https://youtu.be/i1TcY7yp4Us?si=9QQO9WXC4IyOUtV6
this is the summary of the video :
In this video of Solved, host Mark Manson and his researcher, Drew, analyze 19 common self-improvement techniques by reviewing over 2,600 studies. They rank these practices based on research quality, consistency, and effect size to determine which are genuinely effective versus those that are ineffective or potentially harmful.
The techniques are categorized into four tiers:
Bullsht (Harmful or Ineffective):* This category includes practices often based on emotional indulgence or pseudo-science. Key examples include:
Suppressing negative thoughts (6:13), which is ranked the worst.
Microdosing psychedelics (10:53).
Intuitive decision-making (17:29).
Catharsis/Venting anger (24:11).
Probably Not Helping (Placebo or Low Effect): These are practices that likely don't cause harm but offer little objective benefit. Examples include:
Crystal healing (27:45).
Willpower/Ego depletion (30:11).
Power posing (35:02).
Learning styles (39:57).
Positive affirmations (41:18).
Morning routines (44:58).
Works Sometimes (Context Dependent): These practices have some evidence but often rely on specific implementations or placebo effects:
Positive visualization (52:36), which is most effective when paired with action planning (56:37).
Energy healing (59:59).
Cold water immersion (1:09:35).
Speed reading (1:16:53).
Legitimately Works (High Evidence): These are the most robust practices, often focusing on actionable behavior rather than cognitive manipulation:
Gratitude interventions (1:23:54).
Meditation (1:29:45), primarily for stress and anxiety.
"Eat the Frog" / Hardest task first (1:33:31).
Bibliotherapy (1:38:42), specifically reading high-quality self-help books.
Behavioral activation (1:47:30), which is ranked as the #1 most effective technique, emphasizing that motivation follows action (1:54:14).
by A7med2361997