Dr. Ethan Kross on Harnessing the Chatter in Our Minds for Good

Humans have a unique capacity for introspection—looking inward and examining their thoughts and feelings. We use this power to imagine, remember, and reflect. But psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Ethan Kross says there is a darker side to introspection. The founder of the Emotion and Self Control Laboratory at University of Michigan calls this negative thought spiral “chatter.”

In his book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It, Kross explores how introspection can harm us. Engaging with our inner thoughts in times of distress can interfere with decision-making, undermine our performance, and negatively impact relationships. 

Happily, with research-based tools, we can break free from harmful negative cycles. In this course, you’ll learn to lower the volume on the tyrannical inner critic and harness the true power of your inner voice.

This learning is brought to you by the Next Big Ideas Club, a book club curated by the world's greatest thought leaders.