#156 Kelly McGonigal on Revealing One Change That Will Dramatically Improve Your Life | Impact Theory

On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Dr. Kelly McGonigal explains how to change your emotional states through physical movement, and also explains why movement has such a strong effect on the brain. She also describes ways to become more compassionate, shares the story of her own struggles with chronic pain, and gives surprising insights into why it’s not always good to try to control your inner experiences.  This episode is brought to you by: Audible: Start listening with a 30-day Audible trial. Choose 1 audiobook and 2 Audible Originals absolutely free. Visit audible.com/impact or text IMPACT to 500-500 Blinkist: Go to https://blinkist.com/impact Try it FREE for 7 days and save 25% off your new subscription. HelloFresh: For $80 off your first month of HelloFresh, go to HelloFresh.com/IMPACT80 and enter IMPACT80. SHOW NOTES: “This is the book I was born to write.” [3:30] Movement and exercise are essential to mental well-being [4:15] Kelly explains the hypothesis that we have large brains for physical movement [5:50] Tom and Kelly discuss runner’s high and why he doesn’t get it [7:12] Working out your core reduces anxiety [11:03] Kelly explains how your brain receives information from your muscles and tendons [11:51] Kelly and Tom discuss how physical improvement changes your self-image [13:15] Kelly talks about why it’s not always good to try to control your inner experiences [17:53] Kelly describes her experience with chronic pain [21:05] Kelly has a strong gut instinct for whether or not things are consistent with her values [24:00] How do you teach someone to be compassionate and self-compassionate? [27:56] How to be a better listener [31:41] Kelly explains how she teaches self-compassion [34:52] Tom’s crucial insight that even the average human is the ultimate adaptation machine [38:05] Tom and Kelly discuss competition and cooperation [40:48] Kelly describes overcoming the need to be better than others [42:33] Kelly shares the impact she wants to have on the world [44:29]  FOLLOW: WEBSITE: kellymcgonigal.com INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2NuymKX FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/3aeLYE1 TWITTER: https://bit.ly/2swZkKX    Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness.  This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJaz Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices