Alex Hutchinson - Breaking Through Mental Barriers & Exploration vs Exploitation

Most people think they've hit their limits when they're actually nowhere close.

Alex Hutchinson returns to the show for his second appearance. As a journalist and author, he's spent years studying the science of human performance. His first book Endure was a New York Times bestseller.

His latest book, The Explorer's Gene, tackles a fundamental question: when do you push into unknown territory, and when do you stick with what works?

Today we explore the exploration versus exploitation dilemma - the choice athletes face every race between sticking with proven strategies or risking everything to test new approaches. The same decision defines careers, businesses, and life.

Alex's research reveals we have a "central governor" in our brains that pulls the plug early, protecting us from discomfort but also preventing breakthroughs.

TALKING POINTS:

• Why the wall you think you've hit probably isn't your actual limit
• The "central governor" theory and how your brain protects you by holding you back
• How to build tolerance for uncertainty like elite athletes do
• The exploration vs exploitation dilemma in careers and business decisions
• Why "optimism in the face of uncertainty" is the optimal mathematical strategy
• How to know when to explore new paths vs exploit existing knowledge
• The danger of stopping exploration too early in life and career

LINKS:

The Explorer's Gene book

Endure book

Alex's writing at Outside Magazine

Alex's LinkedIn

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My Book Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). 

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