Category: FIRE

If you’re a longtime listener, you’ll enjoy this candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about entrepreneurship and growth between Paula Pant and former financial advisor and Stacking Benjamins host Joe Saul-Sehy.

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We sit down with Jim Kwik, a brain coach and expert in memory improvement, speed reading, and optimal learning.

As a child, Jim suffered a brain injury that made learning difficult. He was labeled “the boy with the broken brain,” which deeply affected his confidence and performance in school.

Fast forward to college, and Jim is still struggling. Overworked and stressed, he ends up in the hospital.

This becomes a turning point. Jim dives into brain science. Today, he’s an expert in memory, focus, learning, cognition and mental performance.

He’s here to remind us that our brains are our number one wealth-building tool.

Jim explains that asking yourself WHY you want to remember something, like a person’s name, can boost focus. He highlights the power of being present and attentive in conversations. He shares an anecdote about Bill Clinton’s impressive memory, crediting Clinton’s remarkable presence and focus.

Jim introduces the Explanation Effect, a method where you learn with the intention of teaching. This deepens understanding. If you prepare to teach something, you’ll engage more actively, take better notes, and personalize the material.

The conversation shifts to the concept of a good brain diet. Jim lists foods great for brain health, such as avocados, blueberries, and green leafy vegetables. He underscores that what you eat significantly impacts cognitive functions.

Jim debunks myths like multitasking being efficient. He stresses the importance of focusing on one task at a time for better productivity and mental performance.

He also talks about the negative impact of digital distractions and the myth that we only use 10% of our brains.

Jim wraps up with tips on maintaining brain health, such as regular exercise, a good diet, and surrounding yourself with positive people.

This episode is packed with practical advice. If you want to improve your memory, learn faster, and maintain better brain health, you’ll enjoy Jim Kwik’s tips.

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Maybe you’re trying to convince:

– Your spouse | to embrace the FIRE movement.

– Your teenage kids | to invest some of their summer job money in stocks.

– Your neighbor | to sell you their house in a private, off-market deal.

– Your boss | to give you more vacation time.

– Your client | to pay you more.

Today’s episode is about how to change minds, build trust, navigate conversations, and influence and persuade others.

We chat with Michael McQueen, a social researcher, strategist, and the author of 10 books.

He’s spoken alongside Bill Gates, Apple co-founder Steve Woznick and Dr. John C. Maxwell, and was named Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year. His latest book, Mindstuck, focuses on how to be more persuasive.

Here are some of the ideas we cover:

Stubbornness: We tend to be stubborn because of our inherent desire to protect our existing beliefs and identities. This is partly due to the fact that the human mind has a tendency to make quick judgments and resist challenges.

Logical Fallacy: People often rely on confirmation bias and tribalism when evaluating information. We tend to favor information that aligns with our existing beliefs and groups we identify with.

Complexity over Extremes: When presented with opposing viewpoints, exposure to extreme viewpoints can – counterintuitively – make people more entrenched in their own beliefs. Introducing complexity and nuance can foster a more open-minded approach.

Here are some of his tips:

Uncover the Hidden Fear:

We often hear people resist change. But McQueen suggests a deeper truth: people fear losing something valuable. This could be certainty in their beliefs, a sense of control, or even self-worth. When someone seems stubborn, recognize it might stem from fearing a loss like this.

Address the Loss Aversion:

Instead of just highlighting the benefits of change, acknowledge potential losses people might associate with it. Can you reassure them or show how the change won’t diminish their power, security, or self-esteem?

Use “Right and Reflect” to Get People Talking:

This technique helps people reflect on their own reasons for change. Here’s how:
• Ask about willingness to change: Use a 1-10 scale, with 10 being most willing.
• Reflect on their answer: Listen to their response and acknowledge their hesitation (e.g., “Sounds like a 3 out of 10. What concerns you?”).
This simple approach encourages people to explain their resistance, potentially revealing underlying fears. You can then address these concerns directly and work together on solutions.

Build Rapport and Choose the Right Moment:
Trust and rapport are crucial, especially in formal work settings. When facing disagreements:
• Acknowledge the awkwardness: Let the other person know you understand the conversation might be difficult.
• Start with humility: Avoid being overly assertive. Show willingness to hear their perspective.
• Choose the right moment: Not all times are created equal. Pick a time when both parties are calm and receptive.

Frame Your Message for Impact:
The way you present information can significantly influence how it’s received. Here are two effective framing tips:
• Align with values: Use language that resonates with the other person’s values and moral foundations.
• Focus on the positive: Highlight positive aspects of the person or situation when giving feedback.

Move Beyond Persuasion and Focus on Progress:
The ultimate goal shouldn’t be to win an argument or force someone to agree with you. It’s about creating a space for open communication and exploration.

• Focus on progress, not victory: Changing minds is a gradual process. Celebrate small wins and focus on making sustainable progress together.
• Be open-minded and collaborative: Be open to considering the other person’s perspective and work collaboratively to find solutions.
• Avoid manipulation: Ensure your goal is to benefit the other person, not just yourself. True persuasion comes from a place of genuine interest in helping others grow and improve.

McQueen elaborates on these tips in today’s podcast episode. Enjoy!

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