Are You Making Bad Choices? with Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Swarthmore College and a visiting professor at the Haas School of Business at Berkeley. Barry spent 40 years thinking and writing about the interaction between economics and morality. He has written several best-selling books, including The Paradox of Choice and Why We Work. Barry’s Ted Talks have been viewed by more than 14 million people.

When it comes to making decisions do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of choices you have? It seems that while choice is good for your wellbeing, more choice isn’t necessarily better – there’s a tipping point where too many options can paralyze you and lead to regrets.  Hear how adapting a ‘good enough’ strategy, rather than searching for the ultimate best option, can help you navigate more successfully through your choices and improve your wellbeing and how these practices can be applied in workplaces.

Connect with Barry Schwartz:

Website – http://www.swarthmore.edu/profile/barry-schwartz

Ted Talks – https://www.ted.com/speakers/barry_schwartz

You’ll Learn:

• [01:58] – Barry shares the dogma he believes that guides many western industrialized societies that is undermining our wellbeing.
• [03:38] – Barry talks about how having too many choices can lead to bad decisions and regrets.
• [04:54] – Barry explains the difference between maximizing and satisficing strategies when it comes to your choices.
• [06:48] – Barry shares how organizations with a culture of ‘good enough’ are likely to result in more satisfied, productive and effective employees.
• [10:20] – Barry talks about growth mindset and clarifies that having high standards and an end-result to aim for can keep you motivated on the journey.
• [11:41] – Barry shares his thoughts on balancing your inner-critic and self-compassion.
• [13:50] – Barry explains his researcher with Adam Grant on the “The Inverted U” and why you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to improving your wellbeing.
• [18:50] – Barry believes that it’s possible for every worker at every company to find meaning and fulfillment from their jobs and explains how.
• [20:36] – The Lightning Round with Barry Schwartz

Your Resources:

• Too Much of a Good Thing – Barry Schwartz & Adam M. Grant
• Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being – Martin Seligman
• Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance – Angela Duckworth
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck

Thanks for listening!

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Special thanks to Barry for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!