The Scarcity Brain: How To Rewire Your Habits to Thrive with Enough | Michael Easter X Rich Roll
Rich Roll
Feb 19, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Break the scarcity loop to combat addiction
The scarcity loop, a three-part system of opportunity, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability, is the mechanism that makes everything from slot machines to social media apps addictive.
Recognize prevalence-induced concept change to enhance satisfaction
As humans experience fewer problems, we don't become more satisfied; we just lower our definition of what we consider a problem, a concept called prevalence-induced concept change.
Subtract to solve problems efficiently
When faced with a problem, our brains have a strong, often unconscious, bias to add something to solve it, rather than the often more efficient solution of subtracting something.
Enhance life engagement to overcome bad habits
An experiment showed pigeons in sterile cages chose gambling over predictable food, but when placed in a rich, natural environment, they chose the optimal option, suggesting we seek unhealthy stimulation when our lives lack positive, natural engagement.
Grayscale your phone to reduce screen time by 40 minutes daily
A simple way to reduce phone addiction is to change the screen to grayscale, as one study found this simple change made the phone boring and reduced screen time by about 40 minutes a day.
Address psychic pain, provide alternatives, and limit substance supply to combat addiction
Addiction blooms when three things converge: a population in psychic pain, few alternative ways to manage that pain, and a large supply of a substance that provides short-term relief.
Incorporate rucking to enhance aging health
Rucking, or carrying weight over distance, is a foundational physical practice that humans are uniquely adapted for, benefiting bone density, muscle preservation, and cardiovascular health.
Recognize losses disguised as wins in modern apps
Modern apps and games use a technique called 'losses disguised as wins,' where you receive a reward smaller than your investment, which your brain still perceives as an exciting win, keeping you engaged.
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