About this episode

In Episode 42, Richard Spitzer joins me to tackle the elusive concept of positivity. After retirement, Richard encountered struggles that popular positivity advice couldn’t solve. Using his professional expertise, he became his own subject, deconstructing positivity into a step-by-step practice that could produce real, lasting change. Today, Richard’s work helps people shift from vague optimism to Applied Positivity—a structured approach that helps you build positivity into your life, understand how it impacts success, and recognize when you’re truly in a positive state.

Episode Takeaways

Because he had grown frustrated with the vague advice to “just be more positive”, Richard applied his research background to transform positivity from an abstract ideal into a practical, measurable habit.

• The Journey to Positivity: Learn how Richard transitioned from a successful business career to writing books and creating courses on positivity, showing how analytical minds can embrace positivity.
• The Science Behind Positivity: Discover how positivity goes beyond “good vibes”—it’s about measurable habits and practices that help overcome setbacks and boost motivation.
• The 68% Sweet Spot: Learn about the ideal positivity level—what Richard calls the “positivity sweet spot”—and why it’s crucial for success.
• Breaking Through Negative Bias: Understand the human tendency towards negativity and how to counteract it with positivity habits, using tools like the “positivity scorecard.”
• Turning Intangible Concepts into Measurable Practices: Discover how Richard’s approach makes positivity measurable and practical, bridging philosophy and real-world application.
• Positivity Pitfalls: Why positivity alone can’t compensate for the wrong goals and how to use positivity effectively in your career and personal life.
• Building Positivity into Everyday Life: Get practical advice on making positivity a habit through small daily actions, building resilience, and persevering through tough times for success.

Ready to Build a Real Positivity Habit?

If you’re tired of hearing “just be positive” without real guidance, this episode is for you. Richard’s insights provide a practical roadmap for creating a positivity habit that drives results and helps you thrive, both in your career and beyond.