Making Progress w Dr. Mike Israetel

How do you know who you can trust and who just knows how to win you over? Dr. Mike breaks down the signs of trustworthy and untrustworthy people, why charm and good intentions aren’t enough, and how to give people a chance without ignoring repeated betrayal.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Opening: Who can you trust?
• 00:06:09 Trust is a spectrum
• 00:11:23 Why charm and shared beliefs mislead you
• 00:18:41 The two costly trust mistakes
• 00:27:02 Signs someone deserves your trust
• 00:35:11 How people treat you when they have the power
• 00:39:26 Changing stories and shifting blame
• 00:40:38 When someone pressures you to trust them
• 00:43:26 Good intentions aren't reliability
• 00:44:32 When they betray others to win you over
• 00:47:45 Apologies without changed behavior
• 00:49:43 How to give people a chance without ignoring patterns

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Is ADHD really a superpower? Dr. Mike Israetel draws on his own experience with ADHD to examine hyperfocus, creativity and success, then explains how he builds a workflow around his strengths and manages the difficulties.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Why I don't call ADHD a superpower
• 00:01:31 The spectrum of attention
• 00:05:33 You can focus deeply and still have ADHD
• 00:09:12 Success with ADHD doesn't prove it helped
• 00:12:16 The hyperfocus reality check
• 00:15:29 Does ADHD make you more creative?
• 00:17:18 Brainstorm, capture, then evaluate
• 00:20:57 Deep focus isn't the same as getting things done
• 00:24:45 Build a workflow around your actual strengths
• 00:28:11 My final take on ADHD and the superpower label

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Being a good person doesn’t automatically make you someone people can count on. Dr. Mike Israetel explains how to build trust in your relationships and career, why reliability can matter more than talent, and how to rebuild trust through consistent actions.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 What trust really means
• 00:04:03 Why trust makes cooperation possible
• 00:08:06 Trust is a spectrum
• 00:10:48 Forgiveness is not restored trust
• 00:11:50 What being trustworthy gets you
• 00:14:53 Why reliability matters more than talent
• 00:20:39 The hidden cost of being unreliable
• 00:28:10 What gossip reveals about your character
• 00:36:50 How to become more trustworthy
• 00:38:57 Protecting secrets and vulnerabilities
• 00:41:34 Stop asking people to trust you
• 00:47:02 Rebuilding trust through consistent action

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Head to https://CovePure.com/MIKE and you’ll get $250 off for a limited time.

Why does doing nothing feel so appealing, even when you want to achieve more? Dr. Mike Israetel explains laziness as an evolved drive to conserve energy, why it clashes with modern life, and why accepting it doesn’t mean giving up on yourself.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Laziness isn’t a lack of motivation
• 00:00:40 Why humans evolved to conserve energy
• 00:03:00 The drive to do nothing
• 00:04:00 What lions reveal about laziness
• 00:05:15 Cove Pure sponsor lead-in
• 00:06:40 How farming changed the value of hard work
• 00:07:45 Natural doesn’t mean good, but it isn’t a reason for guilt
• 00:08:50 Accept laziness and ease into action
• 00:09:25 What comes next: overcoming laziness

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Is autism really a superpower, or does that label leave too much out? Dr. Mike explores autistic strengths, social and relationship challenges, and why exceptional career success doesn't tell you everything about someone's quality of life.

Is autism really a superpower, or does that label leave too much out? Dr. Mike explores autistic strengths, social and relationship challenges, and why exceptional career success doesn't tell you everything about someone's quality of life.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Is Autism Really a Superpower?
• 00:01:18 Autism Is More Than a Personality Style
• 00:04:07 Autism and Intelligence
• 00:05:28 Understanding Support Needs
• 00:07:49 Focus, Precision, and Systems Thinking
• 00:10:49 Reading Social Cues and Unspoken Meaning
• 00:13:51 Conversation and Taking Turns
• 00:17:44 Friendship and Relationships
• 00:19:17 Career Success vs. Quality of Life
• 00:22:19 Finding Work That Fits Your Strengths
• 00:25:16 Making the Most of Your Strengths

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Perfectionism can keep you busy while stopping you from starting, finishing, or feeling good about your work. Dr. Mike Israetel explains how to stop overpolishing, set realistic standards, and get more done without giving up on quality.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Perfectionism vs. excellence
• 00:04:28 How perfectionism blocks progress
• 00:11:21 Define done and match standards to the stakes
• 00:16:02 Limit polishing and separate creating from editing
• 00:20:08 Practice imperfection and measure useful output
• 00:23:30 Jobs where perfectionism gets in the way
• 00:29:31 Where precision actually pays off
• 00:36:08 Use specifications, checklists, and review limits
• 00:42:30 Stop wearing perfectionism as a badge of honor
• 00:48:06 Working with perfectionists
• 00:49:42 Aim for excellence, then stop

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

What does ADHD medication actually feel like, and why can one option help while another leaves you anxious or exhausted? In Part 4 of his ADHD series, Dr. Mike compares stimulants and non-stimulants, shares his experiences with Adderall and guanfacine, and explains the benefits, tradeoffs, and questions to discuss with your doctor.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 ADHD medication and focus
• 00:01:32 Paraxanthine
• 00:07:17 Caffeine
• 00:11:17 Nicotine
• 00:16:04 Methylphenidate & dexmethylphenidate: Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Jornay PM & Daytrana
• 00:22:01 Amphetamines: Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse & Evekeo
• 00:24:36 Why Mike stopped taking Adderall
• 00:27:23 Non-stimulant ADHD medications
• 00:27:35 Guanfacine (Intuniv)
• 00:29:27 What guanfacine feels like during focused work
• 00:34:35 Bupropion (Wellbutrin & Zyban)
• 00:38:40 Viloxazine (Qelbree)
• 00:40:40 Viloxazine interactions: tizanidine, theophylline & clozapine
• 00:42:27 Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• 00:46:48 Centanafadine
• 00:47:31 Modafinil
• 00:48:28 Combining ADHD medications with your doctor
• 00:49:35 Finding a medication option that works for you
• 00:50:28 Mike's medication history and current treatment
• 00:51:28 Getting past the stigma of ADHD medication

Watch Part 3: How to Build a Productive Routine Without Burning Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5besCg_9s4

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Being short can affect dating, confidence, and how other people treat you, but it doesn't have to define your life. Dr. Mike Israetel breaks down height bias, the pressure to overcompensate, and practical ways to build confidence and become more attractive without making your height your identity.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Intro: The compensation trap
• 00:01:33 Growing up short
• 00:13:43 Height and dating
• 00:17:21 Physical presence and status
• 00:21:05 When confidence gets called compensation
• 00:25:47 The advantages of being short
• 00:31:32 Height surgery and future possibilities
• 00:36:47 What you can improve besides height
• 00:41:11 Confidence through kindness
• 00:43:30 Confidence through physical competence
• 00:47:33 Self-acceptance: More than your height

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

Save 20% on PLAUD with code "MIKE20": https://bit.ly/4wXu6re

Working longer doesn't always mean getting more done. In Part 3 of his ADHD series, Dr. Mike Israetel explains when to stop a deep-work session, how to build a sustainable workweek, and why rest, sleep, and meaningful challenges matter for focus.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Why pushing harder can backfire
• 00:00:59 When to end a deep-work session
• 00:02:29 Pushing through mild discomfort
• 00:05:24 Plaud sponsor
• 00:06:40 How much deep work should you do?
• 00:13:02 Find a workload you can recover from
• 00:15:25 Evenings, weekends and vacations
• 00:23:14 Food and sleep for focused work
• 00:28:01 Make work engaging and challenging
• 00:31:57 What deep work can do for you
• 00:35:29 Discomfort, confidence and motivation

Watch Part 1,
My journey growing up with ADHD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6a_WDAAtjI

Watch Part 2,
How to Get Work Done with ADHD:
https://youtu.be/z5besCg_9s4

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization

What would happen if a future “happy pill” could ease anxiety and depression without taking away your motivation? Dr. Mike explores that hypothetical and what it might mean for your relationships, work, and everyday life.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Would a happy pill change your life?
• 00:01:10 What the hypothetical pill would do
• 00:04:00 Feeling better and fixing your life
• 00:08:26 Relief without losing your ambition
• 00:10:36 How society and relationships could change
• 00:12:55 Escapism, addiction and productivity
• 00:15:17 Learning, politics and social media
• 00:17:31 Social trust and cooperation
• 00:18:23 What calmer parenting could change
• 00:19:20 Why Mike thinks this pill is coming
• 00:21:00 AI and the drug discovery argument
• 00:22:52 Would you take it?

Dr. Mike chats about all things progress, especially technology, futurism, morality, meaning, and personal growth. Join in the fun, share your opinion in the comments, and let us know what video topics you’d like to see in the future!

If you’re into putting on muscle and getting leaner, you’re tired of fitness BS and want to cut to the truth on how to get the body you want, check out my fitness channel. I’m a college professor of sport physiology! https://youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization