing what to do." "Too many metrics are as bad as none at all." "Focusing on the one number that matters most keeps us from getting lost in a sea of data." Episode references: The Lean Startup: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898 Lean Analytics: https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Analytics-Better-Startup-Faster/dp/1449335675 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1809: Nir Eyal explains how focusing on the wrong success metrics can sabotage long-term growth, showing why retention is far more critical than acquisition. By shifting attention to what truly drives lasting engagement, he reveals how businesses and individuals can make better decisions that sustain momentum over time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/never-take-your-eyes-off-this-hacker-metric/ Quotes to ponder: “Acquisition brings people in the door, but retention keeps them from leaving.” “Chasing growth without retention is like filling a leaky bucket.” “Retention is the core metric that determines if your product becomes a habit.” Episode references: Hooked: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1809: Nir Eyal explains how focusing on the wrong success metrics can sabotage long-term growth, showing why retention is far more critical than acquisition. By shifting attention to what truly drives lasting engagement, he reveals how businesses and individuals can make better decisions that sustain momentum over time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/never-take-your-eyes-off-this-hacker-metric/ Quotes to ponder: “Acquisition brings people in the door, but retention keeps them from leaving.” “Chasing growth without retention is like filling a leaky bucket.” “Retention is the core metric that determines if your product becomes a habit.” Episode references: Hooked: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“It's all about thinking, not just about the noise, but about the sounds around us, those that can be an ally and a resource for us, and kind of think in a proactive way about sound. And when we are building our buildings, when we are designing our cities to design with the sound in mind” – Chris Berdik Today's featured author is a husband, father, Harvard graduate, and award-winning science journalist, Chris Berdik. Chris and I had a fun on a bun chat about his book, “Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World - and How We Can Take It Back”, the hidden health impacts of noise pollution, the importance of soundscape design, and more!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Chris to write a book about noiseHow noise and air pollution often share sources and impact environmental healthThe limitations of measuring noise by decibels alone and the importance of contextWhy Your Ears Are Eavesdropping on Your SleepWhat Chris learned about himself after writing his 2nd bookChris' Site: https://www.chrisberdik.com/Chris' Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B009MI01U0/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 732 – “From Financial Struggles & Tinnitus to Relief & Success” with Wayne Altman (@wayneraltman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-732-from-financial-struggles-tinnitus-to-relief-success-with-wayne-altman-wayneraltman/179 - "Indistractable" with Nir Eyal (@nireyal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/179-indistractable-with-nir-eyal-nireyal/#Bonus Ep. - “Touched By The Music”: Dave Combs On Inspiring And Uplifting People's Lives (@DavidMCombs‪): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-touched-by-the-music-dave-combs-on-inspiring-and-uplifting-peoples-lives-davidmcombs/Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/Ep. 849 – How to Have Sensational Sleep with Dr. Stacey Duckett (@StaceyDuckett): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-849-how-to-have-sensational-sleep-with-dr-stacey-duckett-staceyduckett/157 - "No Sweat Speaking" with Allan Kaufman & Allan Misch (@NoSweatSpeaking): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/157-no-sweat-speaking-with-allan-kaufman-allan-misch-nosweatspeaking/#Bonus Ep. – “Digital Detox” with Molly DeFrank (@mollydefrank): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-digital-detox-with-molly-defrank-mollydefrank/#Bonus Ep. - “How to Unplug, Unwind and Think Clearly in the Digital Age” with Daniel Sih: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-how-to-unplug-unwind-and-think-clearly-in-the-digital-age-with-daniel-sih/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3717: Nir Eyal and Charles Wang explore the surprising value of embracing the mindset of an amateur rather than striving for rigid expertise. By focusing on curiosity, experimentation, and playfulness, we stay adaptable, avoid burnout, and discover deeper joy in learning. This approach invites growth by valuing exploration over perfection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/train-to-be-amateur-not-expert/ Quotes to ponder: "An amateur is someone who does something because they love it." "Experts often feel the need to defend their knowledge and authority, while amateurs are open to questioning and rethinking what they know." "When we give ourselves permission to be amateurs, we free ourselves to learn without fear of failure." Episode references: Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Secrets-New-Science-Expertise/dp/0544947223 Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Meditation/dp/1590308492 So Good They Can't Ignore You: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3717: Nir Eyal and Charles Wang explore the surprising value of embracing the mindset of an amateur rather than striving for rigid expertise. By focusing on curiosity, experimentation, and playfulness, we stay adaptable, avoid burnout, and discover deeper joy in learning. This approach invites growth by valuing exploration over perfection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/train-to-be-amateur-not-expert/ Quotes to ponder: "An amateur is someone who does something because they love it." "Experts often feel the need to defend their knowledge and authority, while amateurs are open to questioning and rethinking what they know." "When we give ourselves permission to be amateurs, we free ourselves to learn without fear of failure." Episode references: Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Secrets-New-Science-Expertise/dp/0544947223 Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Meditation/dp/1590308492 So Good They Can't Ignore You: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3717: Nir Eyal and Charles Wang explore the surprising value of embracing the mindset of an amateur rather than striving for rigid expertise. By focusing on curiosity, experimentation, and playfulness, we stay adaptable, avoid burnout, and discover deeper joy in learning. This approach invites growth by valuing exploration over perfection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/train-to-be-amateur-not-expert/ Quotes to ponder: "An amateur is someone who does something because they love it." "Experts often feel the need to defend their knowledge and authority, while amateurs are open to questioning and rethinking what they know." "When we give ourselves permission to be amateurs, we free ourselves to learn without fear of failure." Episode references: Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Secrets-New-Science-Expertise/dp/0544947223 Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Meditation/dp/1590308492 So Good They Can't Ignore You: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are your tech habits running the show, or are you in control? In the season finale of Empowering Real Talk, Keith Glascock joins Coach Kay to explore the art of setting boundaries with technology. Inspired by Indistractable by Nir Eyal, they dive into the impact of digital distractions and how they can quietly sabotage our focus, energy, and peace of mind.From mastering internal triggers to managing notifications, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you reset your digital routine. Whether you're a busy entrepreneur, corporate executive, or simply craving a more intentional life, this is your wake-up call to transform your tech habits and reclaim your time.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:26 Digital Distractions04:45 Personal Experiences with Social Media09:04 Mastering Internal Triggers13:39 Creating Traction Over Distraction19:52 The Psychology of Notifications24:07 Commitments to Reduce Distractions27:26 Making a Pact for Change31:22 Final ThoughtsKeith Glascock is a seasoned data analyst and mindful technologist who redefined his relationship with social media after losing access to his Facebook account. Choosing not to return, he embraced a quieter digital life, trading 45 daily notifications for intentional tech habits. Keith now advocates for more humane technology, drawing from personal experience and professional insight to explore how devices shape our routines, attention, and connection.To learn more about Upgraded MindsetZ's products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

This week's podcast is about habit formation. And Gmail is a good example of a moderate version of this that can be copied.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our Tech Tours.Here are the 4 psych hacks:Gmail is Habit Forming via a High Frequency Utility Over a Long TimeGmail is Internally Triggering. That's the Gold Standard.Gmail Has Task Completion Rewards. Ok But Not as Good as Variable Rewards.Gmail has Infinite Variability. But This Is More Powerful in Entertainment than a Utility.A lot of this is from the book Hooked: How to Build Habit Forming Products, by Nir Eyal. ---------I am a consultant and keynote speaker on how to accelerate growth with improving customer experiences (CX) and digital moats.I am a partner at TechMoat Consulting, a consulting firm specialized in how to increase growth with improved customer experiences (CX), personalization and other types of customer value. Get in touch here.I am also author of the Moats and Marathons book series, a framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show

Variable rewards once powered slot machines; now they're inside your pocket. Behavior-design expert Nir Eyal shows how modern apps turned casino psychology into daily routine. He unpacks the psychological levers hidden in everyday products.Hear the science and the clever design tricks that turn a few minutes into far more time than you intended.If knowledge is power, this episode hands you the switch.

Jeny Wood: Wild Courage Over an 18 year career at Google, Jenny Wood grew from entry-level to executive, most recently leading a large operations team that helped drive billions of revenue per year. In 2021, she started a passion project within Google called Own Your Career, which grew to one of the largest career development programs in Google's history. Her work has since been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, and Forbes and she's now the author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It*. Leadership is about serving others – and it's also ensuring that we take care of ourselves along the way. Sometimes leaders over-index on helping their organizations and teams, to their own detriment. In this conversation, Jenny and I explore where being a little more selfish might actually be better for everyone. Key Points Selfish redefined means having the courage to stand up for what you want. People want to join a winning team, even if they don't say that out loud. Guilt is natural, but always caving to it is self-defeating. Don't do work that's not actually promotable. There's no prize for an empty inbox. A belief like “I owe it to them,” may signal an over-commitment to the organization. They will not love you back. Appreciate truth when you get it, but don't sign up for a burned-out boss. It's inefficient to always be in the lead. Draft in another leader's wake. Resources Mentioned Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It* by Jenny Wood Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes Align Your Calendar to What Matters, with Nir Eyal (episode 431) The Ways Leadership Can Derail Us, with Bill George (episode 596) The Path to More Joy in Work and Life, with Judith Joseph (episode 734) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

Today's wisdom comes from Indistractable by Nir Eyal.   If you're loving Heroic Wisdom Daily, be sure to subscribe to the emails at heroic.us/wisdom-daily.   And… Imagine unlocking access to the distilled wisdom form 700+ of the greatest books ever written.   That's what Heroic Premium offers: Unlimited access to every Philosopher's Note. Daily inspiration and actionable tools to optimize your energy, work, and love. Personalized coaching features to help you stay consistent and focused   Upgrade to Heroic Premium →   Know someone who'd love this? Share Heroic Wisdom Daily with them, and let's grow together in 2025!   Share Heroic Wisdom Daily →

Imagine this: You walk into work on a normal Tuesday, coffee in hand, only to be called into an emergency all-hands meeting. Your division is being dissolved.Or perhaps your phone alerts you to another presidential directive that threatens your livelihood or community.Or a routine doctor's visit turns into a life-altering diagnosis, and treatments and medical appointments take the place of canceled plans.Or you stare at the remains of your home after a natural disaster tore through your region.In an instant, everything changes. Your carefully laid plans evaporate. The future becomes a blur. Your brain, in its protective wisdom, either goes into overdrive or shuts down completely.These scenarios have become increasingly common. When radical change strikes, most of us experience the sensation of having the rug pulled out from under us—whether through job loss, natural disaster, or events beyond our control.When our world transforms abruptly, our brains shift into survival mode, triggering the fight-or-flight response. While this reaction evolved to address immediate threats, it becomes problematic during extended periods of uncertainty, taking a significant physical toll. Research on “the selfish brain” reveals that our nervous system, attempting to minimize uncertainty, prioritizes energy flow to itself at the expense of the rest of the body, reducing oxygen and glucose delivery elsewhere.But when our instincts push us toward panic or paralysis, what actions should we take instead? Behavioral science offers a path from overwhelm to stability.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Finding Your Footing When The Ground Shifts Beneath You ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: ⁠⁠http://www.nirandfar.com/

"Busy implies activity, but not necessarily accomplishment." – Jones Loflin Today's featured #1 best-selling author is a father, husband, internationally recognized keynote speaker, coach, trainer, and beekeeper, Jones Loflin. Jones and I had a fun on a bun chat about his book that he co-authored with his daughter, “Focused As A Bee: Six Buzzworthy Strategies To Thrive In A Distracting World”, the importance of intentional rest, the value of learning from setbacks, and more!Key Things You'll Learn:How Jones became a licensed trainer for "Who Moved My Cheese"What helped Jones to gain the confidence to create his own content and write his book "Juggling Elephants"What keeps him energized after 29 years of businessHis favorite productivity strategy from his latest bookThe distinction between being busy and being focused on meaningful outcomesWhat helps Jones create an environment conducive to focus and productivityJones' Site: https://jonesloflin.com/Jones' Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP8MN2/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 953 – How to Find Sweetness in Adversity with Amy Olmedo: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-953-how-to-find-sweetness-in-adversity-with-amy-olmedo/Ep. 508 – “Great Things Happen Every Day” with Phil Barth (@pjbarth): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-508-great-things-happen-every-day-with-phil-barth-pjbarth/Ep. 682 – “Leadership Begins with Motivation” with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/179 - "Indistractable" with Nir Eyal (@nireyal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/179-indistractable-with-nir-eyal-nireyal/Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/#GNPYear3 Bonus Episode 2 – “Attention Management” with Maura Nevel Thomas (@mnthomas): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/gnpyear3-bonus-episode-2-attention-management-with-maura-nevel-thomas-mnthomas/288.5 (Host 2 Host Bonus) – “Choose the Right Mountain; Climb Faster!” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/DavidWood2/Ep. 920 – The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done with Sam Bennett (@realsambennett): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-920-the-surprisingly-simple-art-of-getting-it-done-with-sam-bennett-realsambennett/Ep. 879 – No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs with Ben Glass (@BenGlassLaw | @OfficialGLM): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-879-no-bs-time-management-for-entrepreneurs-with-ben-glass-benglasslaw-officialglm/Ep. 914 – Book More Business with Lois Creamer (@loiscreamer): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-914-book-more-business-with-lois-creamer-loiscreamer/#Bonus Ep. – “Structure Creates Freedom” with Brad A. Milford (@BAMilford): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-structure-creates-freedom-with-brad-a-milford-bamilford/Ep. 706 - "The Life Is Too Short Guy" with Scott White (@ScottEWhite2): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-706-the-life-is-too-short-guy-with-scott-white-scottewhite2/Ep. 884 – How to Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with Murielle Marie Ungricht: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-884-how-to-go-from-stuck-to-unstoppable-with-murielle-marie-ungricht/

Your beliefs are tools, not truths.In 2006, U.S. Team freestyle skier Michelle Roark zoomed down the slope at her first Olympics, conquering hilly terrain that not even a 4×4 could handle. At 31, she was already years older than the average Olympic freestyle skier (24 years old at the time). She had fought through massive obstacles for half her life to get there.Roark was kicked out of her mother's house when she was 15 and spent the next three years living in a tent in Winter Park, Colorado. She worked three jobs to support herself. At 16, she qualified for the Olympics but sustained a knee injury that kept her out of the 1994 Olympics. Two more serious knee injuries, each right before the Olympic Games in 1998 and 2002, prevented her from competing. At one point, a coach told her she was never going to make it to the Games.But Roark knew what she wanted, believed she was capable of it, and refused to quit. She used the rehab time after her second knee surgery to pursue a degree in chemical engineering, which she eventually used to launch a business that she continues to run today. She competed in the 2010 Olympics at the age of 35.Belief is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. Roark's unflagging belief that she could be an Olympian brought that goal to fruition. In her mind, her Olympic future was inevitable.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Unlock Your Potential With The Power Of Belief ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: ⁠⁠http://www.nirandfar.com/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3054: Nir Eyal and Lakshmi Mani explore how the “peak-end rule” shapes our memories, influencing the way we evaluate experiences and make future decisions. By intentionally crafting memorable high points and thoughtful endings, we can improve everything from daily routines to product design and customer satisfaction. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2018/04/peak-end-rule.html Quotes to ponder: "The peak-end rule states that people judge an experience largely based on how they felt at its peak and at its end, rather than the total sum or average of every moment of the experience." "In the case of experiences, we remember the highlight and the ending." "The memories we take away from an experience influence how we evaluate those experiences, and whether we want to repeat them." Episode references: The Paradox of Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696 Daniel Kahneman TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kahneman_the_riddle_of_experience_vs_memory Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3054: Nir Eyal and Lakshmi Mani explore how the “peak-end rule” shapes our memories, influencing the way we evaluate experiences and make future decisions. By intentionally crafting memorable high points and thoughtful endings, we can improve everything from daily routines to product design and customer satisfaction. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2018/04/peak-end-rule.html Quotes to ponder: "The peak-end rule states that people judge an experience largely based on how they felt at its peak and at its end, rather than the total sum or average of every moment of the experience." "In the case of experiences, we remember the highlight and the ending." "The memories we take away from an experience influence how we evaluate those experiences, and whether we want to repeat them." Episode references: The Paradox of Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696 Daniel Kahneman TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_kahneman_the_riddle_of_experience_vs_memory Thinking, Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-and-Slow/dp/0374533555 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1745: Nir Eyal explores how to use tools like Slack without letting them hijack your time and attention. Learn why internal triggers, not external notifications, are the real source of distraction, and how mastering them leads to greater focus, control, and productivity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/slack-use/ Quotes to ponder: "Time management is pain management." "We don't get distracted because of the pings and dings, we get distracted because of what's going on inside of us." "The antidote to impulsiveness is forethought." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Indistractable: https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/194883653X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1745: Nir Eyal explores how to use tools like Slack without letting them hijack your time and attention. Learn why internal triggers, not external notifications, are the real source of distraction, and how mastering them leads to greater focus, control, and productivity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/slack-use/ Quotes to ponder: "Time management is pain management." "We don't get distracted because of the pings and dings, we get distracted because of what's going on inside of us." "The antidote to impulsiveness is forethought." Episode references: The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Indistractable: https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/194883653X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the opening shot of the music video for “Throw Some Ass,” the camera scans a clinical white sign: “Sofi Tukker Center for Asses That Don't Move Good.” Inside the mock hospital, a heart monitor flatlines—until the beat drops. Suddenly, the music video erupts into a NSFW riot of sensual movement. To fans, the song is a catchy ode to booty shaking, but to Sophie Hawley-Weld, one half of electronic music duo Sofi Tukker, it was a revelation of her journey through chronic pain and the power of the mind.In 2018, Sophie and Tucker Halpern were in the middle of a whirlwind year—releasing their first (later Grammy-nominated) album, launching their own record label, and headlining tours—when Sophie began to have chronic migraines.“We were full-time touring … there was so much happening,” Sophie explained on the podcast Like Mind, Like Body. “We were going out five nights a week. We were traveling way crazier than we are now … Because our career was so new, we said yes to every opportunity, and it put our bodies through a strain. I didn't do the simple things as well, like take a walk and go get sunlight, all these things I've learned how to do since this [pain]. So my body was really confused.”For the next year and a half, Sophie endured debilitating chronic migraines that forced her to retreat to dark rooms. “I was having to cancel shows, and nothing was working.”Later, back pain created a destructive cycle when traditional medical approaches failed. She tried every drug and treatment she could find, but they didn't work. Doctors recommended cortisone injections for her back, which only intensified her fear and worsened her condition—a phenomenon well-documented in pain studies.As a performing artist, her inability to move without pain didn't just affect her health; it jeopardized her thriving career.Yet today, Sophie has been nearly pain-free for almost seven months. How did she get there?You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: The Pain Paradox: How Fear of Pain Creates More Pain ⁠here⁠.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: ⁠http://www.nirandfar.com/

Some tools are built to help us grow; to learn, connect, or reach meaningful goals. But eventually, we might ask: are these tools still working for us, or have they hooked us and quietly turned us into their tool? This question has been on my mind since I started using Duolingo seventy-six days ago. I had just returned from a trip to Finland and wanted to keep learning a bit of Finnish: nothing too intense, just some gentle exposure to the language each day. From what others had said, Duolingo seemed like the ideal tool. I started on the free version. It offered just enough. However, I was soon being nudged constantly toward the premium upgrade. Eventually, I gave in and accepted the offer of a 7-day trial. Before I knew it, £68.99 was taken from my account. Dagh! I had forgotten to cancel in time. That was frustrating. But what I noticed next was fascinating. Over time, I realised I was no longer using Duolingo to expand my learning outside of the app. I was using it to keep my streak alive inside it. It works. And it works well. But it also works against us (and our bigger picture aspirations). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8tC3VtbgSk The Hook Model in Action This shift in behaviour mirrors the “Hook Model” described by Nir Eyal in his book Hooked, which outlines how habit-forming products are designed to draw us in and keep us there. The hook model follows a four-step cycle: Trigger – External cues like notifications or internal ones like guilt or fear of missing out. Action – The easiest possible behaviour in response to the trigger, like opening the app or doing a lesson. Variable Reward – Unpredictable reinforcement like badges, praise, or social validation that keeps us engaged. Investment – The time, energy, or money we've already poured into the product, which makes it harder to walk away. This system is incredibly effective at building engagement, but it often does so by subtly shifting our focus from what we originally cared about to what keeps the platform profitable. When the Tool Hooks Us What starts as a helpful tool can morph into a system that prioritises retention over transformation. Only 0.1% of Duolingo users ever complete a full course. That isn't a design flaw; it's the business model. The goal is not to help us complete something, but to keep us inside the ecosystem. Duolingo began nudging me toward other courses I hadn't asked for. Music theory. Chess. It was no longer about Finnish. It was about keeping me engaged, clicking, and coming back. This is when a tool becomes a trap, not because it stops working, but because it starts working too well at the wrong thing (keeping us engaged). From Motivation to Manipulation This isn't just about language apps. It's about how many of our digital experiences are shaped by systems designed to extract our wealth and capture our attention, energy, and even our identity. In Punished by Rewards, Alfie Kohn warns that external motivators like badges, praise, or pizza vouchers for reading not only influence behaviour but also diminish it. Over time, we stop asking “Why do I care about this?” and instead ask “What do I get for it?” In The Burnout Society, philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that we have shifted from a culture of external discipline to one of internalised self-optimisation. We no longer rely on a manager or teacher to pressure us; instead, we pressure ourselves. Rest is viewed as a failure. Play is considered wasted time. Self-worth is now linked to productivity. Apps like Duolingo thrive in this cultural moment. They don't just support our goals; they reshape them. We start wanting to learn a language and end up wanting to maintain a streak. What once felt like growth begins to feel like a contract we're stuck in. The Rocket Booster Test Good tools (as well as teachers, programs, coaches, therapists, etc) should be like solid rocket boosters: they help us launch,

Being easily distracted by the latest technologies has been a consistent feature of the human race since the time of Plato. But is the technology to blame? Or is the key to being more productive and present in life have to do with forming healthy habits around the technology?Nir Eyal, writer, consultant, and former lecturer in marketing at Stanford, is the author of Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life and Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products. In his work, Nir explores the psychology behind habit-forming technology.Nir and Greg discuss the positive applications of habit-forming technologies, the timeless nature of distraction, the importance of forethought in combating impulsiveness, and practical strategies for becoming “Indistractable.” *unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*Episode Quotes:The antidote to impulsiveness is forethought15:32: Studies have found that 90% of your distractions are not external triggers. They do not come from the outside world. Ninety percent of the time you check your phone, you check your phone not because of a ping, ding, or ring, but because of an internal trigger. Because 90% of distractions begin from within. They start because of these internal triggers. What are internal triggers? Internal triggers are uncomfortable emotional states—boredom, loneliness, fatigue, uncertainty, anxiety. This is the source of 90% of our distractions. So what that means is, when you let those impulses take over, right? The antidote to impulsiveness is forethought. When you allow yourself to check social media or watch something on the news or whatever it is that is not what you want to do, because of an immediate sensation, that tends to be, 90% of the time, the source of the problem. That is when it becomes something of, “Oh my gosh, what was I doing? I wasted the whole day worrying about somebody else's problems online,” as opposed to what I really need to do. Whereas if you plan that time in advance, it is fine. There is nothing wrong with it.How do you become indistractable?50:42: The first step to becoming indistractable is mastering internal triggers, or they will master you. So you can have the best tools, the best life hacks, the best—all that stuff. But if fundamentally you do not know how to deal with that sensation, you do not know how to process boredom, loneliness, fatigue, uncertainty, anxiety—if you do not know what to do with that sensation—you are always going to find a way to escape.Humans adapt and adopt with every new technology07:29: The solution is not to abandon the technology. The solution is to make it better, to do what we as Homo sapiens have always done. We have always done two things in the face of dramatic technological innovation. What we have done is to adapt and to adopt, right? We adapt our behaviors. We adapt to new social norms. We adapt to the downsides of these behaviors by changing our manners, and then we adopt new technologies to fix the last generation of technologies.Show Links:Recommended Resources:AkrasiaPaul VirilioPeter GrayAmy Edmondson | unSILOedRobert D. PutnamGuest Profile:Official Website Professional Profile on LinkedInGuest Work:Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your LifeHooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

Are you the person who's constantly checking your phone…and it's driving everyone in your life crazy?  Your attention is a valuable commodity, and everyone wants a piece of it. That's why distractions are everywhere. But the real problem isn't your phone, social media, or the flashing electronic billboards all vying for your attention.  Distractibility comes from something much deeper. This conversation sheds light on the little-known truth about why we really get distracted and provides a proven 4-step system to reclaim your attention.   What You'll Learn: 4:02 The internal triggers that lead to distractions 5:12 Why time management is actually pain management 8:38 The reason ADHD diagnoses in America exceed Europe 12:02 The 4-step system to become indistractable 20:58 Why to-do lists are sabotaging your productivity 25:12 How to hack back external triggers that steal your time 30:33 The creative professional's guide to structured inspiration Today, Ginni Saraswati welcomes bestselling author and behavioral design expert Nir Eyal. After a gut-check moment with his daughter made him recognize how distraction was damaging his most important relationships, Nir wanted to understand the psychology behind our inability to focus. His research uncovered that everything we do, every product we use, every action we take stems from one fundamental human drive. You'll learn what drives us to distraction, and why ADHD diagnoses are skyrocketing in America. He shares facts about the dangerous psychological dependency we're creating with pharmaceutical solutions, and why "pills don't teach skills." Nir shares his personal toolkit for becoming indistractable, including the concentration crown technique that transformed his family dynamics and the identity shift that makes focus effortless. Most importantly, you'll learn how to harness the “skill of the century”: becoming “indistractable”.  Connect with Nir Eyal: Website: https://www.nirandfar.com/ Book: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life Connect with Ginni: Website: https://ginnisaraswati.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theginnishow/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginnisaraswati Ginni Media: www.ginnimedia.com Got a great show topic idea? A guest you'd love to see on the Ginni Show? Tell us about it: (844) 543-1772

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3644: Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman explore how the ancient fear of being left out has been supercharged by modern technology, leading to a constant state of distraction and anxiety. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), they show how we can shift from reactive behavior to intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/01/fomo.html Quotes to ponder: "FOMO is an ancient fear, lodged deep in our brains, that we might be left out or left behind." "Technology didn't create the problem; it just made it more visible and pervasive." "JOMO comes when you stop looking at what you may be missing and start appreciating what you have." Episode references: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're not lazy. You're just listening to the wrong voice in your head. This episode breaks down 5 invisible saboteurs that make you think you're stuck. The reality is you're just thinking the wrong thoughts. Think of your brain like an iPhone. If it runs on a 2012 mindset, don't expect 2025 results. Sam dives into the limiting beliefs that sneak into our self-talk, from the myth of perfectionism to the lie that you “don't have enough willpower.” You'll hear how comedians bomb for years, why imposter syndrome gets worse with success, and what cats can teach us about distraction. Flip the script on your inner critic before it sets the tone for your day. Ditch “I need to be ready” and build momentum instead. Learn to treat willpower like an emotion, not a battery. You're one mindset shift away from progress. ------- NEW SHOW - How to Change the World Sam's new show can be found on major podcast players: Spotify - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1Fj3eFjEoAEKF5lWQxPJyT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-change-the-world-the-history-of-innovation/id1815282649⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HowToChangeTheWorldPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Can't find it on your player? RSS feed - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/682b3b86696b5d1232d698a8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- UPGRADE to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3644: Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman explore how the ancient fear of being left out has been supercharged by modern technology, leading to a constant state of distraction and anxiety. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), they show how we can shift from reactive behavior to intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/01/fomo.html Quotes to ponder: "FOMO is an ancient fear, lodged deep in our brains, that we might be left out or left behind." "Technology didn't create the problem; it just made it more visible and pervasive." "JOMO comes when you stop looking at what you may be missing and start appreciating what you have." Episode references: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3644: Nir Eyal and Stuart Luman explore how the ancient fear of being left out has been supercharged by modern technology, leading to a constant state of distraction and anxiety. By embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO), they show how we can shift from reactive behavior to intentional living. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/01/fomo.html Quotes to ponder: "FOMO is an ancient fear, lodged deep in our brains, that we might be left out or left behind." "Technology didn't create the problem; it just made it more visible and pervasive." "JOMO comes when you stop looking at what you may be missing and start appreciating what you have." Episode references: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1706: Nir Eyal breaks down how to build better habits by leveraging the same psychological principles that make apps and products so addictive. By understanding internal triggers and reinforcing behavior through simple, consistent cues, anyone can design habits that stick, without relying on sheer willpower. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/habit-forming/ Quotes to ponder: "Behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated." "The best products don't win by being the most habit-forming, they win by being the most useful and easiest to use." "All habits start with a trigger, a cue to act." Episode references: Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 BJ Fogg's Behavior Model: https://www.behaviormodel.org/ Hooked: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The true joy of parenthood lies in watching our children unfold into their authentic selves. Week by week, month by month, year by year, they evolve into increasingly complex human beings with their own preferences, talents, and perspectives. Yet in our eagerness to know them—and as a natural result of our constant proximity—we often fall into the trap of assigning fixed identities to them prematurely.As humans, we instinctively categorize and label the world around us. But when applied to developing children, this tendency can be not just unfair but actively harmful to their growth potential.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Let's Not Decide Who Kids Are Before They Do here.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

Alex Strathdee is the founder of Shelf Life, a company he started at age 22 to fix the scam-filled book marketing world. Now 28, Alex leads a team of 17 from San Diego, generating over $1 million a year and working with top authors like Dan Heath, Nir Eyal, Lewis Howes, Reid Hoffman, and Carrie Bentley. After leaving a six-figure software job, Alex built Shelf Life into a go-to resource for authors seeking real results in book marketing. His unique journey, tech-forward approach, and deep understanding of both the publishing and marketing landscapes make him a standout guest for anyone interested in turning books into a thriving business. On this episode we talk about: How Alex started Shelf Life and transitioned from a six-figure tech job to entrepreneurship The biggest challenges authors face in selling books after publishing The evolution and current state of Amazon ads for book marketing Leveraging podcasts as a powerful business development and networking tool Creative strategies for landing high-profile clients and building credibility in a crowded market Actionable book marketing tactics, including giving away free copies and building authentic relationships with readers The importance of audiobooks and trends in book consumption Why authors should focus on genuine marketing over vanity metrics like “bestseller” status Top 3 Takeaways Podcasting is a Trojan horse for business development: Hosting a podcast enabled Alex to build relationships with top authors, land major clients, and learn from industry leaders—all while growing his business organically. Give value before asking for value: Offering free copies of a book to the right audience can turn readers into fans and generate authentic reviews, which is far more effective than focusing on paid bestseller campaigns or cold outreach. Tech-forward thinking wins: Understanding technology—even at a basic level—helps entrepreneurs move faster, automate processes, and stay ahead of less agile competitors in marketing and publishing. Notable Quotes "It's way easier to get someone to come on and talk to you for 30-60 minutes during an interview than it is to be like, 'Hey, can I talk to you about marketing my books?'" "A book from a no-name author is an undifferentiated product from someone with no reputation. You're not just asking for their money, you're asking for their time." "The second you learn how to do something, you need to learn how not to do it—that's how you grow and scale." Connect with Alex Strathdee: Website: https://getshelflife.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I can't tell you how many conversations I've had with friends and readers who feel stuck in jobs that don't fulfill them. They're not necessarily in toxic work environments or dealing with poor treatment (although that happens too—it's the main cause of dissatisfaction at work). More often, they're simply bored, feel undervalued, or think their work doesn't matter.They're not alone. A 2024 Gallup report found that 62 percent of people globally are not engaged at work, and another 15 percent are actively disengaged. That means nearly 8 in 10 people feel checked out while on the clock.Our job enables us to provide for ourselves and our families, but that can make us feel all the more shackled to a work situation that makes us miserable or unfulfilled. Are we meant to suck it up? Do we just have to accept the fact that not everyone gets to have a fulfilling job?No. Even when your job doesn't seem meaningful, you can still create meaning. Fulfillment doesn't have to be something your job gives you. It can be something you bring to your job.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: How to Find Fulfillment When Your Job Doesn't Provide It here.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

That flutter of excitement when someone likes your post. The warm glow after your boss praises your presentation. The slight panic when your work receives criticism instead of praise. Sound familiar?We've all been conditioned to seek approval from our families, friends, and bosses before taking action. But here's the uncomfortable truth: we'll never live on our own terms if we live by external validation."For those with high need for approval, their self-esteem is correlated with how positively they believe others perceive them," concluded researchers in one study. This dependency creates a psychological trap where your sense of worth becomes hostage to others' opinions—opinions that are fickle, subjective, and completely beyond your control.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Why Seeking Approval is Killing Your Potential here.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory In this "Lessons" episode, behavioral design expert Nir Eyal explains how to eliminate distractions by aligning your calendar with your core values—starting with yourself, your relationships, and finally, your work. Learn how the regret minimization framework helps you protect your time like money, why scheduling self-care and reflective work reduces future regrets, and how mastering internal triggers like boredom or anxiety is the first step toward becoming truly indistractable and living with intention.➡️ Show Linkshttps://successstorypodcast.com YouTube: https://youtu.be/u5R-IxjC2yA Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nir-eyal-habit-procrastination-expert-how-to-stay-focused/id1484783544 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hqAz3pxSiqjf4wd6lYcwH ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Timeboxing is the most powerful time-management technique. However, there is no one way to timebox. Some people keep the same schedule every week and review it on Sundays. Others change their timeboxed calendar daily and review it the night before.Some people use a spreadsheet in 30 or 15-minute increments, others use Google Calendar, and others use one of the many timeboxing apps available.This step-by-step guide, plus timeboxing examples from real people, will help you figure out what timeboxing looks like for you.Remember: No productivity technique is effective and easy. It's going to be effective and hard. Nothing will magically solve time management without some effort.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: How Successful People Timebox here.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

Author, speaker, founder, investor and behavioral design maestro Nir Eyal joins me for his second appearance on the show. Today, we dig into Nir's first book, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products.” We also discuss the difference between coercion and persuasion, AI's use case as our personal Jiminy Cricket and MUCH more! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that's interesting!”, check out our Substack. Important Links: Nir's personal blog Nir's LinkedIn Nir's Twitter Nir's YouTube channel Nir's Habit Tracking Tool Nir's Schedule Maker Tool Show Notes: What Makes Silicon Valley's Tech Products So Sticky? The Morality of Manipulation The Perils of Legalized Gambling Twitter is for Journalists and Nerds AI for Behavioural Design Believing in our own Agency On Labels and Limiting Identities Pills Don't Teach Skills The Power of an Internal Locus of Control Escaping Discomfort & Getting Hooked AI as a Self-Directed Personal Tutor Nir As Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products; by Nir Eyal Influence; by Robert Cialdini Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life; by John Kaag

Have you ever cringed while showering, suddenly remembering something embarrassing you said years ago? That memory still feels so fresh, so real—but what if I told you it might be entirely distorted?We navigate life believing our memories are faithful recordings of the past. We replay conversations with crystal-clear certainty, convinced that what we remember is exactly what happened. But here's the uncomfortable truth: our brains are unreliable narrators.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: Stop Gaslighting Yourself: Why Your Memory Isn't as Reliable as You Think here.Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

This guest post is by Jenny Wood, a former Google executive who led one of the company's biggest career programs, helping thousands take charge of their professional growth. Her new book, Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, is a bold guide to standing out and getting ahead by embracing 9 unexpected traits.Most professionals don't struggle with time management. They struggle with people-pleasing.From an early age, we're conditioned to say “yes.” Yes to additional responsibilities. Yes to impromptu meetings. Yes to anything that signals we're cooperative team players. But this automatic response creates a significant dilemma: every time we say yes to something inessential, we're implicitly saying no to work that actually matters.As Nir Eyal points out in Indistractable, if you don't take control of your time, someone else will.You can read the Nir And Far blog post on: https://www.nirandfar.com/protect-your-focus/Nir And Far, a podcast about business, behaviour and the brain by Nir Eyal. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes and leave an iTunes review. It will greatly help new listeners discover the show. Please visit my website Nir and Far for other info about my writing, books and teaching: http://www.nirandfar.com/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1646: Nir Eyal breaks down the psychology behind user engagement through a simple three-step framework: trigger, action, and reward. He explains how companies can design products that create lasting habits by tapping into users' internal motivations and building feedback loops that keep them coming back. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2012/04/hooking-users-in-3-steps.html Quotes to ponder: "Habits are defined as behaviors done with little or no conscious thought." "The more users invest time and effort into a product, the more they value it." "The Hook model has three steps: a trigger, an action, and a variable reward." Episode references: BJ Fogg's Behavior Model: https://www.behaviormodel.org/ Skinner's Variable Rewards Study: https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/B._F._Skinner Hooked: https://www.amazon.com/Hooked-How-Build-Habit-Forming-Products/dp/1591847788 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social media, video games, YouTube—they're designed to be fun, right? Sure. But they're also designed to trap you. Tech companies don't just hope you stay on their platforms… they engineer them to be addictive. In this episode, Joey Mascio exposes The Hooked Model from Nir Eyal's Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and reveals how apps and games use triggers, variable rewards, and investment cycles to keep you scrolling, tapping, and playing. Drawing from Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, Joey shows you exactly how tech is affecting your brain—and how to break free before you get reeled in.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1632: Nir Eyal and Ximena Vengoechea explore the psychology behind effective notifications, explaining how they should be timely, relevant, and actionable to enhance user engagement without causing frustration. Learn the key principles that make notifications truly helpful rather than intrusive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2015/03/notifications-that-work.html Quotes to ponder: "Notifications succeed when they are timely, relevant, and actionable." "When apps send notifications at the wrong time or for the wrong reasons, they become nuisances rather than helpful prompts." "Effective notifications don't just demand attention; they deliver value." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3514: Staying informed without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right approach. Nir Eyal shares strategies to filter out noise, focus on high-quality information, and take control of your media consumption. By applying these techniques, you can stay updated without sacrificing your mental well-being or productivity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/how-to-stay-informed-without-losing-your-mind/ Quotes to ponder: "You are what you consume, and consuming junk makes you feel like junk." "Too much information can actually make us less informed by overwhelming our ability to process and retain what matters." "If you don't make time to think, you'll always be reacting instead of reflecting." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices