Mental contrasting beats positive thinking

This podcast could change the way you think about every goal you’ve set, every relationship you’re struggling with – and every story you tell yourself about what you’re capable of. It all comes down to something most of us have never thought to question: our beliefs. And what you’ll hear in this conversation might be the most practical, liberating idea you come across all year.

I’m speaking with Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, whose powerful new book Beyond Belief draws on years of research into the psychology of why we limit ourselves – and how to stop. Nir opens the conversation with a striking claim: human beings never perceive reality as it truly is. Our brains filter everything through our existing beliefs and expectations, and most of the time, we have no idea it’s happening. The good news? Once you understand this, you can start choosing beliefs that actually work for you.

In this conversation, we explore why persistence – not talent or intelligence – is the number one predictor of whether you’ll reach your goals. Nir reveals the crucial difference between pain and suffering, including the astonishing story of a man who underwent surgery without anaesthetic and felt no suffering at all. We talk about why positive thinking may not be the motivator you think it is, and what the research says you should do instead. And Nir shares his crucial insight that beliefs are tools, not truths. So we can choose which to adopt based on whether they serve us.

Nir shares some personal stories of how he’s used his tools to lose weight, repair relationships and reframe his ADHD diagnosis as a skills gap not a debilitating condition. But what you’ll love most about listening is the clear, practical framework he gives us for doing the same. You’ll learn how to spot the beliefs that are draining you and ask, could the opposite be true, even just for a while?

Whether you’re navigating a health challenge, a difficult relationship, a career crossroads, or just that nagging voice telling you it’s too late, tune in for the solution. It’s never too late to swap limiting beliefs for ones that liberate you instead.

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.