We’re back at it again with another Beyond Curious “time machine” episode!

In this format, we pull clips from past episodes around one topic an entire episode out of it.

For this episode, we dug through the archives for my FAVORITE personal development strategies that I’ve consistently implemented since I learned them.

With this being episode #213, there have been SO many things I’ve implemented, but these are some of the standouts.

Today, you’ll learn:

• How you can BEAT THE SNOOZE button: Learn Hal Elrod’s simple framework for starting your day off strong by waking up right when your alarm goes off.
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• How To Beat Distraction: Learn Nir Eyal’s “10 minute rule” that will help you stay focused and avoid the endless wave of distractions preventing you from getting meaningful work done.
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• How To Leverage An Alter Ego To Achieve Peak Performance: Learn how Todd Herman uses totems, rituals, and alter egos to gain an unfair mental advantage when you’re required to perform at high levels.az3

Hal and Nir’s tips are SIMPLE, offer INSTANT results, and can be implemented TODAY.

Todd’s alter ego strategy does take a bit more deep dives and implementation, but has been instrumental for me as I’ve intentionally designed an identity that has helped me evolve.

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and Today’s Guests: Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman

In this special "Beyond Curious Time Machine" episode, host Brandon Fong revisits transformative lessons from three influential guests whose ideas have profoundly shaped his life and work. Brandon shares actionable insights from Hal Elrod, Nir Eyal, and Todd Herman, highlighting three practical strategies that have improved his focus, resilience, and performance. Each guest brings unique expertise in self-improvement, from mastering the morning routine to creating a secret identity for peak performance.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Episode Kickoff

Brandon introduces this special episode format, explaining how he has curated three of his favorite transformative ideas from past guests. He notes that these strategies have had a lasting impact on his daily life.

00:55 - Time Machine Format Overview

Explaining the format, Brandon shares how he condenses impactful moments from previous episodes, offering listeners the chance to sample insights and dive deeper if they choose.

02:15 - Guest Introduction: Hal Elrod

Brandon introduces Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning, whose philosophy centers on using morning routines to elevate focus and productivity. Hal’s journey, including near-death experiences, fuels his mission to “elevate the consciousness of humanity.”

03:53 - Hal Elrod on Beating the Snooze Button

Hal shares how conquering the snooze button is crucial to a productive day. Hitting snooze, he explains, delays life’s first task—waking up—and sets a procrastination tone for the day.

04:41 - The Miracle Morning and Morning Rituals

Hal emphasizes the transformative power of morning rituals in enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual states, which, in turn, improve all aspects of life.

05:30 - The 5-Step Snooze-Proof Strategy

Hal details his strategy to overcome the snooze button, starting with setting a positive intention before bed and moving the alarm clock across the room to require getting up. Other steps include brushing teeth, hydrating, and changing clothes to establish wakefulness.

10:52 - Guest Introduction: Nir Eyal

Nir Eyal, a behavioral psychologist and author of Indistractable and Hooked, joins the conversation. Known as the “habits guy,” Nir delves into creating technology and habits that promote well-being and productivity.

13:00 - Nir Eyal’s 10-Minute Rule for Reducing Distractions

Nir introduces the “10-Minute Rule,” which allows the mind to delay acting on distractions for 10 minutes, a method rooted in psychology that decreases the urge to procrastinate and increases focus.

16:05 - Disarming Psychological Reactance

Nir explains how giving oneself the option to indulge in distractions after a brief wait reduces the compulsion to act impulsively. This technique enhances self-control, allowing the 10 minutes to extend gradually.

18:06 - Guest Introduction: Todd Herman

Todd Herman, a peak performance coach and author of The Alter Ego Effect, is introduced. Todd’s work with elite athletes and leaders emphasizes using “alter egos” to unlock hidden potential and excel in high-stakes situations.

19:38 - Todd Herman on Totems and Alter Egos

Todd discusses the concept of a “totem” or physical object that serves as an anchor for an alter ego. Wearing or holding this object can transform one’s mindset and bring out qualities like confidence or courage.

20:30 - Enclothed Cognition and the Power of Identity

Using studies like the Stroop Test, Todd illustrates how objects (like a lab coat) can alter perception and enhance performance by embodying attributes associated with the item.

24:16 - Brandon’s Use of a Memento Mori Coin

Brandon shares his personal experience using a Memento Mori coin as a totem for channeling focus and intentionality before challenging tasks, inspired by Todd’s teachings.

27:06 - Rituals as a Performance Strategy

Todd explains the importance of rituals for mental and emotional readiness, emphasizing their role in focusing energy and maintaining consistency, especially in high-pressure environments.

31:32 - The Legacy of Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”

Todd recounts his work with Kobe Bryant, sharing how Kobe’s commitment to embodying the “Black Mamba” persona exemplifies the power of intentional identity-building for sustained peak performance.

32:45 - Closing and Reflections on the Power of Ideas

Brandon concludes the episode, encouraging listeners to explore implementing these life-changing techniques and share the episode with friends who may benefit from these insights.

Links & Resources:

• #102: Dying, Coming Back To Life, Selling 2.5+ Million Copies Of His Book, Beating Cancer, & Elevating The Consciousness of Humanity… w/ Hal Elrod
• #155: How To Become “Indistractable” & ACTUALLY Do What You Say You Want To Do w/ Nir Eyal
• #76: How YOU Can Create A Secret Identity To Transform Your Business, Health, Relationships, and More… w/ Todd Herman