Chatter

“In recent years, a robust body of new research has demonstrated that when we experience distress, engaging in introspection often does significantly more harm than good. It undermines our performance at work, interferes with our ability to make good decisions, and negatively influences our relationships.” (Introduction, p. xviii)

“Chatter consists of the cyclical negative thoughts and emotions that turn our singular capacity for introspection into a curse rather than a blessing.” (Introduction, p. xix)

“Although the inner voice functions well much of the time, it often leads to chatter precisely when we need it most—when our stress is up, the stakes are high, and we encounter difficult emotions that call for the utmost poise. Sometimes this chatter takes the form of a rambling soliloquy; sometimes it's a dialogue we have with ourselves. Sometimes it's a compulsive rehashing of past events (rumination); sometimes it's an angst-ridden imagining of future events (worry). Sometimes it's a free-associative pinballing between negative feelings and ideas. Sometimes it's a fixation on one specific unpleasant feeling or notion. However it manifests itself, when the inner voice runs amok and chatter takes the mental microphone, our mind not only torments but paralyzes us. It can also lead us to do things that sabotage us.” (Introduction, p. xxii)

“The key to beating chatter isn't to stop talking to yourself. The challenge is to figure out how to do so more effectively.”

Happily, from the introduction to the book, I am seeing that there are simple instruments for reducing chatter and harnessing our inner voice, and that much of the book will be spent sharing these with us.