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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
The Conclusion chapter is a good summary. If you want more science behind these bullet points, read the rest of the book. Some good stories and insights. Gets slightly redundant.
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
medium-paced
I appreciated Kross’s writing. While he is an academic researcher, I found his writing to be accessible and easy to understand, even in describing his and other research studies. Even the way he explains how the mind works (e.g., the mind is a camera lens analogy) helped to grasp the larger intent behind the details he shared.
The content of this book framing the inner voice in a new way. A lot of what is shared probably won’t be new to readers who have some understanding of psychology or have experience with therapeutic practices. What I found most valuable in his book was explaining some of the downsides to common communication modes like venting and how to quiet the chatter. His personal stories and diverse examples from others help make meaning beyond the outcomes of experimental studies that I think the average person would relate to. I also appreciate how he didn’t downplay other forms of inner voice focus (e.g., medication) but rather talked about what may work or may not work for you.
There are some interesting comments about addressing chatter and rumination in relation to treating diagnosed mental disorders that I took issue with. I think some people could take the information and think “if i take these steps I will cure my own mental issues without help and support from anyone”. I think some readers could take on that perspective and it’s not wise.
There are some interesting comments about addressing chatter and rumination in relation to treating diagnosed mental disorders that I took issue with. I think some people could take the information and think “if i take these steps I will cure my own mental issues without help and support from anyone”. I think some readers could take on that perspective and it’s not wise.
The tools he presents for quieting chatter, specifically, employing various forms psychological distance, are simple practices that people can use when stuck in rumination and experiencing stress. I also found some work applications for temporal distancing and distanced self-talk in supporting folks with a fear of public speaking.
The least compelling chapter to me was Mind Magic, in which Kross connected the concept of calming chatter to what we know as a placebos and rituals. Essentially the mind has as much healing properties as it does destructive ones and this can engender “magical properties”, many of which through objects, if we believe those objects to be capable of changing us in some way. I felt the impact of placebo effect was simplified to fit within the framework of chatter, when the phenomenon seems beyond what was covered.
Great final chapter that recounted the main points, the tools, and about how this research is making an impact with youth.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Practical presentation of things research knows about the inner voice and tips on managing it.
**3 1/2 stars**
This book started out so strong with the author sharing an anecdote about a high anxiety-invoking event in his own life, and I was eager to read more about how to quiet my own very persistent chatter. Although there were some helpful tools, I didn’t have any “light bulb” moments and most of the ideas just reinforced the basics of ideas I already knew.
This book started out so strong with the author sharing an anecdote about a high anxiety-invoking event in his own life, and I was eager to read more about how to quiet my own very persistent chatter. Although there were some helpful tools, I didn’t have any “light bulb” moments and most of the ideas just reinforced the basics of ideas I already knew.
hopeful
informative
I bailed around 60%. I was skimming because I was bored so maybe I’m oversimplifying this, but I felt like it was being insinuated that emotional support wasn’t valid if it didn’t prevent clinical depression? And that was only one of the things that made me roll my eyes.
We have that inner voice in our brain, that helps us to function in this world and achieve goals, to create and connect with others. And yet at the same time, when it turns into chatter, it may become overwhelming and we experience a relief when our inner voice quiets. Or perhaps even wish we didn’t have an inner voice at all. This book has taught me so much and gave me a broader perspective on life, especially on how I start to realized the way I talk to myself will affects my mood for the rest of the day and how I communicate with my friends and family.
Just to summarize what I've picked from this book; Whenever you are having a chatter, use distanced self-talk or imagine advising to a friend. Engage in mental time travel (love this!). – Since the pandemic started in 2020, most of us may feel lost or feel demotivated. But think about how you’ll feel in a month, a year or even longer from now. – Tough times don’t last forever!
When you are listening to someone talking about their problems or feelings, address their emotional (care and support) and cognitive needs (advice on how to move forward). You are validating whatever they are going through, and yet you are helping to broaden their perspective and giving them hope.
Be cautious about impulsively sharing your negative thoughts on social media. I really think through before posting anything online these days, especially when I feel sad or angry because I know that if I took a step back, I realized that I myself need to deal with the situation and by posting it on my Instagram or Twitter, is not helping at all.
Overall a great book, not an easy read but very insightful.
Just to summarize what I've picked from this book; Whenever you are having a chatter, use distanced self-talk or imagine advising to a friend. Engage in mental time travel (love this!). – Since the pandemic started in 2020, most of us may feel lost or feel demotivated. But think about how you’ll feel in a month, a year or even longer from now. – Tough times don’t last forever!
When you are listening to someone talking about their problems or feelings, address their emotional (care and support) and cognitive needs (advice on how to move forward). You are validating whatever they are going through, and yet you are helping to broaden their perspective and giving them hope.
Be cautious about impulsively sharing your negative thoughts on social media. I really think through before posting anything online these days, especially when I feel sad or angry because I know that if I took a step back, I realized that I myself need to deal with the situation and by posting it on my Instagram or Twitter, is not helping at all.
Overall a great book, not an easy read but very insightful.