Designing a Life that Matters
4/27/202651 min
We tell ourselves that meaning comes from impact, passion, or finding the “one right path.” But these beliefs can leave us feeling stuck — even when our lives look perfectly fine on paper. Behavioral scientist Dave Evans describes a new approach, borrowed from design thinking, to help us build lives that feel more alive, flexible, and real.
What makes brave people different from the rest of us? It isn't a lack of fear — instead, it's a trait that might surprise you. Learn more in this video on our new YouTube channel.
Episode illustration by Getty Images for Unsplash+.
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First 90 secondsShankar Vedantam· Host0:00
This is Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedantam. In twenty twelve, Michael Phelps was at the peak of his career. At the London Games, he became the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Michael Phelps race commentator(s)· Soundbite0:11
He's coming hard, Phelps. He's still a chance. He's a real big chance. Can he do it again? He hits it, and he does. Remarkable. Stunning.
Shankar Vedantam· Host0:21
He had twenty-two Olympic medals to his name, including eighteen gold medals. The swimmer's entire life had centered around his sport, at being the best. Early mornings, endless training. He pursued victory tirelessly, and it paid off.
Michael Phelps race commentator(s)· Soundbite0:40
Olympic record. [cheering] Michael Phelps and his team- Let's go ... have maintained this extraordinary record- But then it was over.
Shankar Vedantam· Host0:54
No more early morning practices, no more races, no more gold medals to chase. He described the feeling as a post-Olympic depression. "I saw myself as strictly a swimmer, not as a human being," he said. At times, he felt like he did not want to be alive. Eventually, the great athlete turned to advocacy, using his experience to raise awareness about mental health. He realized that retirement