Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement

The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything

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We all know smart people make dumb decisions. But why?


  • Why do gamblers double down when they should walk away?
  • Why do we check our phones 58 times a day?
  • Why do people micromanage their partners and get confused when they become distant?


    • We are all suckers for the illusion of control.


    We are convinced that our meddling is needed to achieve our desired outcome. Sadly this misses the important fact that we are causing all our problems.


    The episode covers all sorts of personal problems from addictions to relationships, investing to anger and how control is at the heart of our problems.


    Whether you are high on neuroticism or curious about how the mind works we have a tonne of good stuff:

    • Recognize your "control triggers" – situations where your grip tightens and makes things worse
    • Practice intentional surrendering in low-stakes situations to build your letting-go muscles
    • Replace control with curiosity by asking "What happens if I don't try to fix this?"


      • Learn to stop wrestling with life and start dancing with it.



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      Related Episodes

      • 5 Science-backed ways to stop disappointing yourself - Spotify - Apple
      • The Psychology of Mistakes - 7 types of lazy thinking - Spotify - Apple
      • 4 Hidden fears that sabotage your life - and what to do about them - Spotify - Apple



        • Get in Touch

        👋 Free Call - Schedule Link - https://cal.com/samwebster/mindset

        📧 Email - GrowthMindsetPodcast (@) gmail,com



        Growth Mindset Psychology:

        Sam Webster explores the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement.

        📺 Watch - YouTube (Growth Mindset)

        🛜 Website - Growth Mindset



        Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement


        Episode: The psychology of control - why your brain overcomplicates everything


        Chapters:

        00:00 Introduction: Why Smart People Make Dumb Decisions

        00:30 The Science of Control

        02:00 Personal Story: The Quad Bike Incident

        05:51 The Illusion of Control

        07:02 Addiction and Control

        09:03 Reactance Theory: Why We Rebel

        10:14 Attachment Styles and Control in Relationships

        12:32 Paradoxical Intentions: Embracing the Opposite

        15:30 Understanding and Managing Anger

        18:43 Quieting the Default Mode Network

        20:18 The Joy of Surrender

        21:09 Show Updates: Embracing Change

        22:58 The New Show Concept: The Psychology of Everything

        25:25 The Importance of Growth and Change

        26:03 Final Thoughts on Control and Surrender

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