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Why beliefs can either cap our potential or push us toward possibility.

What you believe about yourself could be holding you back. Fortunately, Nir Eyal says beliefs aren’t truths — and you can choose new ones.

Eyal is a former lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford d.school, a celebrated author, and a renowned expert on human behavior and potential. His latest book, Beyond Belief, reveals how limiting beliefs — like “I’m a bad communicator” — quietly shape what we see, feel, and do. “A belief doesn't have to be true” to limit our potential, he says. But the same holds in reverse: a belief doesn't have to be true to expand who and what we can become. “Beliefs are tools, not truths. It just has to be useful.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Eyal and host Matt Abrahams explore how to identify the beliefs that hold us back — and how to replace them with ones that propel us forward. From keeping a belief journal to practicing perspective-shifting “turnarounds,” Eyal offers practical tips for rewriting the stories we tell ourselves and becoming the people we want to be.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

• Nir Eyal
• Nir’s Book: Beyond Belief
• 104. How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way)
• 115. Rethinks: How We Set and Achieve Goals  

Connect:

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:48) - The Power of Attention
• (04:33) - The Hook Model & Surprise
• (06:58) - Structure vs. Novelty
• (08:53) - Identity & Limiting Beliefs
• (11:55) - Beliefs Vs. Facts
• (15:20) - The Four-Question Test
• (20:44) - The Final Three Questions
• (23:55) - Conclusion

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