The Physics of Feelings

The Physics of Feelings

  • Submitted By: drjmw
  • Date Submitted: 10/24/2008 9:10 AM
  • Category: Psychology
  • Words: 573
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 402

Consider Newton’s Law about inertia – that is, if left alone, stationary objects will stay stationary, and moving objects will stay moving in the same direction. That means objects, whether stationary or moving, resist change. There’s a fascinating book called The Molecules of Emotion, which argues persuasively that for sound biological reasons, we operate the same way intellectually and emotionally. That’s why whether we’re stuck or heading in a wrong direction, we resist changing. Or, for that matter, perceiving that we need to change. . But becoming successful as possible requires change. Well, great. But how? I suggest is that the first step is to convince yourselfthat change is possible. If you don’t believe that you can change yourself, then you must be believingthat you’re at the mercy of outside forces. And that means you are out of control. If you do believe that you can change, then you are in the driver’s seat. If you haven’t noticed, drivers do not get carsick. Sometimes passengers do, because their focus is on the scenery passing right by them, whereas drivers have their vision on the horizon. Second, knowing you can change, you must determine what you are doing that needs changing. For example, do you love what you are doing? I don’t mean like; I mean love. If not, if you’re simply working for the money, then basically you’re making this money to continue torturing yourself further. On the other hand, I belong to a health gym. I lift maybe 150 lbs, and then spend the afternoon in a Ben-Gay bath. Now, I’m used to sharing space with muscular stud-muffins, but what really galls me is this 78-year-old guy who is in fantastic shape. That’s because he’s found value and meaning in what he is doing. Nothing is impossible with such an attitude! And there’s something called the Plateau Factor. Whether it’s a relationship, a song, a car, the latest iPod, whatever—we can’t get enough at first, and then over time the passion wanes. What’s happening is that...

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