In this episode we discuss what causes the big moments that can transform your entire life in an instant and we show you how to create that kind of motivation and inspiration in your every day life so that you can be more productive and happier. We also expose why the common wisdom about willpower and “ego depletion” is completely wrong and what you should do instead. All this and much more with our guest James Fell.

James Fell is an author, owner of BodyForWife.com, and science-based motivator for lasting life change. He is one of the most read health and fitness writers in North America and currently writes articles for the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous publications including TIME Magazine, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and much more. He is the author of the recently released book The Holy Sh!t Moment: How Lasting Change Can Happen in an Instant.When we have a transformative experience it’s not about behavior change, its about a change in your CORE IDENTITY or your VALUESWhat causes the big moments that can shift or transform your life in an instant?Minimizing the discomfort of change so that it doesn’t combat your core identity to much In order to create lasting behavior change and form sticky habits its a slow and painful processIdentity and value change can happen in a flash, effortlessly Do we have to use willpower and grit? Do we have to tough it out and suck it up? The idea that people can’t change because they lack willpower is DEEPLY FLAWED The 1996 Case Western Study - would you rather eat chocolate or radishes? “Ego depletion” - the idea that willpower is a limited resource - is a flawed and dated ideaThe 2 big flaws with the studies about ego depletion and willpowerWillpower is often irrelevant to the equation of motivationWillpower training and efforts to increase willpower have never shown any effectHaving to power through and do things you hate has negative mental and physical consequences The “Rage to Master” and how it drives people to work relentlessly on things they are overwhelmingly passionate about Rather than trying to CREATE GREATNESS - find the thing that makes you WANT TO CREATE GREATNESS - the field that naturally makes you want to strive for greatness Happiness vs Flourishing Happiness is a state of mind - it’s temporaryWhat really drives people is flourishing - finding something where you a contributing to your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of othersThe science of epiphanies and eureka moments - how you can prep and prepare your brain for insights What could I accomplish if I had an endless fountain of motivation to do it? What could that be?Life changing epiphanies typically happen after you’ve done deep analytical preparation work The answers don’t come when you’re trying to solve the problem, they come later when the conscious mind is distracted. Go for a walk. Do something to distract yourself. You can’t be listening to a podcast, listening to an audiobook etc - you can’t be distracted in any way. You have to get inside your own head and let data meander and collide until you see a novel solution.“Most people tip toe through life trying to make it safely to death."What if life could be more of a thrill ride? Keys to creating life changing epiphaniesHomework: As soon as you finish listening to this podcast, go lie down in a quiet place with no distraction. No TV, no radio, no phone, no one talking. Be alone with your thoughts for ten or fifteen minutes and free associate, think about anything.

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