Outsmart Yourself: Brain-Based Strategies to a Better You

By: Peter M. Vishton, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Peter M. Vishton

The brain is an astounding organ, and today neuroscientists have more insights than ever about how it works - as well as strategies for helping us live better every day. These 24 practical lectures give you a wealth of useful strategies for improving your well-being. By presenting evidence-based "hacks" for your brain, Professor Vishton empowers you to take charge of your life and perform better all around.

Want to curb a few bad habits? Try making a notebook entry every time you perform the habit. Have a big project and feel the urge to procrastinate? Do nothing for 20 minutes and you'll feel ready to get to work. Come down with a case of the blues? Eat some fermented foods such as yogurt or sourdough bread.

From the myth of multitasking to the mechanisms behind falling in love, Professor Vishton shows you what is happening inside your brain to examine why we behave the way we do. What you'll discover is that the subconscious guides much of our behavior, leading to a kind of autopilot when it comes to making important decisions. Whether we're distracted by too many tasks, being influenced by crafty marketers, or simply living in a rut of bad habits, our conscious brains aren't always guiding us toward the best actions.

Using evidence from classic psychological studies such as John Watson's behaviorism experiments or Stanley Milgram's obedience studies, as well as the latest in scientific brain research, Professor Vishton gives you insights into how the mind operates, why our subconscious is so often in control, and what we can do change our behaviors.

You'll learn how the imagination can be as powerful as physical practice, explore the subtle art of persuasion, unpack the keys to healthy living, delve into the psychology of anger and fear, and much more. When you complete this course, you will have an abundant list of practical, everyday ways to strengthen your creativity, improve your problem-solving, enhance your health, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

Outstanding!

It's obvious that a great deal of work has been committed to creating this book. Definitely one of the most informative and interesting books I've listened to. It's a great listen!

Great explanation of various brain functions.

I enjoyed the detail and examples of the brain functions and how you can manipulate your mood with simple tricks.

Very Interesting!

I listened to it twice in a row so I could try to take in all the practical strategies and information.

Interesting information

loved it was an awesome course had some very interesting strategies. would recommend it to those would like to learn about the thought process.

great practical tips & a whole lot of info

alot of very current information on the brain and how it relates to performance & satisfaction on all levels. the practical tips make using the info easy to applu