13. Observe Without Evaluating

This week's episode focuses on manifestation and the law of attraction. Are these techniques surefire ways of getting what you want in life or are they nothing more than wishful fantasies? References Confirmation Bias Goal Setting in Therapy How to Manifest Anything You Desire Manifestation Positive Psychology Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in Psychology The Psychology Behind Manifestation What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? What is Manifestation?

This week's episode dives into social and moral responsibility and analyzes why we sometimes have trouble taking action in emergency situations. When are we obligated to speak up or take action, and when is it better to protect our mental health and personal wellbeing? References Bystander Effect Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility Collective Responsibility Learned Helplessness Media Overload Moral Responsibility Prosocial behavior and altruism: A review of concepts and definitions What is Altruism? Why and How Do We Help?

This week's episode is all about our fears of the unknown. We'll cover the reasons behind the anxiety that uncertainty often causes and how we can adjust our behaviors and mindsets to not just cope with uncertainty, but truly embrace it. References The Psychology of Uncertainty The Science of Uncertainty Waiting is the hardest part: a model of uncertainty navigation in the context of health news 10 Tips for Dealing With The Stress of Uncertainty Rumination: A Cycle of Negative Thinking

This week's episode tackles what can be a difficult part of our relationships: conflict. Join me as we dive into the different types of group conflict, analyze common causes behind conflict in romantic relationships, and discover effective ways of resolving conflict with others and with ourselves. References Social Conflict and The Theory of Social Change by Lewis Coser The Psychology Behind Conflict The 10 Most Common Sources of Conflict in Relationships Group Polarization Cognitive Dissonance

This week's episode jumps from psychology to philosophy! Today we discuss a quote from philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti that urges us to be more aware of the judgments we pass when we're observing the world around us. References The Social Psychology of Biased Self-Assessment 5 Things Our Judgments of Others Say About Us Why Do We Judge Other People? Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg PhD The Stages of Nishida's Thought Why We Judge Others & How To Stop

This week's episode dives into the truth behind lying. We explore the different forms that lying can take and the psychological effects of telling any type of lie, even the smallest, seemingly innocent white lie. References Politeness and Psychological Distance Vaccines and Autism Lying to Spice Up Life Why Do We Lie Effects of Repetitive Learning on Associative Recognition Over Time Common Cognitive Biases What is Cognitive Dissonance? Why Be Honest? What is a White Lie?

This week's episode stars our first guest, a contestant on Season 25 of The Bachelor and someone who has learned to jump at all the right opportunities. Listen in on our conversation with Sarah Trott to hear her advice on how to spot the perfect times to say yes and, conversely, how to navigate the art of saying no. References 7 Tips to Say Yes to More of the Right Opportunities⁠ Just Say No Sensation-Seeking "Sensation Seeking: Beyond the Optimal Level of Arousal" by Marvin Zuckerman ⁠Why "Yes" Is More Powerful Than "No"⁠

This week's episode covers the trope of opposites attract in romantic relationships and pursues the truth on how complementary or similar to us our partners should be. References Initial Attraction Importance of Physical Attractiveness in Dating Behavior What is Beautiful is Good Because What is Beautiful is Desired Do People Know What They Want: A Similar or Complementary Partner? 'Opposites Attract' is a Total Myth in Relationships Why Opposites Rarely Attract What is Beautiful is Good and More Accurately Understood The Mere Exposure Effect Survey: Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) Professionals Reveal the Leading Causes of Divorce

This week's episode explores the meaning of success and the prevailing psychological theories that suggest how we can achieve our goals and ambitions. We'll also dive into the costs of failure and how we can change the way we approach our goals after experiencing a failure to best set us up for success. References ⁠10 Surprising Facts About Failure⁠ "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset ⁠Growth Mindset Revolution⁠ Here Are 6 Ways You Can Become Grittier "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck ⁠The Psychology of Success⁠

This week's episode tackles a piece of advice that encourages us to embrace our differences and celebrate our uniqueness. But this suggestion can be hard to implement in the face of the human desire to belong. Join me to discover the five common techniques we use to deal with differences and how we can change our behaviors to help us accept and appreciate our individuality. References Feeling Different and Out of Place? Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Stages of Change Model ⁠The Spotlight Effect and Social Anxiety⁠ What is Self-Acceptance