Being Well Podcast: How to Change For Good with Dr. Katy Milkman
August 2, 2021

Though there’s no lack of advice out there, changing in lasting ways is hard. Today Forrest and Dr. Rick Hanson are joined by Dr. Katy Milkman, an expert in the science of change, to explore how we can build better habits, sustain motivation, and change for good. 

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About Our Guest: Dr. Katy Milkman is a Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her research explores ways that insights from economics and psychology can be harnessed to change consequential behaviors for good. Katy is the author of the bestselling new book How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, and is also the host of the popular podcast Choiceology with Katy Milkman.

“If we think about any change journey as one that’s going to require continuous attention, as opposed to some kind of ‘quick fix,’ we’re probably going to be much more successful.” – Katy Milkman

Key Topics:

  • 0:00: Introduction
  • 2:30: Why is it so hard to change?
  • 5:35: Using Rick as an example of changing a habit
  • 10:10: Short-term costs vs. long-term benefits
  • 13:45: Are we more motivated by carrots or sticks? And which sustains motivation better?
  • 21:00: Fresh start effect
  • 24:00: Our bias against change
  • 27:30: Making internal changes
  • 30:30: How much can we change our nature?
  • 36:00: Changing internal factors
  • 41:15: Tracking the things you’re trying to change
  • 45:00: Nature vs. nurture
  • 48:30: Durable behavior change
  • 55:30: Recap

From Rick: Want to learn more from Dr. Hanson? As a special offer for podcast listeners, you can now get an extra 25% off any of his courses  if you use the code BEINGWELL25 at checkout!

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Join Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson every week on the Being Well Podcast for lively and thought-provoking conversation and practical tips for being happier, building inner strengths, and getting the most out of life.

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