EP 141 | The Psychology of Goals w/ Dr. Joel Sneed
Feb 6, 2025
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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.
Dr. Joel Sneed's personal chess journey illustrates that older adults can achieve significant improvements in chess regardless of when they start playing.
Adapting to new technologies presents a unique challenge for older chess players, highlighting the need for help and learning willingness.
The podcast emphasizes a shift from outcome-oriented goals to process-oriented goals in chess, encouraging a focus on enjoyment and lifelong learning.
Deep dives
Dr. Joel Sneed's Chess Journey
Dr. Joel Sneed began playing chess at the age of 52, starting with a provisional rating of 1319, which he significantly improved to 2016. His journey highlights the potential for older adults to excel in chess despite starting late in life. Sneed's background as a psychologist brings a unique perspective to his chess experience and improvement. The discussion emphasizes that age does not preclude success, as older players can still achieve notable progress with dedication and practice.
Cognitive Challenges in Learning New Technologies
Learning new technologies poses unique challenges, particularly for older individuals who may feel overwhelmed. Sneed shared his humorous struggle in adapting to platforms like Discord, illustrating the general difficulty older players face in using new tools. This reflects a broader issue where adapting to modern chess resources can be particularly harder for older players. Developing a willingness to learn and seek help when necessary is crucial for improving chess skills and experiences.
The Shift from Psychoanalysis to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sneed's professional evolution from psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioral therapy parallels changes in the chess community, emphasizing a shift towards more pragmatic, outcome-oriented methods. The conversation explores how the modern chess landscape has become less mystical with the advent of computers and algorithms, which has affected how players approach learning and improvement. This transformation calls into question the romanticism once associated with chess theory and the expertise of masters. Recognizing these changes can help players adjust their mindset and strategies for better learning outcomes in chess.
The Psychological Impact of Age on Chess Playing
The podcast delves into the psychological pressures faced by older players, particularly regarding the perception of cognitive decline and the fear of not improving. Sneed articulates the feeling of urgency that comes with age, where every moment spent learning feels precious and limited. This urgency can lead to heightened anxiety and rumination about performance, which may hinder actual learning and enjoyment of the game. Developing adaptive methods to manage these pressures is essential for sustaining a positive chess-playing experience.
Process-Oriented Goals vs. Outcome-Oriented Goals
The discussion emphasizes the importance of shifting from outcome-oriented goals, such as achieving a specific rating, to process-oriented goals that focus on the enjoyment and experience of playing chess. Sneed highlights that by setting achievable objectives, like simply playing more games, players can alleviate pressure and cultivate a more enriching experience. This perspective helps mitigate the frustration that can arise from unattainable performance metrics. It encourages players to engage in chess as a lifelong learning journey rather than a quest for validation through ratings or accolades.
Dr. Joel Sneed, a psychologist and dedicated adult chess improver, discusses the challenges of learning chess later in life, his struggles with perfectionism and obsession over openings, and how psychological techniques like ACT and CBT can help manage chess-related anxiety.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Dojo Talks; guest Dr. Joel Sneed's background in psychology and chess.
00:38 – Discussion on Sneed’s chess journey, starting late and reaching a 2000+ rating.
01:54 – Sneed’s transition from Freudian psychoanalysis to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and ACT therapy.
03:49 – Adapting to new technology as an older adult and learning struggles.
05:57 – Comparison between changes in psychology and changes in chess over time.
13:54 – Sneed’s crisis moment: forgetting opening prep in a Blitz game and quitting chess.
17:11 – The frustration of learning but failing to apply knowledge in real games.
33:15 – Dealing with an "action crisis"—considering quitting chess and reevaluating goals.
53:16 – Focusing on process-oriented goals instead of rating-based goals.
1:16:35 – Sneed’s new goal: playing more tournament games and prioritizing enjoyment over rating.
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