Built Not Born Podcast with Derek Sivers πŸŽ™οΈEpisode: Useful, Not True - Choosing Better Beliefs

"We choose what we believe not because it's absolutely true, but because it's useful to believe it." - Derek Sivers

In this episode, Joe welcomes back best selling author Derek Sivers for a deep dive into his new book "Useful, Not True" and explores how our beliefs shape our reality. Derek shares insights on choosing beliefs that serve us better and making peace with what we can't control.

Episode Highlights β­πŸ•’ 00:00 - 03:45 - Introduction and catching up

  • Jiu-jitsu training space as a podcast background
  • Previous podcast appearance discussion
  • Derek's book writing process

πŸ•’ 03:46 - 12:30 - Exploring "Useful, Not True"

  • Core concept of choosing beneficial beliefs
  • Derek's research journey through philosophy and religion
  • Writing approach and keeping books concise

πŸ•’ 12:31 - 20:15 - Emotions and Decision Making

  • How emotions decide before logic kicks in
  • The importance of mental state
  • Strategies for controlling emotional responses

πŸ•’ 20:16 - 28:45 - Questions for Self-Reflection

  • Identifying outdated beliefs
  • Dealing with distractions
  • Finding your top priority

πŸ•’ 28:46 - 35:30 - Making Peace with Uncertainty

  • Being okay regardless of outcomes
  • Derek's experience moving from Oxford to New Zealand
  • Adapting to unexpected changes

πŸ•’ 35:31 - 45:00 - Rapid Fire Questions

  • Best investments in life
  • Dealing with overwhelm
  • Future plans and priorities

Key Takeaways 🎯1. Choose beliefs based on their usefulness rather than absolute truth 2. Control your response to situations by managing your mental state 3. Regularly question whether your old beliefs still serve you 4. Journal daily to gain clarity when feeling overwhelmed 5. There's always another way to look at any situation

Resources Mentioned πŸ“š πŸ“– "Useful, Not True" by Derek Sivers * πŸ“– "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers * πŸŽ™οΈ Derek's Previous episode: Built Not Born (#66) - Hell Yeah or No*

Connect with Derek 🌐 Website: sive.rs * Book: Useful, Not True * Contact: Say Hello to Derek*

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