Built Not Born Podcast with Derek Sivers 🎙️

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 ⭐

🕒 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

🕒 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

🕒 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

🕒 20:16 - 28:45 - Questions for Self-Reflection

• Identifying outdated beliefs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

🕒 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

🕒 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 📚

• 📖 "Useful, Not True" by Derek Sivers
• 📖 "Hell Yeah or No" by Derek Sivers
• 🎙️ 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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