Ethan Kross on Taming the Inner Voice: Strategies for a Calmer Mind
I don't think we should try to rid ourselves of that dark side of us, that negative wolf, however we want to describe it. But I think we want to figure out how to coexist with that negative wolf or minimize their impact on us, but recognize that there's still value that comes from it.
Ever find yourself trapped in a loop of negative thoughts? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', host Eric Zimmer chats with Ethan Kross, an award-winning professor at the University of Michigan and the Ross School of Business. Kross is a leading expert on controlling the conscious mind and dives into his book, *Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It*.
Together, they unpack the complexities of our inner dialogue and offer practical tips for managing it. Kross highlights how common triggers like uncertainty can fuel this internal chatter and shares tools to help you coexist with these thoughts rather than fight them. One key strategy he discusses is distance-self talk—advising yourself as if you were your best friend. Kross also touches on the importance of awe in broadening your perspective and creating 'if-then' plans to handle negative emotions.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to quiet their mind and live more peacefully.