9. Why Is It So Hard to Be Alone With Our Thoughts?

In 'Personality and Assessment', Walter Mischel critiques traditional personality psychology by highlighting the influence of situational cues on behavior. He argues that behavior is not consistently expressed across different situations due to underlying traits but is instead shaped by situational factors. The book proposes a dynamic approach to understanding personality, focusing on how individuals interpret and interact with their environment. It also introduces the concept of 'if-then' behavioral signatures as a way to capture personality consistencies in context.

In 'Untamed', Glennon Doyle shares her personal journey of breaking free from the societal and cultural expectations that had defined her life. The book is divided into three parts: 'Caged', 'Keys', and 'Free'. Doyle discusses her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and her initial marriage, as well as her transformative experience of falling in love with Abby Wambach, a retired professional soccer player. The memoir explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of trusting one's own voice and intuition. Doyle reflects on her experiences with gender roles, mental health, and cultural conditioning, encouraging readers to reject the status quo and live more authentically. The book is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing call to action, urging readers to set boundaries, honor their emotions, and embrace their truest selves.