Building Better Humans Project

Recognizing Negativity Bias: The Silent Confidence Killer

In this powerful episode of the Building Better Humans Project podcast, host Glenn explores the concept of negativity bias - our brain's tendency to notice negative experiences faster, feel them more deeply, and remember them longer than positive ones. This isn't just theoretical psychology; it's an ancient survival mechanism that's actively affecting your relationships, career decisions, and emotional wellbeing right now. Glenn shares personal examples from his military background to illustrate how this evolutionary wiring, while once crucial for survival, now silently erodes our confidence and happiness in the modern world.

This episode isn't about pointing fingers at others but recognizing this pattern within ourselves. As Glenn powerfully states, "Negativity bias isn't your fault, but it is your responsibility." Through practical tools and a framework for awareness, listeners will discover how to identify when negativity bias is hijacking their thoughts and learn specific techniques to counter its effects.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**2:15** - Definition of negativity bias and why it's hardwired into our brains
* Your brain treats negative information as survival threats
* One negative comment outweighs ten compliments

**4:30** - Real-world examples of negativity bias in:
* Relationships - focusing on one mistake instead of consistent support
* Parenting - remembering the one bad moment with your teenager
* Work - letting one failure overshadow twenty wins
* Self-belief - defining yourself by mistakes rather than progress

**7:45** - Five practical tools to counter negativity bias:
* Name it as it's happening
* Ask better questions to challenge assumptions
* Slow down your response
* Balance the scales by deliberately reinforcing positivity
* Regulate your nervous system

**11:20** - Five reflection questions to identify your patterns
* Where does negativity bias hit you hardest?
* Recent examples from your own life
* The long-term cost if left unchecked

**14:30** - Information about upcoming retreats and adventure opportunities

Ready to break free from the grip of negativity bias and unlock better relationships, calmer decision-making, and greater confidence? This episode provides the awareness and tools you need to update your mental "software" and become a little better today than you were yesterday. Listen now and discover how managing this one cognitive pattern could transform your entire life.

The Quiet Saboteur: Understanding Cognitive Dissonance

Are you living in alignment with who you say you want to be? In this powerful episode of the Building Better Humans Project podcast, host Glenn Azar tackles cognitive dissonance - that uncomfortable tension we feel when our actions contradict our values. Rather than pointing fingers at others, this "mirror episode" challenges listeners to examine their own patterns and blind spots. Glenn reveals how our brains cleverly change our stories instead of changing our behaviors, keeping us stuck in cycles of justification and excuses that prevent real growth.

Through practical examples across health, relationships, finances, career, and personal development, Glenn illuminates how cognitive dissonance quietly sabotages our progress in every area of life. This episode isn't about judgment - it's about awareness and the transformative power of aligning your actions with your values.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**2:30** - Definition of cognitive dissonance: the uncomfortable tension when actions don't align with values
**4:15** - Real-life examples in health, relationships, and finances
**8:20** - How your brain protects you by changing narratives instead of behaviors
**9:45** - Five critical self-reflection questions to identify your own dissonance
**12:00** - The choice: change your story (excuses) or change your behavior (growth)
**14:30** - Simple daily practice for creating awareness and alignment
**16:45** - How adventure strips away stories and reveals truth about ourselves

Ready to break free from the cycle of excuses and justification that's keeping you stuck? This episode offers the clarity and practical steps needed to close the gap between who you say you are and how you actually behave. Listen now to discover how facing uncomfortable truths about yourself can be the catalyst for profound personal transformation and growth.

The Privilege of Pursuing Your Dreams

Are you tired of the daily grind? Feeling overwhelmed by the business you built? In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn challenges listeners to reframe their perspective on privilege. It's not about having things handed to you—it's about being in a position to do what you once only dreamed of doing. Glenn shares his personal philosophy on entrepreneurship and why he embraces the challenges of running his own business rather than settling for the predictable 9-to-5 routine that never suited him.

This episode offers a refreshing perspective for business owners who might be feeling burnt out or questioning their path. Glenn reminds us that feeling tired from the work you once begged the universe for is actually a blessing—a privilege that comes from creating a life on purpose rather than settling for someone else's vision.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**1:15** - Redefining privilege: Being able to do what you dreamed about years ago
**3:40** - The freedom of entrepreneurship versus the predictability of 9-to-5 jobs
**6:20** - "What a privilege to be tired from the work you once begged the universe for"
**8:05** - Aaron's story: Taking the leap to start a business despite having a mortgage and family
**10:30** - Challenge to listeners: If there's a dream in your bones, take the leap

Are you feeling called to build a life on purpose rather than just going through the motions? Whether you're already on this journey or contemplating taking that first step, this episode will inspire you to embrace the challenges as privileges. Tune in now to shift your perspective and find renewed energy for the path you've chosen—or the one you're about to begin.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Why do some people overcome extreme trauma while others struggle with seemingly minor challenges? In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn explores this fascinating question without judgment or comparison. Through powerful examples of resilience—from UFC fighter Mark Hunt surviving horrific childhood abuse to Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson overcoming his mother's murder—Glenn examines what allows certain individuals to transform their deepest pain into remarkable strength.

This episode delves into the stories of extraordinary people who refused to be defined by their trauma. From Grace Tame confronting her abuser to Damian Tomlinson rebuilding his life after losing both legs in Afghanistan, these accounts provide perspective without diminishing anyone else's struggles. Glenn emphasizes that while trauma is real for everyone, moving forward is always possible—even if incredibly difficult.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

**0:00-3:30** - Introduction to the concept of resilience and why some handle adversity better than others
**3:30-8:45** - Examples of resilient individuals including Mark Hunt, Mark Donaldson, and Grace Tame
**8:45-13:20** - Personal stories of trauma and recovery, including Glen's partner's experiences
**13:20-25:00** - Anthony Griffith's powerful story of performing comedy while his daughter battled cancer
**25:00-27:30** - Final thoughts on human capacity for resilience and moving forward

Whether you're facing your own challenges or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers a powerful reminder of human resilience. Listen to gain perspective on how we can all find strength to move forward, even in our darkest moments. As Glenn says, "Whatever you are going through, you have the capacity to get through it."

Turn Pro: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Are you tired of dabbling in your dreams instead of living them? In this powerful episode, Glenn dives into Stephen Pressfield's transformative concept of "Turning Pro" - that pivotal moment when you stop negotiating with yourself and fully commit to your goals. This isn't about motivation; it's about transformation. The amateur dreams while the professional delivers, and this episode reveals exactly how that shift happens in your mind and daily actions.

What separates those who achieve their dreams from those who merely talk about them? It's not talent or luck - it's the decision to operate with professional discipline rather than amateur inconsistency. Glenn breaks down the invisible force of "resistance" that keeps us playing small and offers a practical three-step framework to make the transition from amateur to professional in any area of your life.

Episode Highlights:

**2:15** - The fundamental difference between amateurs and professionals
**5:30** - Understanding resistance and how it disguises fear as logic
**8:45** - Why discipline creates freedom and momentum trumps motivation
**12:20** - The identity shift required to truly "turn pro"
**15:40** - The costs and sacrifices of professional commitment
**18:10** - Step 1: Make a definitive decision, not a wish
**19:25** - Step 2: Create systems and structures that support consistency
**21:00** - Step 3: Embrace the long game and trust the process

Ready to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start making real progress on your goals? This episode will challenge you to examine where you've been playing small and give you the mindset tools to finally commit fully to your dreams. Listen now and make today the day you turn pro in the areas of life that matter most to you.