Nir Eyal: Why Positive Thinking Isn't Working (& What Actually Does)

Grab my Sunday Times Best Selling Book: Healthy Shouldn't Be This Hard 👇😆✌🏼https://linktr.ee/HealthySBTHHave you ever wondered why you keep thinking, feeling or behaving in ways you know aren't serving you even when you know better? This week I'm joined by Nir Eyal, behavioural designer and bestselling author, and one of the most fascinating voices on how our beliefs shape everything from our habits and identity to our health and happiness.Nir has a way of cutting through the noise of self-help and getting to the science and what he shares isn't about toxic positivity or vision boarding. It's about understanding the beliefs running your life, and actually changing them.What we explore together:Why your brain continues to lie to you even when you know the truthThe difference between facts, faith and beliefs and why it mattersWhy manifesting and positive visualisation can actually make you less likely to succeedWhat a 1950s rat experiment teaches us about the power of belief and human potentialWhy your ADHD, perfectionism or Myers-Briggs label might be holding you backHow the stories we tell ourselves create suffering — and how to change themThe science of luck — and why lucky people aren't just born that wayWhy your beliefs about ageing could impact your lifespan more than diet or exerciseHow to actually change a limiting belief — practically and permanentlyIf you've ever felt stuck in patterns you can't seem to break, this one is for you.Love, Sarah Ann 💛Nir's books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00HJ8021IMy book 'Healthy Shouldn't Be This Hard': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healthy-Shouldnt-Be-This-Hard-ebook/dp/B0G1DHNRV5This episode is sponsored by:NOWATCH: The compassionate health trackerConnecting body and mind with unique stress recovery insights so you can live fully today👉 15% off with code LWBW15 at https://nowatch.com/DIOME: Rest deeper. Stay grounded.Rested is available now and Grounded lands later this month.👉 Get 20% off with code SARAH20 at DIOME.COThe Great British Veg OutHow to support your gut, energy, and hormones by eating more — not less.👉 https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/p/t…Reset Your HealthIf your body feels off after stress, travel, or burnout — this is where to start.👉 https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/s/r...👉 Practical beats perfect. Here's a free 5-recipe PDF I use to support energy and stress during busy weeks.https://sarahannmacklin.com/5_free_recipes👉 If this resonates, you can join the thousands who read The Compassionate Cure each week.https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/Let's be friends!📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin/📹 Subscribe: https://youtube.com/@livewellbewellsarah🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/SarahAnnMacklin📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livewellbewellpodcast💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/Timestamps02:30 — Introduction: Why our beliefs shape everything we think, feel and do05:01 — The difference between facts, faith and beliefs09:58 — Why manifesting and positive visualisation can backfire13:28 — Pain is not suffering — and the stories we tell ourselves18:47 — The 1950s rat experiment and the science of hope and belief24:57 — Why your beliefs about ageing could add years to your life30:03 — How to start changing a limiting belief34:57 — The steelmanning technique for difficult conversations44:56 — The four questions that can change how you see anyone54:54 — It's not your fault — but it is your responsibility59:49 — Prayer, faith and the science of belief without religion74:59 — Conditional vs unconditional love and how beliefs shape relationships99:59 — How to actually replace a limiting belief — step by step104:54 — The belief that changed everything for Nir recently119:52 — Final advice: how to start living by better beliefs today