47: Philosophy Of Willpower | Chapter 4 | Minding The Brain Towards Change

The Emil Barna Podcast

In this episode, psychotherapist Emil Barna reads the revised fourth chapter to his 2017 book Minding The Brain Towards Change: What Willpower Really Means For Addiction.
Here is a snippet from the book:
"... each ‘given’ in life is a paradox. On the other side of death is life. The flipside of isolation is connection. With meaning, there’s meaninglessness. With freedom, there’s constraint. Once these paradoxes are acknowledged, and overcome, self-actualisation is possible. Most of us want the best in life, the ability to reach our full potential. We seek to do the best we can with what we’ve got. Ask yourself, what does life expect from you? What does the world require that only you can give? ."
—Chapter Summary

Main Points

• Considering the big questions in life can lead to higher self-awareness, leading to personal growth.
• We must all live with the implications of death, meaning, freedom, and isolation. To shirk these is to put aside the potential for living your best life. The more you consider these basic facts of life, the more likely you are to fulfil the necessary role of marriage between your values and action—in short, the more likely you are to act wisely.

Practical Considerations

• Do not be afraid to ask yourself the ‘why’ questions.
• Ask yourself whether what you are doing lines up with your core values. If not, consider whether it is time to change your core values or to change your actions so they can align with your core values.
• Ask yourself—given the limited time you have on this planet—what you would like to do with each day to make it more meaningful.
• Close your eyes and imagine you are at your own funeral (some may find this exercise too confronting and instead imagine they are at their 50th birthday). Listen in on the eulogies or discussions people have of you. Mingle with the crowd, invisibly, and hear what they have to say about you. You may be surprised at what you find out.

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