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Why is it so hard to feel grateful for what you have instead of constantly chasing more? Could it be that the brain is simply not wired for gratitude?

In this episode, Brent Diggs and Aaron Shafer explore the psychology of gratitude, uncovering how cognitive biases like negativity bias and hedonic adaptation make appreciation difficult—and how you can overcome them.

In this episode, Brent Diggs and Arron Shafer dive deep into the struggles ans benefits of gratitude:

✅ Why gratitude doesn’t come naturally—and how cognitive biases work against it.
✅ How negativity bias, hedonic adaptation, and “What You See Is All There Is” (WYSIATI) impact your mindset.
✅ The science-backed benefits of gratitude on happiness, mental health, and relationships.
✅ How storytelling and films like Groundhog Day and Up demonstrate the power of perspective.
✅ Simple, practical strategies to cultivate gratitude in your daily life

1️⃣ Your brain resists gratitude – Cognitive biases make it easier to focus on problems rather than positives.
2️⃣ Gratitude improves well-being – It can boost happiness, improve relationships, and enhance physical health.
3️⃣ Awareness is the first step – Recognizing cognitive biases helps shift your perspective.
4️⃣ Storytelling teaches gratitude – Films like Groundhog Day and Up illustrate the power of mindset shifts.
5️⃣ Small actions make a difference – Keeping a gratitude journal or expressing appreciation can rewire your thinking.

🎧 Listen now and start building a more grateful life

🎬Groundhog Day – A weatherman relives the same day repeatedly, learning gratitude and personal growth.
🎬Up – Up – A widower embarks on an adventure and discovers the value of the present moment.

⏳ 00:00:00 – Introduction to Gratitude
⏳ 00:01:57 – The Challenge of Gratitude – Why is it So Difficult?
⏳ 00:04:01 – Negativity Bias Explained
⏳ 00:08:04 – WYSIATI: What You See Is All There Is
⏳ 00:13:40 – Hedonic Adaptation and Emotional Set Points
⏳ 00:18:09 – The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
⏳ 00:21:42 – The Hero’s Journey and Gratitude
⏳ 00:25:11 – Movie Examples: Groundhog Day & Up
⏳ 00:29:40 – Cutting Free from the Past
⏳ 00:32:40 – System 1 vs System 2
⏳ 00:34:28 – Practical Tips for Cultivating Gratitude

Full Transcript

Explore the science and philosophy behind the ideas discussed in this episode. Learn how cognitive biases form, why they persist, and how gratitude disrupts those patterns for the better.

➡️ Read Next – The Science of Gratitude: How to Overcome Negativity Bias & Cultivate Appreciation

📖 Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman
📖 A Tour Round My Garden – Alphonse Karr

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🔗 Related Episodes & Resources:

• More on Hedonic vs Eudaimonic happiness – Hero’s Journey & Legacy Building: Returning With Purpose – 007
• More on lives of purpose and meaning –- Values and Purpose: A Guide to a Meaningful Life – 008

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