The Beliefs Holding You Back Aren’t Facts, a Bestselling Author Argues

The limits most people hit — in their careers, their health, their relationships — are not built into the world, according to Nir Eyal. They are built into the mind.

Eyal, a former Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer and New York Times bestselling author, will discuss that argument in a free virtual talk hosted by Pasadena Public Library at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 19. The event centers on his latest book, “Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Breakthrough Results,” published by Portfolio/Penguin in March, which contends that hidden psychological assumptions shape what people see, feel, and do — and that those assumptions can be changed. His previous books, “Hooked” and “Indistractable,” have together sold more than 1 million copies in more than 30 languages.

The book introduces what Eyal calls the Three Powers of Belief: Attention, Anticipation, and Agency. Mastering those three mechanisms, he argues, transforms how people perceive challenges, anticipate outcomes, and act under pressure. The framework is grounded in neuroscience and psychology research, according to the publisher.

Eyal has described that framework in personal terms. In a recent CNN interview, he recalled how he used to suffer heart palpitations and dry mouth before speaking to large crowds and would tell himself he was destined to fail. He said he eventually reframed that reaction entirely.

Eyal told CNN that he now treats the physical sensations of anxiety as assets rather than threats — a practical application of the belief-shifting techniques he explores in the book.

“Beyond Belief” reached the New York Times bestseller list shortly after its March publication. It was co-authored with Julie Li, Eyal’s wife and business partner of more than 25 years.

The virtual talk is part of a national series of author events offered through the LibraryC platform, which connects public libraries to live author conversations. Pasadena Public Library is one of multiple library systems providing access to the talk for their patrons.

“Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal” takes place Tuesday, May 19 from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The event is free; registration is required. The talk is virtual, hosted online through the LibraryC platform — there is no in-person venue or parking. Register and submit questions for the speaker at libraryc.org/pasadenalibrary/157417. For accessibility information, contact Shauna Redmond at 626-744-4210 or sredmond@cityofpasadena.net; at least 72 hours’ advance notice is requested.