EP 1307

1307. How To change ANY Habit In 63 Seconds (No Willpower Needed)

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey uncovers the neuroscience of rapid habit change with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf. You’ll learn why true transformation hinges on a 63-second window and a 63-day habit cycle, how to “clean up your mental mess,” and why mind vs brain is the key debate in human performance. Dr. Leaf explains the differences between the conscious, subconscious, and non-conscious mind, shows how free will shapes neuroplasticity, and reveals why forgiveness breaks quantum entanglement that keeps trauma wired into your neurons. Walk away with practical tools to rewire your brain, boost intuition, and build lasting resilience for biohacking, longevity, and smarter not harder living. 

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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...

You’ve been lied to about how long it takes to change a habit. This episode reveals a powerful, science-backed method to rewire your brain in just 63 seconds—without relying on willpower. You’ll discover how to use the 63-second window to interrupt destructive thought loops and how true habit change requires 63-day habit formation, not the popularized 21-day myth. 

 

Host Dave Asprey sits down with Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist and best-selling author known for her groundbreaking work on the mind-brain connection. With over four decades of experience, Dr. Leaf has helped millions better understand the differences between the mind vs brain, how to harness intuition and neurobiology, and how to apply science-based tools for healing trauma with neuroscience. Her newest work, Help in a Hurry, builds on her bestselling book Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess, offering real-time tools to regain mental control during moments of emotional chaos. 

 

You’ll learn: 

  • Why the 21-day habit myth persists and what the neuroscience actually shows
  • How to use the 63-second window to stop toxic thoughts from wiring into your brain
  • What happens during the 63-day habit formation cycle and how to stay on track
  • The difference between the subconscious vs unconscious mind
  • How to rewire your brain for better emotional regulation and decision-making
  • The power of forgiveness and how it relates to quantum entanglement
  • Caroline Leaf’s mental mess strategies to overcome triggers in real time
  • Why the free will neuroscience debate matters for your mental sovereignty
  • How to interpret intuitive “blips” through a neuroscience lens
  • Tools for using neuroplasticity to heal trauma, manage emotions, and boost clarity

 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in brain optimization, biohacking, human performance, mental resilience, and smarter-not-harder strategies for personal growth. Whether you’re focused on fasting, cold therapy, nootropics, sleep optimization, or upgrading your mitochondria, these mental frameworks will amplify your results. 

 

Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners,?The Human Upgrade?is the top podcast for people who want to take control of their biology, extend their longevity, and optimize every system in the body and mind. Each episode features cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, hacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 

 

Episodes are released every Tuesday and Thursday, where Dave asks the questions no one else dares, and brings you real tools to become more resilient, aware, and high performing. 

 

Thank you to our sponsors!  

“Most people get stuck because they’re running their lives from the conscious mind. But real change comes from the non-conscious.”

Caroline Leaf

  • 0:00 Trailer

A powerful glimpse into how you can rewire your brain in just 63 seconds using Dr. Caroline Leaf’s neuroscience-backed method. 

  • 0:54 Intro

Host Dave Asprey welcomes Dr. Caroline Leaf and sets up the conversation around the mind-brain connection and habit change. 

  • 1:12 63-Second Habit Rule

Dr. Leaf explains why the first 63 seconds after a trigger are critical for rewiring your brain and redirecting thought patterns. 

  • 5:14 21 vs 63 Days

The truth behind the 21-day myth and why real habit formation requires at least three 21-day cycles for deep neuroplasticity. 

  • 9:20 Habits vs Trauma

The difference between changing a habit and healing trauma, and why the same tools apply but require different timelines. 

  • 14:19 Healing & Spiritual Insight

How emotional dips between days 36–50 signal spiritual growth and deeper integration during the healing journey. 

  • 17:43 Free Will & Mind-Brain Link

A deep dive into the neuroscience of free will and why the mind drives the brain—not the other way around. 

  • 19:11 Conscious vs Subconscious

The critical differences between conscious, subconscious, and non-conscious processing and how they shape behavior. 

  • 26:02 Intuition & Memory

How intuition, memory, and inner wisdom arise from the non-conscious mind and why accessing them is key to performance. 

  • 33:15 AI & Consciousness

Dave and Dr. Leaf debate whether AI can be conscious and explore how true consciousness differs from algorithmic response. 

  • 37:56 Death & Energy

A provocative look at death as a transition of energy and why the mind may continue beyond physical brain activity. 

  • 51:21 Forgiveness & Entanglement

The neuroscience of forgiveness, quantum entanglement, and how letting go rewires the brain for peace and clarity. 

  • 55:14 Self-Regulation Tools

Rapid-fire techniques from Dr. Leaf’s new book to manage stress, regulate emotions, and stay mentally resilient in real time. 

 

Resources:  

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