The Better Humans Project

Series 2 Episode 8 - Do You Know Where You're Going To?

Fulfilling Life
In this episode of The Better Humans Project Podcast, host Greg Pfeiffer explores the concept of 'Ikigai,' a Japanese term meaning 'reason for being.' Greg details how Ikigai, which combines passion, mission, vocation, and profession, can serve as a guiding compass in life. He discusses its origins, the four essential elements of Ikigai, and how it contributes to wellbeing and longevity. The episode includes practical steps for discovering your Ikigai, highlighted by the stories of Sarah, a graphic designer, and David, a teacher, who found fulfillment through aligning their careers with their passions and skills. Greg emphasizes that the journey to finding one's Ikigai is personal, transformative, and ongoing.
00:00 The Origins of the Compass
01:19 Welcome to the Better Humans Project
02:00 Discovering Ikigai: Your Life's Compass
03:54 The Four Elements of Ikigai
04:40 The 10 Rules of Ikigai
05:52 Real-Life Ikigai Stories
06:44 How Ikigai Guides Your Life
08:44 Finding Your Ikigai: Practical Steps
11:15 The Transformative Power of Ikigai
11:47 Conclusion and Farewell
 
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Series 2 Episode 7 - Can't help myself, bad habits

Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotage
In this episode of The Better Humans Podcast, host Greg Pfeiffer explores why we develop self-sabotaging behaviours and maintain bad habits. He explains the concept of habits, how they form through repetition and reward, and why they're so hard to break. Cognitive dissonance and reinforcement theory are discussed as key reasons behind our tendency to cling to bad habits. Greg also provides insights on how to recognize and prevent emerging self-sabotaging behaviours, focusing on long-term growth and success over immediate gratification. Tune in for strategies and mindsets to help you become the best version of yourself.
00:00 Quirky Celebrity Habits
01:21 Introduction to The Better Humans Podcast
02:23 Understanding Habits
04:52 The Psychology Behind Bad Habits
05:02 Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Sabotage
08:09 Reinforcement Theory and Instant Gratification
09:31 The Impact of Bad Habits on Personal Growth
10:19 Strategies to Avoid Self-Sabotage
11:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com 
 
https://mindhealth.com.au/cognitive-dissonance/#:~:text=Cognitive%20dissonance%20is%20the%20psychological,mind%20signals%20an%20internal%20imbalance.
https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-dissonance-theory/
https://jamesclear.com/habit-triggers
https://reclaim.ai/blog/habit-loop
 
 
 

Series 2 Episode 6 - Communication Breakdown

In this episode of The Better Humans Podcast, Greg Pfeiffer dives into the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade to highlight a massive communication breakdown in history, before exploring why communication often fails in our personal lives. Learn about the key components of communication, common pitfalls from both the sender and receiver's perspectives, and practical strategies to improve your communication skills. Whether it's overcoming assumptions, emotional responses, or achieving active listening, this episode offers valuable tips to help you become a better communicator and build stronger relationships. Tune in and start your journey to better communication today!
00:00 The Charge of the Light Brigade: A Historical Fiasco
01:39 Welcome to The Better Humans Podcast
02:35 Understanding Communication: Key Elements and Types
06:28 Common Communication Pitfalls
13:32 Improving Communication in Personal Relationships
16:10 Practical Tips for Better Communication
17:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com 
 

Series 2 Episode 5 - Spit Out the Doubt

In this episode of the Better Humans Project podcast, host Greg Pfeiffer discusses ways to tackle self-doubt, a common obstacle that holds many back. He explores the causes, such as past failures, fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, comparison, perfectionism, lack of support, and low self-esteem. Pfeiffer provides actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt, including recognizing negative thoughts, focusing on progress over perfection, setting realistic goals, embracing failure, surrounding oneself with supportive people, practicing self-compassion, mindfulness, positive self-talk, and building self-awareness. Real-life examples illustrate how these strategies can lead to success and personal growth. Tune in to learn how to manage self-doubt and unlock your potential.
00:00 Michelangelo's Struggle with Self Doubt
01:04 Introduction to the Better Humans Project
02:14 Understanding Self Doubt
03:39 Causes of Self Doubt
06:31 Overcoming Self Doubt: Strategies and Tips
11:02 Real-Life Examples of Overcoming Self Doubt
13:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com 
References
https://www.betterup.com/blog/overcoming-self-doubt
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202205/how-to-overcome-self-doubt
https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3979

Series 2 Episode 4 - How to Get Up Again.

Overcoming Setbacks Through a Growth Mindset | Better Humans Podcast
In this episode of the Better Humans Podcast, host Greg Pfeiffer explores the importance of managing setbacks on a journey of self-improvement. Through the lens of Nelson Mandela's perseverance and the renowned psychologist Carol Dweck's research on growth and fixed mindsets, Greg discusses practical strategies for embracing challenges, learning from criticism, valuing effort, and reflecting on setbacks. Tune in to learn how adopting a growth mindset can transform obstacles into opportunities for development and resilience.
00:00 Nelson Mandela's Imprisonment and Legacy
01:01 Introduction to the Better Humans Podcast
01:19 Understanding and Managing Setbacks
02:25 Adopting a Growth Mindset
04:42 Strategies to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
07:07 Building a Support System and Practicing Self-Compassion
08:32 Reflecting on Setbacks and Learning from Them
09:39 Influence of Praise on Mindset
11:57 Conclusion and Call to Action
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol S Dweck
 
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com

Series 2 Episode 3 - Trust the Process

This episode looks at the history of the phrase "Trust the Process" and looks at what it means for personal transformation. Examples of how "Trust the Process" can help you to achieve transformation and behaviour change.
Practical Strategies for Trusting the Process
Psychological Benefits of Trusting the Process
https://realitypathing.com/how-to-trust-the-process-embrace-change-fully/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/striving-high/202108/personal-transformation-is-a-continual-process
 
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com

Series 2 Episode 2 - Going through the Process

This episode explores the 10 processes of change as described by James O. Prochaska, and how those processes can drive you through the stages of change to make a successful journey of personal transformation.
Consciousness Raising – this involves building awareness
Dramatic Relief – where you pay attention to emotions and feelings
Self-Reevaluation – this involves creating a new self-image
Environmental Reevaluation – where you notice your impact on others
Social Liberation – where you notice public support and gain alternatives
Self-Liberation - where you make choices and commitments
Counter-Conditioning – this involves using substitutes
Stimulus Control – where you observe and manage your environment
Reinforcement Management – where you use rewards
Helping Relationships – where you get help and support
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com
https://r1learning.com/blog/2021/10-processes-of-change
Prochaska JO, DiClemente CC. “Stages and Processes of Self Change of Smoking: Toward an Integrative Model of Change.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 51:390–395, 1983.

Series 2 Episode 1 - Diving into the Deep End

This Podcast is designed to provide listeners with a structured understanding of the Transtheoretical Model of Change, also known as the Stages of Change Model. It provides practical tips on how they can apply this model to their own transformation process.
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com
 
References:
https://www.verywellmind.com/the-stages-of-change-2794868
DOI:10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38 The Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change

Series 1 Episode 10 - Weren't You Listening?

This episode takes a dive into the skill of listening! In particular, ACTIVE Listening!Active listening is described and the elements and skills of active listening are studied.
4 distinct styles of listening
Hearing vs listening
Elements of active listening
Principles of active listening
Active listening skills you can develop
Barriers to active listening
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com
 
References:
Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1987). Active listening. In R. G. Newman, M. A. Danziger, & M. Cohen (Eds.), Communicating in business today. DC Heath & Company.
Kubota, S., Mishima, N., & Nagata, S. (2004). A study of the effects of active listening on listening attitudes of middle managers. Journal of Occupational Health, 46(1), 60–67.
Bauer, C., & Figl, K. (2008). ‘Active listening’ in written online communication-a case study in a course on ‘soft skills’ for computer scientists. In 2008 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference (pp. F2C–1). IEEE.
Robertson, K. (2005). Active listening: More than just paying attention. Australian Family Physician, 34(12), 1053–105
 

Series 1 Episode 9 - Are You Chasing the Snake

This episode discusses the negative human behaviour known as "chasing the snake".
Why we indulge in this behaviour and how it has a negative effect on us.
 
Please share this podcast with anyone you feel would benefit. It helps the podcast grow! Like and comment below, I love to hear your thoughts! For material mentioned in the podcast, email me at contact@thebetterhumansproject.com