"This engaging, accessible toolkit guides readers to follow the behaviour principal to live their best lives, free from obstructive short-term emotional reactions."
“Emotions are amazing…but they can also sabotage you.” So shares psychologist Siri Helle in her introduction to The Emotion Trap, framing the principle that underlines this supportive book. In essence, because “emotional impulses are short-term” and “seek immediate reward”, “when you act on your emotions because it feels right at the time…it only makes things worse in the long run”. And herein lies the trap many of us fall into. We’re talking the likes of procrastinating instead of getting on with a task. Letting fears hamper your dreams. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future at the expense of enjoying the present. Chasing validation on social media while still feeling unseen and unheard.
As indicated by the book’s subtitle (“why negative changes hold you back and how small changes can set you free”), what follows is a practical, pithy, easily implemented guide to taking control of your emotions through making small behavioural changes that have big impact.
Packed with relatable examples and a clear translation of the principles of psychology into actionable tips, at the book’s heart is the “behaviour principal” i.e. “acting in line with the feeling you want to achieve (rather than the feeling you already have)”, and the way thoughts, feelings and behaviour are inextricably connected. In practical terms, this means changing a behaviour can result in a positive shift in thoughts and feelings.
With chapters that get to the heart of self-esteem (and myths around it), motivation, anxiety, and stress, The Emotion Trap is eminently accessible and potentially life-changing.
Primary Genre | Self Help and Personal Development |
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