In *Chatter*, Ethan Kross delves into the silent conversations we have with ourselves, examining how these internal dialogues shape our lives, work, and relationships. Kross, drawing from his own lab research and real-world case studies, explains how negative self-talk (referred to as 'chatter') can have detrimental effects on our health, mood, and social connections. However, he also provides tools and strategies to manage and harness this inner voice positively. These tools include techniques such as zooming out to gain perspective, using the second person to increase psychological distance, and leveraging the power of nature and placebos. The book is a comprehensive guide on how to transform negative self-talk into a constructive and supportive inner voice.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
In this memoir, co-written with journalist John Carlin, Rafael Nadal shares his journey from a young boy in Mallorca to becoming a champion of the tennis world. The book details his upbringing, coached by his uncle Toni from the age of four, and the strong family values instilled by his parents. It also delves into his epic victories, such as the 2008 Wimbledon final, and personal struggles, including family issues and numerous injuries that threatened his career. The narrative intersperses match analysis with personal reflections, providing a well-rounded view of Nadal's life both on and off the court.
This week’s conversation is with Dr. Ethan Kross, one of the world’s leading experts on controlling the conscious mind.
After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, Ethan earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Columbia University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in social-affective neuroscience to learn about the neural systems that support self-control.
He moved to the University of Michigan in 2008, where he founded the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory.
As an award-winning professor in the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and its Ross School of Business, Ethan studies how the conversations people have with themselves impact their health, performance, decisions, and relationships.
And Ethan just published his first book, Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It.
I’d be surprised if anyone listening hasn’t experienced what Ethan describes as “Chatter.”
That process where you have a thought such as, “Why did I screw up this shot or presentation at work?” But rather than just identify how to fix it and move on, you keep getting stuck.
Our ability to reflect on what we’re doing, learn from our experiences and optimize how we navigate the world is an incredibly powerful tool, but that introspective capacity can also steer us off course.
Ruminating and getting stuck in this cycle of negative thinking can make life miserable, so in this conversation, we discuss what to do when you find yourself stuck in that cycle.
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