Short podcast mini-chapter from Brian Johnson (Optimize with Brian Johnson) titled “Spin Cycles.” The speaker describes the habit of overthinking—‘spin cycles’—which traps people in rumination and negative mood, advises noticing the pattern and breaking it (e.g., by taking a hike), and cites psychological framing (rumination is toxic to happiness). Promotional closing directs listeners to Brian’s newsletter and book.
You're listening to Optimize with Bryan Johnson More Wisdom in Less Time this is a mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. You can find it on Amazon.
Spin Cycles. You ever stress yourself out so badly that you just spin and spin a problem in your head, trying to figure out the best solution without getting anywhere? I've mastered that process and call it the spin Cycle. Not fun. At a certain point, there's no way anything good's going to come out of any more thinking, and we've just got to let it go. Ideally, doing anything other than continuing the spin cycle. My personal favorite way to deal with it is an awesome hike. But whatever we do, the idea is simple. We've got to learn to notice the spin cycle and pop out of it. And a little PS here. Psychologists call this ruminating. In Sony Lybomirsky's words, the combination of rumination and negative mood is toxic. And if you were someone plagued by ruminations, you are unlikely to become happier before you can break that habit. So let's break the spin cycle habit.
We hope you enjoyed this mini chapter from Brian's book A Philosopher's Notes. Want more Wisdom in Less time delivered in your inbox? Sign up for Brian's free daily newsletter, the Optimizer, and get the full ebook and audiobook at brianjohnson Me APN.
