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Kelly McGonigal

Kelly McGonigal Books

Psychologist

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“There are few things ever dreamed of, smoked or injected that have as addictive an effect on our brains as technology. This is how our devices keep us captive and always coming back for more. The definitive Internet act of our times is a perfect metaphor for the promise of reward: we search. And we search. And we search some more, clicking that mouse like – well, like a rat in a cage seeking another “hit”, looking for the elusive reward that will finally feel like enough.”

ScienceBrainTechnologyPsychologyPromiseAddictionRewardDopamine
Book:Maximum Willpower
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“Movement offers us pleasure, identity, belonging and hope. It puts us in places that are good for us, whether that's outdoors in nature, in an environment that challenges us, or with a supportive community. It allows us to redefine ourselves and reimagine what is possible. It makes social connection easier and self-transcendence possible. Each of these benefits can be realized through other means. There are multiple paths to discovery and many ways to build community. Happiness can be found in any number of roles and pastimes; solace can be taken in poetry, prayer or art. Exercise need not replace any of these other sources of meaning and joy. Yet physical activity stands out in its ability to fulfill so many human needs, and that makes it worth considering as a fundamentally valuable endeavour. It is as if what is good in us is most easily activated or accessed through movement. As rower Kimberley Sogge put it, when she described to me why the Head of the Charles Regatta was such a peak experience, "The highest spirit of humanity gets to come out." Ethicist Sigmund Loland came to a similar conclusion, declaring that an exercise pill would be a poor substitute for physical activity. As he wrote, "Rejecting exercise means rejecting significant experiences of being human.”

MovementExerciseSelf Transcendence
Book:The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage
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“For most of us, the classic test of willpower is resisting temptation, whether the temptress is a doughnut, a cigarette, a clearance sale, or a one-night stand. When people say, "I have no willpower," what they usually mean is, "I have trouble saying no when my mouth, stomach, heart, or (fill in your anatomical part) wants to say yes.”

PeopleWantHeartMeanNightTroubleMouthsTestsTemptationClassicStomachCigaretteWillpowerOne NightSaying NoResistingDoughnutOne Night StandClearanceResisting TemptationTemptress
Book:The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
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“We all have the tendency to believe self-doubt and self-criticism, but listening to this voice never gets us closer to our goals. Instead, try on the point of view of a mentor or good friend who believes in you, wants the best for your, and will encourage you when you feel discouraged.”

WantFeelsTryingBelieveSelfCareGoalVoiceViewsDoubtInspireListeningSelf LoveCriticismPoint Of ViewTendenciesMentorGood FriendSelf CareBelieve In YouDiscouragedSelf CompassionSelf-doubtSelf Criticism
Author:Kelly McGonigal
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“According to the American Psychological Association, the most effective stress-relief strategies are exercising or playing sports, praying or attending a religious service, reading, listening to music, spending time with friends or family, getting a massage, going outside of ra walk, meditating or doing yoga, and spending time with a creative hobby. The least effective strategies are gambling, shopping, smoking, drinking, eating, playing video games, surfing the Internet, and watching TV or movies for more than two hours.”

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Author:Kelly McGonigal
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