S4 Episode 23: Rediscovering Will Power with Professor Roy F. Baumeister, Ph.D.

Professor Roy Baumeister is one of the world’s most prolific and influential social psychologists, renowned for his groundbreaking research on self-control, meaning in life, and the human capacity for evil. As a prolific scholar, Professor Baumeister has authored over 700 scientific works, including more than 40 books, with his insights shaping our understanding of human behavior across a wide range of fields, from social psychology to behavioral economics. Professor Baumeister’s research on willpower has had profound implications for personal success, addiction treatment, and decision-making, sparking new approaches in behavioral science. In addition to his work on self-control, Professor Baumeister has made significant contributions to our understanding of the pursuit of meaning, exploring how individuals find purpose in relationships, achievements, and stories. His research on the "need to belong" has become a cornerstone in social psychology, emphasizing the importance of social connections for human well-being.  Professor Baumeister has also ventured into the darker aspects of human nature, examining the causes of cruelty and violence in his thought-provoking book Evil: Inside Human Violence and Cruelty. His work in this area delves into how ordinary people can commit acts of extraordinary harm, challenging our assumptions about good and evil.  Over his distinguished career, Professor Baumeister has held faculty positions at prestigious institutions, and he has received numerous accolades for his contributions. With an unmatched ability to blend rigorous research with practical insights, Professor Baumeister continues to inspire new generations of scholars and students, and his work not only enriches academic discourse but also offers valuable guidance for those seeking to better understand themselves and the world around them.   Connect with Professor Baumeister: Website - https://roybaumeister.com Is there a guest you’d love to see on @notyourordinaryparts? Follow @notyourordinaryparts on Instagram and tag them. If this episode resonated with you follow @notyourordinaryparts on Instagram and interact with the host, guests, and other listeners. Like, subscribe, follow, and share with anyone you think would find this helpful. Life can be hard at times and if you’re like me, you may tend to think that you can handle it all on your own. Maybe you’ve done such a good job of “managing for so long” having to do something different or talk to someone can feel uncomfortable. The idea of therapy, to me, felt like I had to admit that there was something wrong with me or that I’d be showing the world that I was broken or didn't have it all together… but when my health started to suffer, and I was anxious 24/7… I realized my body was trying to tell me something was wrong, and I learned that there is no “good health” without mental health. Therapy was the answer for me, it helped me put down all of the heavy things that I was carrying that didn’t belong to me. While therapy can provide so much relief, finding a therapist can feel so daunting. BetterHelp, the sponsor of today’s video, has done so much to make finding a therapist and starting therapy so much easier! BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform whose mission is making professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient — so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who is trained to listen and give you helpful, unbiased advice. Over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to start living a healthier, happier life. If you’re struggling, please visit- https://betterhelp.com/notyourordinaryparts for 10% off your first month.