Change Wired

Designed for Humans: research backed "brain hacks" for greater work performance, better eating and smarter choices.

Angela Shurina Season 2025

Ever wonder why you can't just willpower your way to better habits, doing better work and making smarter choices? The answer lies not in trying harder, but in understanding how your brain actually works.  

The most powerful force shaping our behaviors isn't conscious decision-making—it's our environment.  

Research consistently shows that what surrounds us impacts our choices far more than we realize

This environmental influence extends to every aspect of our lives. Researchers have identified the "zip code effect"—the remarkable finding that where you live predicts your health outcomes better than your genetic makeup. Your neighborhood influences your activity levels and food choices so powerfully that it can affect your lifespan by 10-20 years. Similarly, your social circles—both in-person and digital—shape your aspirations and behaviors more profoundly than conscious goal-setting

Even work motivation follows this pattern. While we often believe perks or compensation drive performance, Teresa Amabile's research reveals that experiencing regular progress toward meaningful goals is actually the most powerful motivator. When we can see our efforts adding up to something significant, our engagement naturally increases—regardless of external rewards.  

The takeaway?  

Stop fighting against your natural tendencies and start creating environments that make your desired behaviors the path of least resistance. Architect your physical spaces, social circles, and work processes to naturally guide you toward better choices. By designing your life around how your brain actually works—not how you think it works—you can achieve lasting change with less struggle and more satisfaction. Share this episode with someone who's trying to make a change in their life!  

  

Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas

Support the show

Brought to you by Angela Shurina

Behavior-First, Executive and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant

People on this episode

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

Huberman Lab Artwork

Huberman Lab

Scicomm Media
Hidden Brain Artwork

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
A Slight Change of Plans Artwork

A Slight Change of Plans

Pushkin Industries
The Tim Ferriss Show Artwork

The Tim Ferriss Show

Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig
The Peter Attia Drive Artwork

The Peter Attia Drive

Peter Attia, MD
FoundMyFitness Artwork

FoundMyFitness

Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
Consulting Success Podcast Artwork

Consulting Success Podcast

Consulting Success
CHANGE@WORK Artwork

CHANGE@WORK

Daggerwing Group