In this field episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a powerful reflection following a dinner discussion with students from Utah Valley University. Inspired by a student's question, Carl revisits the impactful query he poses at the end of his podcast "50 Fires" regarding the role of money in one's life. This time, he's turned the lens on himself, contemplating what he hopes his own children will say about money 20 years from now. Carl passionately expresses his desire for his kids to understand that money's natural state is flow, emphasizing the importance of circulation over accumulation. In a poignant analogy, he hopes they won't confuse the finger (money) pointing at the moon (love and the present moment) with the moon itself. Join Carl in this heartfelt exploration of teaching profound lessons about money to the next generation.Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards: https://apple.co/47o5vP0

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl uncovers the illusion many of us have fallen victim to—the Arrival Fallacy. With excitement, he shares that this phenomenon, where we believe reaching a goal or destination will bring lasting happiness, finally has a name. Carl explores how we often say, "When I have this much money, I'll be secure," or "Once I reach this goal, I'll be happy," only to find that the reality doesn't match the expectation. The Arrival Fallacy, as Carl names it, leads to a double whammy, leaving us feeling worse for expecting happiness upon reaching our destination and not getting it. Carl encourages listeners to beware of this fallacy, emphasizing the beauty of the present moment and the fact that life is as good as it gets right now. Listen to this episode to become aware of the Arrival Fallacy in your life!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl delves into a profound question: How do we determine our needs, wants, and desires? Carl reflects on his recent in-person workshop and the challenge of navigating consumer society. Drawing insights from John Kenneth Galbraith's concept of the dependence effect, Carl explores the idea that consumer demand is driven more by advertising and marketing than genuine human needs. He reframes this as an opportunity to practice mindfulness in our financial decisions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the values behind our desires. Carl invites listeners to explore the beautiful practice of being conscious consumers in a world filled with constant stimuli. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of your financial motivations and embark on the journey of intentional living.Do you want to book Carl to speak at your next conference or event? Email [email protected].

What's the first feeling that arises when you think about money or see a money symbol? Drawing from insights shared by the audience, Carl reflects on a range of emotions, including jealousy, fear, and even opportunity. He emphasizes the importance of noticing these feelings without judgment and shares a powerful approach: observing them as a non-judgmental outsider, saying, "Isn't that interesting?" Carl explores the transformation that occurs when benign neglect is applied to these emotions, allowing the act of attention to naturally bring about positive change. Listen to this episode of Behavior Gap Radio to uncover the power of self-awareness in reshaping your relationship with money!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the pivotal role of purpose in making sound financial decisions. He emphasizes that purpose is not merely a starting point but a continuous reference point that guides all decisions related to money. Carl likens purpose to a lens through which we view our financial choices. It turns out that it often gets overlooked in discussions about money! Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of David Whyte and Lao Tzu, Carl explores the gradual process of discovering, relearning, and realigning with what truly matters to us. He stresses the enduring quality of purpose, providing a profound perspective on how it shapes our identity and influences our use of capital—time, money, energy, and attention.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl shares a thrilling update on his four-year project, which has evolved into a captivating podcast called "50 Fires," with executive producers Chip and Joanna Gaines at Magnolia and a distribution deal with Warner Brothers. Set to launch in 2023, "50 Fires" explores the intersection of money and meaning. Carl offers a sneak peek into a recent interview with Breaking Bad's Dean Norris (who played the character Hank). Dean equates money with the number of months he can go without working. The episode provides a unique perspective on how artists, including comedians, chefs, and musicians, view money as a resource that grants them artistic freedom. Carl reflects on the insights gained from these individuals and invites listeners to join him on this exciting new podcast journey.Listen to 50 Fires: Money and Meaning with Carl Richards: https://apple.co/47o5vP0Hear the episode "Breaking Bad’s Dean Norris Has Always Lived Within His Means" Carl references in this episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-bads-dean-norris-has-always-lived-within-his-means/id1709551590?i=1000638409268

Carl explores the concept of lightness, contemplating what it means to carry a lighter load in terms of future goals and intentions. He shares a transformative shift in his perspective, acknowledging that the responsibility of shaping the next 10 years need not feel like a heavy burden. Carl reflects on the idea of turning the responsibility of his life over to God, allowing for a more playful and light approach to his work. Drawing on metaphors from whitewater rafting and Nordic skiing, he challenges the conventional narrative of hard work and proposes a more graceful and intentional engagement with life's uncertainties.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the world of "fancy financial feelings." As Carl explores the nuances of coveting, envy, and jealousy, he challenges societal norms around discussing these emotions. Carl invites listeners to join him in exploring these forbidden financial feelings!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the common excuse of labeling unexpected expenses as "one-time" occurrences, only to discover that life is full of unforeseen events. Reflecting on the recent chaos caused by utility workers in his neighborhood and the resulting costly damages, Carl questions the tendency to overlook the predictability of unpredictability. Listen in as Carl shares a refreshing perspective on navigating life's surprises!

How do you navigate the age-old struggle of finding a balance between living in the present and pursuing future goals? Carl explores the concept of being committed but not attached and examines the depth of that paradox. He reflects on the challenge of going all-in on a goal while still maintaining a sense of detachment from the outcome. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

On today's episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a personal story that spans years revolving around mysterious foot cramps. Through the lens of his health concerns and family history with Parkinson's, Carl explores the power of stories we tell ourselves. Listen in and reflect on the narratives you create and how easily confirmation bias can shape your perception!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the challenging realization that personal obstacles often lie within ourselves. He talks through the importance of action over knowledge and how important systematic habits are if you want to turn your intentions into reality. Drawing inspiration from Brian Johnson's concept of a daily protocol, Carl discusses the significance of pushing through when the desire to follow a routine wanes. He encourages listeners to identify one impactful thing they can commit to, schedule it, and rewire their response to overcome resistance. In the spirit of "Dancing With Dragons," Carl shares his personal commitment with listeners!Carl has received many requests for coaching or consulting, but he doesn’t offer those services. Instead, he has created something different: Dancing With Dragons. This experience involves spending a day together in Park City, Utah, with a loose structure of time outside, time around a table, and time around a fire. It is open to individuals, couples, and teams. For more information, go to https://www.dancingwithdragons.com/.

Join Carl on a preview of an exciting new podcast project where he explores "Conversations About Money and Meaning." Although he can't reveal all the details just yet, Carl shares an intriguing snippet from a recent conversation, reflecting on an op-ed from The New York Times about a Wall Street trader dissatisfied with a $3.6 million bonus because it wasn't enough. Delving into the elusive concept of "enoughness," Carl highlights the universal challenge of comparison in a world where the goalposts keep shifting. Whether it's the person next to you in the office or on social media, the subtle allure of more can make it challenging to appreciate what's truly enough!Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Carl explores a simple yet powerful point: Doing things differently, especially in your work life, is inherently confronting to others. Focusing on the specific example of working calmly, Carl delves into the fascinating phenomenon of how the mere act of choosing calmness can make people uncomfortable. In this episode, Carl reflects on the confrontational nature of opting out of the craziness and shares anecdotes of people's reactions, highlighting the discomfort caused by breaking the cultural agreement of constant busyness. Making unconventional choices might just be the key to growth, even if it means upsetting a few apple carts along the way!

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares a captivating story that unfolds over years, weaving through unexpected twists and turns. The narrative of this story raises intriguing questions about intuition, alignment, and the mysterious ways in which life unfolds. Carl invites listeners to consider the concept of being open to unexpected thoughts and experiences that may lead to remarkable outcomes.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode, Carl reflects on John Cleese's insight that creativity requires both time and space to flourish. If you're curious about unlocking your creative potential and intentionally setting aside time for it, Carl's thoughtful insights offer valuable guidance!Don’t wait around for creativity to come to you by accident. Be creative on purpose. Carl released a series of four episodes from Behavior Gap Radio on creating things. Just tell us below where to send you the unlocked episodes! https://behaviorgap.com/radio/the-process-of-creating-things/

Today, Carl tackles the tough subject of dealing with unthoughtful criticism or "haters." He defines haters as those who disagree without really thinking it through, often twisting words or refusing to understand. Carl shares his own strategy for handling such criticism, stressing the importance of not letting haters steal unnecessary attention. He talks about the power of deleting or ignoring unthoughtful comments as a way to avoid getting sucked into an emotional battle. Carl also shares a recent experience and walks through his approach for dealing with unthoughtful criticism, providing valuable insights for listeners dealing with similar situations.

Today, on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the importance of being "up to something." He expresses his admiration for individuals who carry a twinkle in their eyes, embodying a slight mischievousness that signals they are on a journey. Carl discusses the value of embracing nonconformity and misbehavior in a system that may not always be conducive to true well-being. Carl suggests that listeners should pay attention to their instincts without feeling the need to act on them right away. This helps them develop a better connection with their individual goals and desires.Carl coaches Real Financial Advisors at his community for advisors called The Society of Advice. Learn more at TheSocietyofAdvice.com.

On today's episode, Carl shares a thought-provoking story borrowed from Morgan Housel's book, "The Psychology of Money," featuring entrepreneur Derek Sivers. At the age of 22, earning a modest income and saving diligently, Derek reached a crucial point with $12,000 in the bank. The significant moment wasn't when he later sold his multimillion-dollar business; it was when he realized he had enough to pursue his passion for music and be financially free. Carl reflects on the powerful idea that having enough is not defined by a specific number or destination but is a state of being. Carl coaches Real Financial Advisors at his community for advisors called The Society of Advice. Learn more at TheSocietyofAdvice.com.

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the transformative power of permission in thinking differently about money. Thinking back on his time in New Zealand, Carl noticed that people didn't start conversations by asking, "What do you do for work?" Instead, they asked more meaningful questions. This shows the significance of asking questions that really count rather than sticking to the usual ones. He shares a pivotal moment when his wife challenged him to consider the possibility that making money could be fun and easy. Carl also emphasizes the significance of engaging in conversations about money with people from diverse backgrounds, as it opens the door to thoughts that had never crossed one's mind before. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl shares insights from a recent relationship bootcamp he attended with his wife. This was a transformative experience that prompted deep introspection! The central question, "Who taught you how to fight?" leads to a profound exploration of learned behaviors in relationships. The power of the question lies in its ability to unveil the origins of one's actions and prompts a realization that these lessons aren't fixed but can be reshaped consciously. If you grew up like Carl, you have been told you shouldn't talk about four things: money, sex, politics, and religion. Carl wants to change that when it comes to money. He wants to have conversations about money that actually matter. And that doesn't mean conversations about investments, insurance, or budgeting! Listen to 50 Fires to hear Carl have conversations about what money really means, our hopes and dreams, our fears and worries, and what it truly means to have enough. Learn more at https://www.50fires.com/

Listen as Carl shares a story about his friend Steve's encounter with a supplier who mistakenly ended up in the wrong state for a scheduled meeting. This amusing mix-up prompts Carl to ponder a crucial question: How often are we certain we're in the right place, following instructions, and yet find ourselves in the wrong state? It's time to question our assumptions and default to the possibility that they may be wrong! Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl explores the powerful combination of two concepts from Dan Sullivan: "Who Not How" and "10x Is Easier Than 2x." The synergy between these ideas becomes apparent as Carl talks about how finding the right individuals (the "who") and letting them work in their unique abilities can lead to exponential growth. Join Carl as he reflects on his journey toward 10x impact, freedom, and revenue while enjoying more "free days." Learn more about Dan Sullivan's books here: https://10xeasierbook.com/ and https://whonothow.com/

In this episode, Carl continues to unravel the transformative concepts from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy that have reshaped his life. This episode centers on Dan Sullivan's principle: "10x is easier than 2x." Carl candidly shares his initial resistance to this seemingly paradoxical idea, exploring the misconception that 10x growth implies more complexity and complications. Drawing from real-life experiences, he illustrates how honing in on a clear and ambitious goal requires greater dedication and focus and, ultimately, simplifies the path to success. Whether applied to revenue growth or personal goals like mountain biking, Carl delves into the power of 10x thinking and its liberating impact. If you liked this episode, you'd LOVE Carl's Weekly Letter. Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today, Carl introduces the first of a three-part series exploring transformative concepts from Dan Sullivan's Strategic Coach, as articulated in the book co-authored with Benjamin Hardy. Focusing on the game-changing principle of "Who Not How," Carl shares his profound journey with this approach and its immense impact on his life. Encouraging listeners to consider an alternative perspective when faced with challenges, he emphasizes the liberating power of seeking out "who" can accomplish the task rather than defaulting to the conventional "how" mindset. Listen in as this episode could reshape the way you approach problem-solving and lead to newfound clarity and efficiency!If you liked this episode, you'd LOVE Carl's Weekly Letter. Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In an exciting milestone, Carl celebrates the incredible journey to episode 800 of Behavior Gap Radio. Reflecting on the power of compounding small activities, he shares insights into the transformative impact of consistent effort, drawing parallels between the podcast's growth and the broader vision for Behavior Gap and its community. As Carl envisions the next 30 to 40 years of projects, including ambitious plans for annual Behavior Gap Festivals and book releases, he invites listeners to contemplate their own compounding activities. Carl talks about the significance of small, consistent actions over time.

Taking inspiration from Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin's timeless book "Your Money or Your Life," Carl shares a thought-provoking quote: "The first step of financial independence is liberating your mind." He encourages listeners to think through this idea during their walks or moments of reflection. While budgeting and financial strategies are valuable, true financial freedom starts with freeing our minds from limiting beliefs.If you liked this episode, you'd LOVE Carl's Weekly Letter. Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Behavior Gap Radio: www.behaviorgapradio.com/

Carl reflects on a profound quote by Desmond Tutu, the resilient South African Anglican Bishop and social rights activist. "When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough. And money? Money is never enough." While the source of the quote isn't pinpointed, Carl delves into relevant studies exploring the link between material possessions and happiness, uncovering intriguing insights. This episode of Behavior Gap Radio prompts contemplation on the true essence of wealth and happiness and the profound discovery that material possessions may never be enough, while the intangible—such as spiritual connection—holds infinite value.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl reflects on the enduring wisdom found in timeless traditions, specifically honing in on the recurrent theme that money serves as a distraction. Carl reflects on Rumi's wisdom: "The wealth you seek is in the heart, not the pocket." In today's world, where money's importance is amplified, what if we sought wealth within our hearts instead of material accumulation? This episode challenges the conventional view of wealth and encourages listeners to explore true sources of fulfillment and happiness. How might your life change if you pursued the richness of the heart over material wealth?

Carl explores the tension in the creative process, calling it "Dancing With Dragons." For artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking change, the gap between the ideal and reality can be both challenging and awe-inspiring. Carl shares how this tension is a vital part of the creative journey, not a source of frustration. He encourages listeners to embrace this dance, celebrating when vision aligns with reality and finding joy in the pursuit itself. How do you handle the tension in your creative process? Carl has received many requests for coaching or consulting, but he doesn’t offer those services. Instead, he has created something different: Dancing With Dragons. This experience involves spending a day together in Park City, Utah, with a loose structure of time outside, time around a table, and time around a fire. It is open to individuals, couples, and teams. For more information, go to https://www.dancingwithdragons.com/.

What matters most in your current situation? Which of those things can you control? What actions can you take right now? In this episode, Carl Richards discusses how to handle uncertainty in life or business. He shares his approach of staying clear-headed and making a list of things that matter in uncertain situations. Carl then narrows down that list to what can be controlled, encouraging listeners to push the boundaries of what they think is within their control. He emphasizes the importance of identifying actions to take based on this list and revisiting it when new information arises, avoiding unnecessary worry over things outside of our control.Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

How often do you find yourself comparing your success to others online? Today, on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl talks about the struggle with comparing ourselves to others, especially on social media. He shares his own experience of feeling inadequate after comparing his social media following to someone else's success and how his wife faced similar feelings on Instagram. Carl also discusses a conversation with a friend who runs a successful farm without being distracted by social media. Carl emphasizes the importance of unplugging from social media and focusing on what truly matters in life. He suggests getting involved in local community activities as a way to stay grounded. What helps you stay focused on your own goals and avoid comparison?

Have you ever noticed how similar all financial advisor websites look? Carl challenges the sameness in the financial advice industry. Why are so many afraid to stand out? Carl urges advisors to break free from clichés and embrace authenticity! He explores the fear of being different and the courage it takes to push boundaries and show up uniquely in a crowded field.If you like this episode, you'd LOVE The Society of Advice! Learn more here: https://thesocietyofadvice.com/

Today, Carl Richards discusses the concept of "value capture" beyond financial terms, focusing on how we can capture value in other important aspects of life, like friendships, outdoor experiences, and personal fulfillment. He shares a personal story about balancing the joy of backcountry skiing, which took significant time and effort, with the more efficient alternative of Nordic skiing near his home. Carl emphasizes the importance of understanding what value we’re trying to capture through our activities and making thoughtful decisions based on that. How are you capturing value in your life? Can you adjust your approach to focus more on what truly matters to you?

In this episode, Carl shares a personal reflection on raising children and teaching the value of hard work. He talks about balancing traditional part-time jobs with meaningful opportunities like internships and leadership roles in clubs. Carl explains that while jobs like working at a coffee shop teach valuable lessons, some extracurricular activities may offer a better return on investment in terms of skills and future opportunities. For his family, prioritizing these opportunities has been key to developing values like hard work and proactivity.

Are there ways you can better align your time and energy with your values? Today on Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the mental framework of "value creation and capture," applying it to everyday activities like spending time with friends. He emphasizes that value capture isn’t just about money but also about time, energy, and attention. By understanding the value we want to express—such as friendship or connection—we can make more aligned choices, like opting for a walk with a friend instead of a formal lunch. This approach can help us better align our resources with what truly matters. 

In this episode, Carl unpacks the “process of creating things,” removing the pressure from terms like “creative process” or “art.” He explains that creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration; it’s about creating a process that invites magic to happen. Carl shares how he schedules regular time to sit down and create, regardless of how he feels in the moment. By treating creativity like a job with structure and routine, he’s able to consistently produce work. How can you create the conditions for your own magic to show up?

Join Carl in this heartfelt episode of Behavior Gap Radio as he explores the struggle of feeling unsettled in one’s own plan. Have you ever felt like you’re searching for understanding and belonging? Why do we apologize for our complex nature? Carl reflects on a social media exchange and shares his own challenges in balancing simplicity with chasing something deeper. 

Why is it so hard to feel like we are “enough”? In this episode, Carl explores the concept of structural scarcity—a scarcity mindset built into our systems and culture. From the way we talk about getting ahead to the pressure of keeping up with others, scarcity is everywhere. Carl reflects on the challenge of living in a system that promotes competition and never-ending consumption and how difficult it is to resist moving the goalposts in life. Join Carl on this insightful journey of reflection and practice in navigating the complexities of scarcity and sufficiency.

In this episode, Carl tells the story of someone who reached out to him, struggling with a toxic relationship with money despite having $1.2 million in savings. As soon as the number is mentioned, Carl highlights how our minds tend to shift into judgment mode, trying to evaluate whether this person “should” be struggling. He challenges us to stop using net worth, income, or spending as a tool for judgment and instead focus on the real issue—money struggles often have little to do with the actual amount of money. How does your brain react when you hear someone’s financial situation? Is it possible to look beyond the numbers and empathize with their struggles?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What happens when small negative events aren’t processed? In this episode, Carl Richards introduces the concept of "micro-PTSD," describing how small events accumulate over time and, if not metabolized, create a state of disequilibrium. Using the analogy of a clogged funnel, Carl discusses the importance of ritualistic ways to process these events, such as journaling, meditation, or time spent in nature. Could regular reflection or rituals help prevent emotional buildup in your life?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What are some tasks or commitments you can start delegating or eliminating? Carl reflects on the simple yet powerful idea of doing more of what lights you up and less of what doesn’t. He shares how life has improved as he’s become more intentional about focusing on what energizes him and delegating or eliminating tasks that drain him. The challenge, he says, is figuring out what those things are—and it’s a process that takes time. Sometimes, it’s easier to start with a “stop doing” list, identifying things that don’t bring energy and gradually removing them from your life. Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl dives into the concept of finding "Your Thing"—the unique pursuit that you’re meant to do. He emphasizes that this process is deeply personal and often tied to rediscovering who you truly are. While it sounds simple, Carl explains that uncovering your thing is challenging, requiring self-awareness and perseverance. He encourages listeners to be patient with themselves in this process. What’s "Your Thing,” and how can you start uncovering it?

Today, Carl shares a powerful quote from Lao Tzu: "If you're not always trying to be someone, you can be who you really are and go the whole way." He reflects on what it means to stop striving to be someone else and instead embrace who we truly are. Carl shares his own journey toward being fully himself in his work and life, and he invites listeners to consider what going “the whole way” means for them. How would your life or work change if you fully embraced who you are?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

What does it mean to truly be yourself? In this episode of Behavior Gap Radio, Carl Richards shares a quote from Bruce Lee: “Always be yourself. Express yourself. Have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” Carl discusses the temptation to imitate others in the early stages of our careers and how real growth happens when we step into our own identity. He encourages listeners to follow the example of others but not to become trapped by imitation. 

Carl shares a famous quote from Picasso: “If you are a soldier, you will become a general. If you are a monk, you will become the pope. Instead, I was a painter, and I became Picasso.” In this episode, Carl reflects on the influence of those closest to us, especially in shaping our desires and career paths. Carl touches on mimetic desire—the tendency to copy others' desires—and how challenging it can be to uncover our true selves beneath layers of societal expectations. How much of your life has been shaped by others’ expectations, and what would it look like to truly follow your own path?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/

Today, Carl introduces a series on finding "Your Thing," a concept he believes applies to everyone. He explains that "Your Thing” doesn’t have to be heroic or career-related, but it is deeply personal and a reflection of who you are. What’s "Your Thing," and are you ready to start uncovering it?Want more from Carl? Get the shortest, most impactful weekly email on the web! Sign up for the Weekly Letter from Certified Financial Planner™ and New York Times columnist Carl Richards here: https://behaviorgap.com/