Change Wired

Psychology Updated: how to program your brain 101. Follow through on what you said you would do.

Angela Shurina Season 2025

Ever notice how big goals melt  into "some day land" when the day gets messy?  

On today's episode we break down a simple, evidence-backed tool that turns “I should” into “I did,” replacing fragile motivation with clear cues and automatic actions. Instead of relying on willpower, we show how to script your behavior like software: a specific trigger, a concrete next step, and a defined finish line that delivers a quick reward your brain actually remembers.  


Who does what, when, where, how often, and with whom?  

A fundamental question to answer if you want to get good at programming your brain for challenging, consistent action.  



You’ll hear a practical running example that moves from vague hopes to precise routines: when to act, what to wear, where to go, and how to know you’re done. We layer in environment design to remove hidden friction and temptation bundling to make new habits feel rewarding right away. The goal is less decision-making in the moment and more doing on cue. 

Then we add the secret amplifier: WOOP—Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. By naming likely blockers upfront - low energy, surprise tasks, bad weather - and writing alternative if-then plans for each, you keep momentum even when the day doesn’t cooperate. You’ll learn how to apply the same structure to leadership, feedback, learning, and communication, so your next move is already decided when it matters. Fewer negotiations with yourself, more consistent action, and a system that sticks. 

If you’re ready to trade hope for a reliable plan, press play and build your first brain program today!  

3-minute blog this episode is based on: The simple trick that 2X your chances of doing what you said you would. Programming your brain to follow through 101  

Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas

Support the show

Brought to you by Angela Shurina

Behavior-First, Executive, Leadership and Optimal Performance Coach 360, Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant

People on this episode

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

Huberman Lab Artwork

Huberman Lab

Scicomm Media
Hidden Brain Artwork

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
A Slight Change of Plans Artwork

A Slight Change of Plans

Pushkin Industries
The Tim Ferriss Show Artwork

The Tim Ferriss Show

Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig
The Peter Attia Drive Artwork

The Peter Attia Drive

Peter Attia, MD
FoundMyFitness Artwork

FoundMyFitness

Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
Consulting Success Podcast Artwork

Consulting Success Podcast

Consulting Success
CHANGE@WORK Artwork

CHANGE@WORK

Daggerwing Group