230: Hack Your Brain with Dr. Jon Finn

Show Notes

Human beings are creatures of habit. Just watch a child or animal go through their daily routines and you can see that habits are deeply ingrained in our biology. While we’re often aware of some habits, others happen regularly without us ever realizing them. Maintaining good habits, identifying bad habits, and building new ones all take determination and perseverance.

Today’s guest is Dr. Jon Finn. Dr. Jon founded the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy and has three psychology-related degrees, including a PhD. He has worked in performance psychology, resilience, and leadership science for over 20 years. Dr. Finn wrote his best-selling book ‘The Habit Mechanic’ (which took him over 20 years to compose) because his life’s mission is to help people to be their best in the challenging modern world.

Dr. Finn and I speak about what it is to be a habit mechanic, why habits are so important, the role of social acceptance in driving our habits, how to manage your super habits and destructive habits, and a lot more.

 

Members of the Modern Manager community can win a free 12 month ‘At Your Best’ premium subscription membership. You will quickly learn how to feel better, do better and lead better. To learn more access the free version of the app here: https://www.tougherminds.co.uk/habit-mechanic-app/. Get this bonus and many more when you join the Modern Manager community.

 

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Read the related blog article: Understand Your Brain to be Successful at Work

 

KEEP UP WITH DR. FINN

Website: https://www.tougherminds.co.uk/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jon-finn

Get 'The Habit Mechanic' book here: https://geni.us/TheHabitMechanic

 

Key Takeaways:

• A manager’s most important resource is their team’s habits.
• Habits account for 98% of our thoughts and actions.
• Neuroplasticity teaches that our brains are always changing based on what we think and do.
• We need at least a 3:1 ratio of positive to negative feedback for psychological safety, or even more positive if the negative feels extra heavy. 
• We procrastinate with big tasks because we’re hardwired to conserve energy, and thinking takes energy. 
• The part of our brain related to thirst and hunger also relates to social status. Social acceptance is a primary need. 
• Super habits are habits that have a disproportionately positive impact while destructive habits lead to disproportionately negative impact.
• Self monitor behavior to determine what action to build up individually. Monitor your progress by creating a SWAP, Self Watching Action Plan.

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