I have an allergic reaction to aspirationalism, no matter the context or source. If someone tells me to "do better" or "become good", ironically or sincerely, my instant reaction is to start thinking of ways to do worse by the standards the person has in mind. Not a beast to feed
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what kind of inner dialogue do you use to motivate yourself, if not "do better"? Genuinely curious
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Why do you need motivational dialogue? Just doing whatever seems interesting seems to work well enough. Sometimes you grow, sometimes you degenerate, sometimes you hold steady.
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to grow in the direction of my choosing. I don't do passive, for things that matter at least.
Intentionally-developed positive habits and disciplines must have *some* accompanying internal dialogue, right? what do you say, if not "get better"?
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I don't think I have any intentionally developed positive habits and disciplines that aren't the result of "oh shit!" crisis actions. So the accompanying dialogue would be "oh shit, I'd better do this or I'm screwed" ... and some of those stick.
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word. Aversion is great for change but short-lived.
Positive outcome-seeking is great for ongoing efforts if you're already headed in the right direction, but isn't emotionally potent enough to inspire dramatic change.
Right tool at the right time works wonders
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