Author Nir Eyal on stage at SXSW in Austin, Texas in March 2026. Credit: Allison Teegardin

By Allison Teegardin 

On March 13, author Nir Eyal presented his latest book co-authored with Julie Li, “Beyond Belief: How to Break Limits and Unlock Potential,” to a packed room at the Hilton Austin. Eyal was born in Hadera, Israel and moved to Orlando, Florida with his family when he was three years old.

Eyal walked the audience through various elements of the book, as well as some of the scientific studies discussed to illustrate the power of thoughts as they relate to motivation, and ultimately success. During the session, he inspired the audience to imagine what could be possible if they shifted beyond their limiting beliefs and believed in their ability to achieve anything they desire.

One element of the book discussed in detail was the “Motivation Triangle.”  Eyal uses this to illustrate how three essential elements, beliefs as the foundation with behavior and benefit on the sides, are required for sustainable motivation. As written in the book, “To sustain motivation, we must know what to do (behavior), know why we do it (benefit), and believe our actions will yield results (belief).”

The session concluded with an audience Q&A.