I am not my thoughts

When Jim and I started this podcast we knew we would be learning on the job and make infinite mistakes along the way. We figured that as long we remained humble and were open to constructive criticism we would eventually become the professional podcasters we aim to be. Today, Jim brought something to my attention that I was semi-aware of but didn’t think it was a mistake worth working on.

He and some of his friends, who are loyal listeners to the podcast, pointed out that when I get excited about a topic I can get carried away and dominate the conversation with a certainty that is not warranted. They are right of course. I have the tendency to talk in absolutes and see the world as black or white. I can become wedded to my own ideas, be dismissive of contrasting points of views and see them as a personal attack because I am guilty of seeing my ideas as formative parts of my personality. It’s a trap that is very easy to fall into but very hard to get out of.

Hosting a mental health podcast requires me to be incredibly open to new or contrasting ideas and to do so I have to divorce myself from the thoughts I currently have in my head and start to see them as separate entities entirely. Some beliefs are fleeting, whereas some become core beliefs and calcify over time. I have realised that no matter how hardened these beliefs become in my own mind, they should always be up for review and I need to be critical. Jim and I have many differences but one of the stark contrasts between us is our levels of reflexivity. As some of you have already noticed, Jim is always asking why or how?

Why do you think that way?

Is there another way to interpret that situation?

How could you have reacted differently?

I realise now that these questions are key to separating yourself from your ideas and judge them on their merits. Be objective, not subjective, for I am not my thoughts.

By Seb Siracusa