PsycHacks Episode 23: The trap of "why"
5 snips
Aug 20, 2021 Exploring the aftermath of loss, the discussion delves into the human tendency to ask 'why' and its psychological implications. The conversation highlights how this quest for meaning can lead to obsessive rumination. Listeners learn about the importance of limiting such questioning to avoid getting trapped in a cycle of negativity. Practical steps to break free and shift towards healing and growth are emphasized, encouraging a move from endless reflection to actionable change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Do A Time-Bounded Postmortem
- Do a short postmortem to extract lessons from the loss.
- Then put the tape away and prepare for the next match to stop rumination.
No Single Definitive 'Why' Exists
- Recognize there is no single, perfectly satisfying answer to "why" for painful events.
- Treat answers as "good enough" and resist chasing an ultimate explanation.
Ruminating Is Like Picking A Scab
- Avoid replaying the same memories because it prevents emotional healing like picking a scab.
- Recognize rumination keeps a painful emotional connection to what was lost.