Archive - Locally Optimal

Aim at what you want!

Listen now | Max and Chris discuss how aiming at what you want gets you more of what you want — and how aiming at what you don’t want gets you more of…

Jun 6 •

and

6:38

“Flaky breakthroughs” pervade coaching — but no one tracks them

Has someone you know ever had a “breakthrough” from coaching, meditation, or psychedelics — only to later have it fade?

Jun 4 •

You are happy by default

If you’re unhappy, things and experiences will make you happier… right?

Jun 3 •

May 2025

Social anxiety isn't about being liked

There's this popular idea that socially anxious folks are just dying to be liked.

May 16 •

Progress = fewer bad moments

Most people I help start with a tiny misconception that can wreck their progress.

May 7 •

April 2025

Dancing between flow and structure

Chris and Joanna riff: The dance between flow and structure, between openness and commitment between the receptive energy we often call feminine, and…

Apr 28 •

and

21:30

March 2025

February 2025

Do you need years more therapy, or could one conversation make the difference?

I’ve been trying to help people resolve lifelong issues from one conversation. Occasionally it works.

Feb 28 •

January 2025

Unusual ways to run unusual events

I run many unusual events. But making them go well requires unusual planning! Some of my favorite ways:

Jan 19 •

Results-based coaching provides stronger evidence for effectiveness

Most coaches charge hourly. This makes sense: predictable income, easy scheduling, matches industry norms. But paying for results — “bounties” — creates…

Jan 3 •

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts