Digital Social Hour Podcast Summary

Episode: The REAL Reason 95% Can't Break Bad Habits (Psychology Expert) | Kaylor Betts DSH #999
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Kaylor Betts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Kaylor Betts, a psychology expert and fellow podcast host. The discussion delves into the psychological underpinnings of why the majority struggle to break bad habits, the role of the subconscious mind, critiques of the Western medical system, and the impact of capitalism on our lifestyles and mental health.

Personal Journeys and Overcoming Struggles

Kaylor Betts opens up about his personal battles with mental health, sharing his journey from struggling to graduate high school to becoming a successful podcast host:

"As someone who didn't grow, graduate from high school, and struggled to get out of bed for most of his life, it's pretty cool." (01:17)

Both Kaylor and Sean relate over shared experiences of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse and escapism:

"I would just smoke weed and drink and eat shitty food and watch porn and smoke cigarettes and, like, do anything that I could to just, you know, escape the reality that was my life." (03:24)

The Subconscious Mind and Its Influence

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the subconscious mind's role in perpetuating bad habits and hindering personal growth. Kaylor explains that the subconscious governs 90-95% of our thoughts and actions:

"The subconscious mind is 90 to 95% of your day. 90 to 95% of your thoughts, actions, ideas, and emotions are subconscious." (34:13)

He emphasizes that the subconscious is primarily geared towards survival, seeking safety and comfort based on ancestral conditioning:

"Its main agenda is to avoid the threats. So think about it. We're living in this new environment where survival is not success anymore." (36:37)

Kaylor introduces the concept of the "anti-you," a part of oneself that perpetuates negative behaviors to maintain perceived safety:

"The subconscious, the deep internal programming would look at that as a threat and you would get triggered... it's just your body screaming at you." (03:24)

Critique of the Western Medical System and Pharmaceutical Industry

The conversation shifts to a critique of the Western medical establishment's handling of mental health issues. Kaylor expresses frustration with the superficial treatments offered, such as brief talk therapy and medications that fail to address root causes:

"When you go there with anxiety, depression, you can't focus anything chronic. Did they have no clue." (08:33)

Sean adds to this critique by highlighting the pressure on doctors to meet prescription quotas, influenced by pharmaceutical companies:

"Doctors at large corporations have quotas to hit for prescriptions. So it's similar to police officers." (09:16)

The discussion underscores the systemic failures in addressing chronic mental health issues, emphasizing the need for more holistic and individualized approaches.

Impact of Capitalism on Food Systems and Lifestyle

Kaylor delves into how capitalism influences dietary choices and public health. He critiques the prevalence of highly processed foods and seed oils, linking them to widespread health issues:

"We're so disconnected from what makes us human. We're so disconnected from the primal lifestyle, what's ancestrally consistent and how we've lived for most of human history." (10:31)

He advocates for government intervention to promote healthier food options and criticizes the lack of stringent regulations on food additives:

"I think the government needs to step in and start incentivizing people and corporations." (17:15)

The conversation also touches on the rising costs of fast food and the paradox of unhealthy eating being marketed as both convenient and affordable:

"Now you could eat healthy for the same price as fast food." (20:48)

Strategies for Breaking Bad Habits and Reconditioning the Subconscious

Kaylor offers practical strategies for overcoming bad habits by reconditioning the subconscious mind. He explains that true change requires:

1. Repetition and Emotion: Repeated actions and emotional experiences shape subconscious programming.
2. Conscious Observation: Becoming aware of automatic reactions and observing them creates space for intentional responses.

He introduces techniques inspired by Viktor Frankl's philosophy, emphasizing the importance of the space between stimulus and response:

"Your freedom lies between stimulus and response." (42:59)

Kaylor advocates for practices such as mindfulness, self-observation, and emotional acceptance to disrupt negative patterns:

"Instead of reacting, you can choose to respond and show empathy, compassion." (40:00)

The Role of Capitalism and Government in Personal Health

The dialogue continues with Kaylor balancing his capitalist beliefs with the necessity for government intervention in public health:

"I'm a capitalist, but I do believe there has to be some guardrails there." (17:25)

He highlights how consumer demand can drive positive changes in the market, such as restaurants adopting healthier ingredients:

"People are voting with every dollar they spend and they're requesting." (17:25)

Kaylor also stresses the importance of personal responsibility in making healthier lifestyle choices, advocating for whole foods and natural products.

Concluding Thoughts and Takeaways

As the conversation nears its end, Kaylor reinforces the message that understanding and reconditioning the subconscious is pivotal for personal growth and breaking bad habits:

"Winners don't make decisions based off how they feel in the moment because that's their thoughts and their emotions. They make decisions and actions based off their long term values and commitments." (47:07)

Both Sean and Kaylor agree on the significance of self-awareness and intentional living, encouraging listeners to take control of their subconscious programming to achieve lasting success and well-being.

Kaylor invites listeners to explore his own podcast, Awaken Winning, promising over 400 episodes filled with inspiring guests and insights:

"The Awaken Winning podcast is my podcast. And yeah, we're coming up on 400 episodes at some point here." (49:26)

Notable Quotes

• Kaylor Betts:
  "The subconscious mind is 90 to 95% of your day. 90 to 95% of your thoughts, actions, ideas, and emotions are subconscious." (34:13)
  "Genes hold the gun, environment pulls the trigger." (12:06)
  "Winners don't make decisions based off how they feel in the moment because that's their thoughts and their emotions." (47:07)

• Sean Kelly:
  "How messed up is that?" (09:27)
  "That's an important message because there's a lot of people watching this that just follow their thoughts to the T." (48:08)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers listeners a profound exploration of the psychological barriers to breaking bad habits and the systemic factors that perpetuate them. Kaylor Betts provides actionable insights into reconditioning the subconscious mind, advocating for a balanced approach that combines personal responsibility with necessary societal and governmental changes. The candid exchange between Sean Kelly and Kaylor Betts serves as both a mirror and a guide for anyone seeking to overcome entrenched habits and achieve personal and professional growth in today's complex world.

Find Kaylor Betts' Podcast:
Awaken Winning can be found on major podcast platforms. Stay updated with his latest episodes by visiting Awaken Winning.

Note: The timestamps are based on the provided transcript segments.