Fewer Things Better

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This episode focuses on the concept of active listening and gives examples of the communication practice called 'mirroring.' Learn four questions that can help conversations go deeper than the quick answers and a simple, but effective technique to prompt others to share beyond the basics. 

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Our brain doesn’t always welcome comfort. After all, its job is to keep you safe.  But safe isn’t a long-term strategy and discomfort isn’t the same as danger. In fact, it’s often the price of admission for the path to progress. This episode looks at the psychology and physiology of change and a few tips to help you navigate the novelty of new. 

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We all want to do more in our days, and we want what we do to be good (really good). This friction between productivity and the pursuit of perfection puts a mental toll on our already overloaded brains. This episode offers an excerpt from the previous episode #55 on the gift of good enough, and how giving it to yourself can help free up some of that cognitive clutter.

Show note: The Magical Number 7 concept:  The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two - Wikipedia  

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When we talk about money, our brain lights up.  Money means more than math when our sense of value is tied to the outcome. This episode offers two prompts to help assess how we invest our time and energy when it comes to financial elements. There are many situations where money won’t be in our control, but our value always should be. A little discomfort on your own behalf might be one of the best investments you ever make. 

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Borrowing an example from aerospace, this episode looks at the distance between where we are and some place higher. The Karman Line is known as the 62 miles (100 kilometers) between Earth and the start of outer space. Even with the best team and plans, it requires many miles to get beyond what was once thought possible.  What are you willing to do 62 times in pursuit of a skill, path, relationship, etc.? Not everything worth doing has to be hard, but most things worth doing are worth repeating.

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This episode explores how being spontaneous can refresh our routines and inspire new ideas and insights. This conversation highlights the neuroscience behind the impulse to act or think without extensive planning, how it's different than procrastination, and some benefits to a little less planning. 

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As a good person in the world, you do a lot for others. It’s part of who you are and part of how the world works. Reciprocity is one of the basic principles of social psychology. This episode explores the opportunities for us to redeem the "store credit" that might be tucked away or that we are hesitant to claim. Whether it's accepting a compliment, a favor, or an actual gift, we deserve to receive as much as we give. 

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The average adult spends around 16 to 18 hours awake each day. There are two important areas of your day that have the potential to boost both your energy and your focus. This episode explores the importance of the ‘brain bookends’ of your day: the first and last hour of when you’re awake. A few intentional efforts during each bookend can have direct, lasting impact on the day – and days – ahead. 

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This episode looks at 'micro' productivity and how the best predictor of your personal productivity is the pace and energy of those who are around you the most.  In bicycle racing, the word “peloton” describes when cyclists intentionally ride close to or behind one another to save and extend their energy. This conversation offers two ideas on how to borrow and benefit from peloton energy in your everyday life. 

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Our brain has a powerful processing center to keep information and memories only as long as needed. The lasting effect of the emotional, physical, and cognitive benefits from the act of making memories has important benefits over what can be purchased, stored, or consumed. This episode examines the positive power of time spent making memories and how to make space for making memories that matter.