Alex Hutchinson - Breaking Through Mental Barriers & Exploration vs Exploitation
Wed Aug 20 2025
Most people think they've hit their limits when they're actually nowhere close.
Alex Hutchinson returns to the show for his second appearance. As a journalist and author, he's spent years studying the science of human performance. His first book Endure was a New York Times bestseller.
His latest book, The Explorer's Gene, tackles a fundamental question: when do you push into unknown territory, and when do you stick with what works?
Today we explore the exploration versus exploitation dilemma - the choice athletes face every race between sticking with proven strategies or risking everything to test new approaches. The same decision defines careers, businesses, and life.
Alex's research reveals we have a "central governor" in our brains that pulls the plug early, protecting us from discomfort but also preventing breakthroughs.
TALKING POINTS:
Why the wall you think you've hit probably isn't your actual limitThe "central governor" theory and how your brain protects you by holding you backHow to build tolerance for uncertainty like elite athletes doThe exploration vs exploitation dilemma in careers and business decisionsWhy "optimism in the face of uncertainty" is the optimal mathematical strategyHow to know when to explore new paths vs exploit existing knowledgeThe danger of stopping exploration too early in life and career
LINKS:
The Explorer's Gene book
Endure book
Alex's writing at Outside Magazine
Alex's LinkedIn
Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation - HERE
Ollie on Work
Ollie's LinkedIn
Ollie on Work newsletter
My Book Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Most people think they've hit their limits when they're actually nowhere close. Alex Hutchinson returns to the show for his second appearance. As a journalist and author, he's spent years studying the science of human performance. His first book Endure was a New York Times bestseller. His latest book, The Explorer's Gene, tackles a fundamental question: when do you push into unknown territory, and when do you stick with what works? Today we explore the exploration versus exploitation dilemma - the choice athletes face every race between sticking with proven strategies or risking everything to test new approaches. The same decision defines careers, businesses, and life. Alex's research reveals we have a "central governor" in our brains that pulls the plug early, protecting us from discomfort but also preventing breakthroughs. TALKING POINTS: Why the wall you think you've hit probably isn't your actual limitThe "central governor" theory and how your brain protects you by holding you backHow to build tolerance for uncertainty like elite athletes doThe exploration vs exploitation dilemma in careers and business decisionsWhy "optimism in the face of uncertainty" is the optimal mathematical strategyHow to know when to explore new paths vs exploit existing knowledgeThe danger of stopping exploration too early in life and career LINKS: The Explorer's Gene book Endure book Alex's writing at Outside Magazine Alex's LinkedIn Interested in me sharing insights on these topics with your team? Book a free consultation - HERE Ollie on Work Ollie's LinkedIn Ollie on Work newsletter My Book Work/Life Flywheel, was shortlisted for the Business Book Awards 2024. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.