Nir Eyal: Why Positive Thinking Isn't Working (& What Actually Does)

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Have you ever wondered why you keep thinking, feeling or behaving in ways you know aren't serving you even when you know better?

This week I'm joined by Nir Eyal, behavioural designer and bestselling author, and one of the most fascinating voices on how our beliefs shape everything from our habits and identity to our health and happiness.

Nir has a way of cutting through the noise of self-help and getting to the science and what he shares isn't about toxic positivity or vision boarding. It's about understanding the beliefs running your life, and actually changing them.

What we explore together:

Why your brain continues to lie to you even when you know the truth
The difference between facts, faith and beliefs and why it matters
Why manifesting and positive visualisation can actually make you less likely to succeed
What a 1950s rat experiment teaches us about the power of belief and human potential
Why your ADHD, perfectionism or Myers-Briggs label might be holding you back
How the stories we tell ourselves create suffering — and how to change them
The science of luck — and why lucky people aren't just born that way
Why your beliefs about ageing could impact your lifespan more than diet or exercise
How to actually change a limiting belief — practically and permanently

If you've ever felt stuck in patterns you can't seem to break, this one is for you.

Love, Sarah Ann 💛

Nir's books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00HJ8021I

My book 'Healthy Shouldn't Be This Hard': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healthy-Shouldnt-Be-This-Hard-ebook/dp/B0G1DHNRV5

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Timestamps
02:30 — Introduction: Why our beliefs shape everything we think, feel and do
05:01 — The difference between facts, faith and beliefs
09:58 — Why manifesting and positive visualisation can backfire
13:28 — Pain is not suffering — and the stories we tell ourselves
18:47 — The 1950s rat experiment and the science of hope and belief
24:57 — Why your beliefs about ageing could add years to your life
30:03 — How to start changing a limiting belief
34:57 — The steelmanning technique for difficult conversations
44:56 — The four questions that can change how you see anyone
54:54 — It's not your fault — but it is your responsibility
59:49 — Prayer, faith and the science of belief without religion
74:59 — Conditional vs unconditional love and how beliefs shape relationships
99:59 — How to actually replace a limiting belief — step by step
104:54 — The belief that changed everything for Nir recently
119:52 — Final advice: how to start living by better beliefs today