Author

Ethan Kross

8 key ideas, each explained in our own words.

Chatter

IDEA 1
Inner voice can help or harm
Kross explains that our inner voice helps us plan and reflect, but can turn into chatter: repetitive negative thoughts. Chatter makes it hard to focus, damages relationships and can affect health.
IDEA 2
Zooming in traps us in chatter
When we zoom in too closely on a problem, Kross argues, we lose perspective and spiral. Stepping back and seeing the situation from a distance helps us think more clearly.
IDEA 3
Talk to yourself by name
Kross describes distanced self-talk: using your own name or the word you when thinking about a problem. Research he cites suggests this small shift helps people manage stress and perform better.

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