How Your Beliefs Control Your Future & Why Climate Solutions Need a Rethink
7/2/202649 min
Nothing can ruin a meal faster than someone loudly slurping soup, coffee, or noodles. At least that's what many people think. Yet in some cultures, slurping isn't rude at all—it's expected. And as annoying as it may sound, there is actually a surprisingly good reason people do it. https://www.discovermagazine.com/its-not-rude-slurping-makes-food-taste-better-42739
Your beliefs do far more than influence how you see the world—they influence what happens next. The beliefs you hold about yourself, your abilities, other people, and the future affect the opportunities you notice, the risks you're willing to take, and even how successful you're likely to become. The remarkable thing is that many of our most important beliefs operate in the background, quietly steering our decisions without us even realizing it. Shawn Achor, one of the world's leading experts on mindset, happiness, and human potential, explains how beliefs shape our lives, where those beliefs come from, and how changing them can dramatically alter your path. Shawn's TED Talk has been viewed more than 25 million times, and he is author of The Power of Beliefs (https://amzn.to/4a1eR7m). Shawn’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work
When people talk about helping the environment, the conversation often sounds like a list of things you have to give up: drive less, fly less, consume less, turn down the thermostat, and generally make life a little less enjoyable. But what if that approach is backward? What if some of the best things you can do for the planet also happen to make you happier? Psychologist Elizabeth Dunn offers a refreshing alternative to guilt, sacrifice, and doom-and-gloom messaging. Elizabeth's work has appeared in major media outlets around the world, and she is co-author of Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species (https://amzn.to/4oyXl09). Elizabeth’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_dunn_helping_others_makes_us_happier_but_it_matters_how_we_do_it
The English language is alive. Words and phrases that were once considered incorrect, awkward, or even ridiculous can become perfectly acceptable over time. In fact, some expressions we use every day would have made earlier generations cringe. The evolution of language offers a fascinating look at how culture changes—and how today's "mistakes" sometimes become tomorrow's rules. https://time.com/4293303/garner-common-words-mistakes/
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsMike Carruthers· Host0:01
[upbeat music] Today on Something You Should Know, the reason some people slurp their food even though it can be so annoying. Then, what you believe about yourself and the world can change everything about your life.
Shawn Achor· Guest0:16
When someone has an optimistic mindset, when they have optimistic beliefs, it improves literally every single business and educational outcome we know how to test for. Basically, what we're finding is that a positive brain positively changes the next outcome for you.
Mike Carruthers· Host0:31
Also, common words today that would have sounded ridiculous not that long ago, and things you can do to help the planet that are not all about making sacrifices.
Elizabeth Dunn· Guest0:43
So I think the climate movement has gone a little awry in sort of emphasizing that approach, and I think there's a much more joyful approach to say, "Hey, what matters to you? What would make your life better? Let's focus on that."
Mike Carruthers· Host0:57
All this today on Something You Should Know. One thing I love about summer is how simple getting dressed becomes, and I've noticed something kind of funny. When I'm getting ready in the morning, I keep looking for the same shirt, not because I plan to wear it. It's just the one I want. For me, that's my Quince linen shirt. It's light, it's breathable. It looks good without trying too hard, and somehow it works whether I'm meeting someone for lunch or just running errands. That's when you know you've bought something good, when

