Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast EP 141 | The Psychology of Goals w/ Dr. Joel Sneed
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Feb 6, 2025 Dr. Joel Sneed, a psychologist and dedicated adult chess improver, shares his journey of learning chess later in life and achieving a 2000+ rating. He discusses the psychological challenges of perfectionism and anxiety that often plague players. Sneed emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and focusing on personal improvement rather than just outcomes. He advocates for techniques like ACT and CBT to manage negative emotions, helping players rediscover the joy of chess amidst their competitive struggles.
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Opening Prep Failure Crisis
- Dr. Joel Sneed studied the French opening and failed to recall it in a blitz game the next day.
- This led to emotional frustration and a temporary quitting of chess, illustrating the struggle with applying new knowledge under pressure.
Age Increases Chess Anxiety
- Older chess players face pressure as their cognition declines and time feels limited.
- This amplifies anxiety around learning openings, causing control issues and obsessive rumination over uncontrollable aspects.
Manage Anxiety with ACT
- Use Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to manage chess-related anxiety and rumination.
- Acknowledge anxious thoughts, thank your brain for protection, then let those thoughts float away and re-engage.
