The Psychology Podcast [Rerun] Todd Kashdan on Dancing with the Dark Side of Your Personality
Oct 10, 2019
Todd Kashdan, a psychologist and author of "The Upside of Your Dark Side," shares intriguing insights on embracing the darker aspects of our personalities. He discusses how traits such as selfishness and anger can be beneficial when harnessed wisely. The conversation also challenges the conventional pursuit of happiness, arguing for a richer range of emotional experiences. Kashdan emphasizes the connection between discomfort and effective communication, and how both negative and positive traits can fuel creativity and personal growth.
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Utility of Negative Emotions
- Negative emotions often feel problematic even when they produce beneficial outcomes.
- Assessing emotions solely by how they feel is misleading; their utility depends on context and function.
The False Nose of Happiness
- Pursuing happiness directly often backfires and makes happiness harder to achieve.
- Discomfort and negative emotions motivate effort and growth, which ultimately foster fulfillment.
Embrace Presence and Experimentation
- Be present with openness and curiosity while pursuing what matters most to you.
- Experiment with behaviors and emotions to discover what works best in various situations.
