223: Optimal versus Perfect
Fail more often! Eek, who wants to fail more often? But that is what Tal Ben-Shahar, PhD (one of the leading practitioners in the positive psychology movement) recommends. Tal taught Harvard’s most popular class, Positive Psychology, and is a trainer and speaker all over the world. He is also the co-founder of the Whole Being Institute.
This interview was a bit of an experiment, as we recorded at 10:00 p.m., and both of us happen to be morning people. You’ll hear one part of the interview that went “off the rails” when I misquoted Tal and how he encouraged me to leave the snafu in. I’m still embarrassed by it, but you would miss the whole point of the interview (which is about embracing being an optimalist versus a perfectionist) if I didn’t leave it in.
We discuss the following:
How Tal wasn’t as fulfilled as he thought he would be after becoming an Israeli squash champion
When to invoke the Serenity Prayer
How exercise impacts your brain (we discuss our friend, John Ratey, MD)
What surprised him during the positive psychology movement
What he recommends for someone during a big transition
What contributes to employees not being engaged at work
How to connect with your purpose
Why he suggests following your curiosity
Serena Marie, RD, discusses the following during her nutrition segment, and we discuss what’s good:
Why she is obsessed with hydrolyzed collagen protein
Her thoughts about “emotional prudes”
How collagen’s concentrated amounts of glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine lend to the development of new collagen fibers. Collagen is the protein in our skin that helps it stay elastic, supple, and youthful in appearance. Taking hydrolyzed collagen before a workout is also a great way to boost recovery after a workout.
Be sure to follow Serena on Instagram @Serenamarierd to check out her electrolyte replacement drink using real food and collagen!
Please tweet what your biggest takeaways were to us at @KariGormley and @SerenaMarieRD!
Links Discussed
Being Happy: You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Richer, Happier Life by Tal Ben-Shahar
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Contact:
Tal Ben-Shahar:
Website: TalBenShahar.com
Facebook: /Tal-Ben-Shahar-169477986402416
Twitter: @talbenshahar
LinkedIn: /tal-ben-shahar-09943aa7
Serena Marie, RD:
Website: www.SerenaMarieRD.com
Facebook: /SerenaMarieRD
Twitter: @SerenaMarieRD
Instagram: SerenaMarieRD
Kari Gormley:
Facebook: The Running Lifestyle Show
Twitter: @KariGormley
Instagram: @KariGormley
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to www.karigormley.com/disclaimer.