How did small index cards help a high school football team pull off a legendary 151-game winning streak? And what can a 1960s Queens housewife teach us about sticking to our goals? In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore why some goals are easier to achieve than others—and how the people around us can change whether we abandon a goal or follow through. Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, historian and author of Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession, tells the story of Jean Nidetch. Frustrated by the isolating diet culture of the 1960s, Nidetch realized something powerful: People didn't just need better advice—they needed to stop struggling alone. What began as a small gathering of women in her living room eventually grew into Weight Watchers, one of the world's most recognizable wellness brands. Then, Katy speaks with Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and bestselling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance and her new book, Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best. Together they explore why we're so quick to rely on willpower instead of changing our circumstances—and how making our goals visible to the right people can dramatically improve our chances of success. Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/choiceology. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Important Disclosures The comments, views, and opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of Charles Schwab. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. All corporate names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. The books How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, and Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (CS&Co.) has not reviewed the books and makes no representations about its content. 0826-YTNN Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
