- Curated Curiosity
- Posts
- Curated Curiosity: The counterintuitive path to changing your mind
Curated Curiosity: The counterintuitive path to changing your mind
The Tim Ferriss Show with Derek Sivers
Ben Averbook
November 26, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
TODAY'S INSIGHT
"If you feel completely averse to something, get to know it better. Whatever you feel yourself leaning away from, try leaning into. If you hate Opera, go learn more about Opera. Getting to know something gives you an appreciation for this thing that you used to just dismiss."
FEATURED EPISODE
The Tim Ferriss Show with Derek Sivers
WHAT THEY SAID
Strong aversion to something often signals a growth opportunity - Derek's greatest joys came from learning to love five things he previously hated this year
Simple vs. Easy are different concepts: Simple means "not bound to other things" while Easy means "near at hand" - choosing simple over easy often leads to better long-term outcomes
The George Costanza Principle: Deliberately doing the opposite of your impulses can be a powerful way to change life's trajectory and avoid staying in comfortable ruts
Most people judge "the box" (external package) rather than exploring the contents inside - this keeps them from discovering transformative experiences
Friendships become more valuable when you actively seek out and embrace significant disagreements rather than surrounding yourself with echo chambers
WHY IT MATTERS
Our strongest negative reactions often mask our biggest opportunities for growth. By systematically questioning our aversions and seeking out cognitive diversity, we can break free from default patterns and create more intentional lives.
MY TAKES
The whole idea of keeping an open mind towards things with which you have a negative affiliation too is incredibly important. That quote from the beginning of this email is one of my favorite new quotes.
Tim Ferriss is one of the greatest media producers of our time, in my opinion. The Tim Ferriss show is right up there in the running for the greatest podcasts of all time.
Again,
Thank you so much for reading and I will see you tomorrow.
Ben Averbook
Reply