logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
45m 24s

466. Declutter Your Mind: Behavioral Eco...

MELINA PALMER
About this episode

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the art of organizing your brain using behavioral economics principles. Feeling overwhelmed and scattered? You're not alone. Melina shares practical strategies to help streamline your mental processes, reduce stress, and boost productivity, drawing from behavioral economics insights. Originally aired in January 2020, this episode remains as relevant as ever, offering timeless advice on decluttering both your physical and digital spaces.

In this episode:

  • Discover the impact of clutter on decision-making and how it leads to poor choices.
  • Learn about the "chocolate cake study" and its implications for understanding brain overload.
  • Explore practical tips for decluttering your workspace and digital life to enhance focus.
  • Gain insights into productivity tools like Gantt charts, Trello, and the snooze function in Gmail.
  • Understand how to use the KonMari method and other organizational strategies for a more streamlined life.

Show Notes:

00:00:00 - Introduction
Melina Palmer introduces the episode and the relevance of organizing your brain with behavioral economics.

00:05:00 - The Chocolate Cake Study
Discussion on how mental overload leads to poor decision-making using a famous study as an example.

00:15:12 - Impact of Clutter
How clutter affects stress levels, productivity, and decision-making.

00:22:36 - Decluttering Strategies
Tips for organizing physical and digital spaces, including the Konmari method and digital decluttering.

00:26:17 - Productivity Tools
Introduction to tools like Gantt charts, Trello, and Gmail snooze function to manage tasks effectively.

00:35:12 - Conclusion,
What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show. 

I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation.

Let’s connect:

Learn and Support The Brainy Business:

Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

Top Recommended Next EpisodeAn Overview of Lazy Brain Biases (ep 53)

Already Heard That One? Try These: 

Other Important Links: 

Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

Up next
Today
513. The Power of Meaningful Work
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Wes Adams and Tamara Miles, co-authors of the impactful book, Meaningful Work. Together, they explore the concept of meaningful work and its profound effects on employee satisfaction and productivity. Wi ... Show More
55m 7s
Jul 8
512. Rethinking the Office: How to Lead Hybrid Teams Effectively
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts and author of the practical guide on returning to the office. This refreshed episode, originally aired in October 2021, remains highly relevant as organiza ... Show More
54m 11s
Jul 3
511. Staying Human in the Age of AI: Insights from SXSW 2025
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer shares a dynamic panel discussion from SXSW 2025, titled Enough with the Delving: Staying Human in the Age of AI. With insights from industry experts, the conversation addresses the challenges and opportunities present ... Show More
59m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 15
How to Ask Good Questions
Asking the right questions is at the heart of great business analysis—and in this episode, we’re taking a look at what makes a good question. Host Susan Moore is joined by Jamie Champagne, LinkedIn Learning instructor, author and speaker, as they explore how thoughtful questionin ... Show More
54m 7s
Mar 2025
Curiosity Over Questioning
What’s the difference between curiosity and questioning in relationships? Learn about the importance of approaching emotional challenges with openness rather than interrogation. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren share their personal journey into couples therapy, attachment theory, and th ... Show More
52m 34s
Sep 2024
More Happier: The Joy of Deadlines, Couples Therapy & Pondering One of Life’s Big Questions
We talk about how deadlines can boost our happiness, and how a TV show can spark a useful conversation with a teenager about values. Plus we debate a challenging question about how to navigate life’s challenges. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Follow on social media: @Gre ... Show More
21m 42s
Apr 28
5 Questions that Expose a Man
Get help in Marriage:⭐ FOR SINGLE: 💓 Compatibility Bundle (Key Questions) https://www.mindful-muslimah.com/compatibility-bundle/💓 Full Master Course (Fast-Track Your Search for a Spouse) https://www.mindful-muslimah.com/muslim-marriage-lab-master-course/-----------------------D ... Show More
16m 52s
Aug 2024
594: Charles Duhigg - Asking Deeper Questions, Developing Listening Skills, The Matching Principle, The Harvard Study, and How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection (Super Communicators)
Read our book, The Score That Matters https://amzn.to/3XxHi7p Full show notes at www.LearningLeader.com  This episode is supported by Insight Global. Insight Global is a staffing company dedicated to empowering people. Please CLICK HERE for premier staffing and talent. Ask deep q ... Show More
46m 21s
Jan 2025
733: FRIDAY FAVE: How to Grow Your Confidence
We’re kicking off something new and exciting on The Rachel Hollis Podcast—welcome to Friday Favorites! Over the last eight years, we’ve had some incredible conversations with world-class experts, inspiring guests, and, of course, YOU. This series is all about revisiting the episo ... Show More
54m 36s
Oct 2024
AMA #2: Procrastination Blockers - Understanding Enthusiasm - Auditory Processing Myths - Writing & Research Strategies - Scary People
Navigate different challenges by building understanding, mental models and good strategy. In this episode of the Growth Mindset Psychology Podcast, host Sam Webster Harris dives into a range of listener questions: How do Auditory processing difficulties affect willingness to lear ... Show More
35m 49s
Nov 2024
Lori Gottlieb: 7 Answers to Dating Questions You’re Afraid to Ask & How to Break Free from Relationship Timelines
Have you ever felt stuck in a negative relationship cycle? Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries in your relationships? Today, Jay welcomes back a community favorite, the renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and podcast host Lori Gottlieb, for an insightful cha ... Show More
1h 23m