266. Your Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open: Managing the Voice in Your Head

The podcast explores the phenomenon of "chatter," defined as getting stuck in negative thought loops, and its impact on performance. Ethan Kross, a professor of management and organizations, shares techniques to break this cycle, such as distanced self-talk and mental time travel, which help individuals gain perspective and manage their emotions. Kross emphasizes that different tools work for different people and situations, likening it to physical fitness. The conversation highlights the importance of being mindful of communication modalities, especially in social media, where unfiltered emotional sharing can lead to problems. Additionally, the podcast addresses how to support others struggling with negative feelings by emotionally connecting with them before offering advice.