#159 - Derek Sivers - Useful, Not True — Built Not Born

Built Not Born Podcast with Derek Sivers 🎙️ Episode: Useful, Not True - Choosing Better Beliefs

"We choose what we believe not because it's absolutely true, but because it's useful to believe it." - Derek Sivers

In this episode, Joe welcomes back best selling author Derek Sivers for a deep dive into his new book "Useful, Not True" and explores how our beliefs shape our reality. Derek shares insights on choosing beliefs that serve us better and making peace with what we can't control.

Episode Highlights ⭐

🕒 00:00 - 03:45 - Introduction and catching up

Jiu-jitsu training space as a podcast background
Previous podcast appearance discussion
Derek's book writing process

🕒 03:46 - 12:30 - Exploring "Useful, Not True"

Core concept of choosing beneficial beliefs
Derek's research journey through philosophy and religion
Writing approach and keeping books concise

🕒 12:31 - 20:15 - Emotions and Decision Making

How emotions decide before logic kicks in
The importance of mental state
Strategies for controlling emotional responses

🕒 20:16 - 28:45 - Questions for Self-Reflection

Identifying outdated beliefs
Dealing with distractions
Finding your top priority

🕒 28:46 - 35:30 - Making Peace with Uncertainty

Being okay regardless of outcomes
Derek's experience moving from Oxford to New Zealand
Adapting to unexpected changes

🕒 35:31 - 45:00 - Rapid Fire Questions

Best investments in life
Dealing with overwhelm
Future plans and priorities

Key Takeaways 🎯

Choose beliefs based on their usefulness rather than absolute truth
Control your response to situations by managing your mental state
Regularly question whether your old beliefs still serve you
Journal daily to gain clarity when feeling overwhelmed
There's always another way to look at any situation

Resources Mentioned 📚

Connect with Derek 🌐

#BuiltNotBorn #DerekSivers #UsefulNotTrue #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #JoeCiccarone #MindsetShift #Podcast #Philly #NewZealand #Beliefs #true #author #books