Discover how to navigate the pressures of modern life in this thought-provoking episode of Psychology in the Wild. We unpack societal expectations, the concept of 'slow productivity,' and the power of mindfulness and critical thinking to help you manage the chaos of everyday demands. Learn how to define success on your terms, let go of unrealistic standards, and find joy in the journey. This conversation is packed with practical strategies and reflections to inspire balance and fulfillment in your life.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to Psychology in the Wild
00:20 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey
00:41 Technical Challenges and Triumphs
03:26 The Therapeutic Side of Podcasting
05:50 Listener Question: Feeling Like You're Not Doing Enough
06:27 Managing Expectations and Comparisons
15:13 Mindfulness and Critical Thinking
27:05 Defining Your Own Success
30:29 Reevaluating Success and Expectations
31:31 The Concept of Slow Productivity
34:04 Challenges of Applying Slow Productivity
38:11 The Competitive Nature of Society
42:34 Managing Expectations and Self-Compassion
43:12 Letting Yourself Off the Hook
51:41 Balancing Busy Phases and Connection
52:54 Final Thoughts on Expectations
slow productivity, mindfulness, critical thinking, societal expectations, personal productivity, mental health, balance in life, defining success, podcast therapy, managing stress, finding fulfillment, Psychology in the Wild podcast.
How to Set Meaningful Goals: Behavioral Science, Stoicism, and Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions | Psychology in the Wild Are New Year’s resolutions a blessing or a burden? In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, we explore the science and psychology behind this annual ritual. Learn how to set goals that truly matter, overcome common pitfalls, and align your resolutions with your personal values and well-being. We unpack behavioral science insights, including the Fresh Start Effect, mental contrasting, and the role of intrinsic motivation. Discover how stoicism and mindfulness can transform your approach to the New Year, helping you stay grounded while striving for meaningful change. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why New Year’s resolutions often fail (and how to avoid the traps) The power of intrinsic motivation and aligning goals with your values Practical techniques for achieving goals, like mental contrasting How stoic philosophy and mindfulness can guide your journey Alternatives to traditional resolutions for a happier, healthier year 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Psychology in the Wild 00:24 New Year's Resolutions: A Love-Hate Relationship 02:02 The Fresh Start Effect and Behavioral Science 06:52 Alternatives to New Year's Resolutions 13:19 The Importance of Rest and Mindfulness 18:06 Mental Contrasting for Goal Achievement 24:57 The Importance of Motivation and Overcoming Obstacles 25:57 Defining Wellbeing for the New Year 30:16 The Role of Stoic Philosophy in Modern Life 32:14 Finding Meaning in the Present Moment 47:02 The Entrepreneurial Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation 51:19 Reflecting on Goals and Resolutions for 2025 🎯 Whether you're tired of the same old resolutions or looking for a fresh approach, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration. Start the year on the right foot by focusing on daily well-being and being present in the moment. 👉 Subscribe for more episodes exploring how psychology shapes our everyday lives. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your own strategies for goal-setting and personal growth!
In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, we explore the difference between big 'P' Purpose and small 'p' purpose, and why the small, everyday moments of meaning matter most. You'll learn practical strategies for: Micro moments of meaning in daily life Task and relational job crafting to make work more fulfilling Finding purpose through attention and connection Discover how focusing on small, meaningful moments can lead to greater fulfilment at work and in life. Plus, we share actionable tips to help you identify and nurture these moments for improved wellbeing. 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on purpose, meaning, and mental wellbeing. Optimised Chapters 00:00 Introduction: What This Episode is About 00:51 Listener Questions and First Email 05:13 What is Big 'P' Purpose vs Small 'p' purpose? 16:02 Why Micro Moments of Meaning Matter 27:38 Finding Fulfilment in Small Daily Moments 27:57 Nature, Awe, and Finding Purpose 29:43 Self-Care: Wellbeing Through Meaningful Attention 31:52 The Power of Attention to Create Purpose 39:02 Job Crafting: Making Your Work Meaningful 44:33 Connecting Your Work to the End User 53:12 Practical Tips to Find Meaning Every Day 54:32 Conclusion: How to Craft a More Meaningful Life
In this episode of 'Psychology in the Wild,' we discuss the collective struggle with loneliness and social isolation, highlighting its detrimental effects on health.
We offer practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections and intentional socializing, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships and micro-interactions ('pebbling') for mental well-being. We also delve into the beneficial role of shared meaningful experiences and vulnerability in creating deep social bonds.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
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O ur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
00:00 Introduction to Psychology in the Wild
00:35 Reflecting on Smoking and Social Norms
02:21 The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation
04:09 COVID-19 and the Loss of Social Connection11:15 The Importance of Social Connection in the Workplace
23:15 Building Resilience Through Connection
28:40 The Vulnerability Loop: Building Connections
29:26 The Skill of Vulnerability in Small Talk
32:54 Navigating Social Anxiety and Small Talk
36:57 Embracing Uncertainty for Connection
39:04 Supporting Others and Self-Care
40:44 Pebbling: Small Gestures for Big Connections
45:34 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
Join us as we discuss the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries in our everyday lives. We delve into personal stories and offer practical tips on how to effectively communicate your boundaries to protect your time, energy, and focus. Learn how to navigate the challenges that come with both personal and professional commitments and find resilience in the process.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, Dr. Gemma and Erin dive into the everyday chaos we all face, sharing stories and practical insights to help you feel more in control. From finding connection and support to embracing little moments of joy, they unpack the power of small 'power-ups' to navigate life’s challenges. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this episode is your reminder to prioritise your well-being and find joy, even in the messiness of life.
You can talk to us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com
In this episode, we explore the depths of emotional intelligence and its crucial role in navigating the wild chaos of everyday life.
From understanding the four quadrants of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—to practical tips for managing emotions and building strong relationships, we cover it all.
Join us as we discuss how to develop emotional intelligence and why it's essential for personal and professional success.
Don't miss out on this insightful conversation aimed at helping you thrive emotionally and socially!
We hope you enjoy!
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If you want to share your you story or want us to discuss any topic of your interest, send us a note on
In this episode, the focus is on navigating failure and redefining success through personal experiences and insights. The conversation emphasises the importance of defining one's own version of success based on values and strengths, highlighting the need for an experimental mindset that views failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Engaging in open discussions about failure with trusted individuals can provide essential support and help process experiences. Sharing these moments fosters a culture of openness, leading to collective growth and resilience.
We hope you enjoy.
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In this episode, we explore the impact of optimism on success and resilience and share insights on why those who believe in their potential are often the ones who achieve it.
It’s not about ignoring challenges but seeing opportunities and staying motivated to keep pushing forward.
Discover how a shift in mindset can fuel your goals, and learn practical ways to build optimism—even on the tough days. Because when you truly believe you can, you’re already halfway there.
We hope you enjoy it. If you’d like to share your story or topic suggestion, email us at hello@psychologyinthewild.com.
This episode dives into the challenges of navigating change and managing uncertainty, focusing on why change often feels uncomfortable. You'll explore how the brain’s natural need for predictability can lead to stress when faced with the unknown.
Practical strategies for handling life transitions are shared, with an emphasis on practising self-compassion and recognising personal reactions to change.
The episode also explores personal agency, offering small, actionable steps to help you regain a sense of control in unpredictable situations.
With real-life examples, this discussion provides insights to build resilience, develop psychological flexibility, and embrace change in everyday life.
We hope you enjoy.
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In this episode the focus is on the concepts of 'bouncing back' versus 'bouncing forward' in the context of resilience.
The discussion highlights the importance of workplace wellbeing, the phenomenon of burnout, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Insights from resilience research differentiate resilience from grit and offer practical tips for building resilience through mindset changes, support networks, and embracing challenges.
We hope you enjoy.
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In this episode, the focus is on navigating life’s daily challenges through mindfulness, emphasising the impact of small, mindful moments on well-being and self-awareness.
Mindfulness is distinguished from meditation, with insights on how it enhances focus, presence, and connection. Practical ways to check in with ourselves foster both personal and collective growth, while the benefits of flow states and being fully immersed in everyday tasks are explored.
The conversation wraps up with practical tips for incorporating mindful practices—like mindful breathing, eating, and walking—into daily life.
We hope you enjoy.
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