Crush Your Job, Banish Self-Doubt
The Inner Game of Work: Focus, Learning, Pleasure, and Mobility in the Workplace
by W. Timothy Gallwey
Business
TL;DR
This book is all about shutting up your inner critic (Self 1) so your actual capable self (Self 2) can do its thing. It teaches you to observe without judgment, trust your instincts, and focus on the task instead of your anxieties. Basically, it's a guide to unlocking your natural flow state at work, making you less stressed and more productive by getting out of your own damn way.
Action Items
Next time you're doing something simple, like washing dishes or walking, just observe your thoughts without judging them. Notice Self 1 trying to butt in, and just mentally tell it to chill.
Pick one small task today, like making coffee or sending an email. As you do it, just observe your actions and any thoughts that pop up, without labeling them good or bad. Just notice.
When you're doing something routine, like typing or walking, try to consciously not think about how you're doing it. Just let your hands type, let your legs walk. See how much smoother it feels when you stop trying to control every micro-movement.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Your Brain's Inner Bully and the Chill Pro (aka The Two Selves)
Ever feel like your brain has two parts: one that's a total backseat driver, constantly nagging and judging, and another that just wants to get the job done? This book breaks down that dynamic, introducing us to 'Self 1' – the annoying inner critic – and 'Self 2' – your chill, competent self. The real magic happens when you learn to tell Self 1 to take a permanent coffee break. By silencing that internal monologue of doubt and judgment, you empower Self 2 to trust its innate abilities. This isn't about trying harder; it's about getting out of your own way so you can learn faster, perform better, and actually enjoy your work without the constant mental drama. It's like finally letting the pro driver take the wheel instead of your anxious aunt.
Key Methods and Approaches
Shutting Up Your Inner Karen
(AKA: Self 1 & Self 2)
Description:
Your brain has a loud, judgmental part and a quiet, competent part. The goal is to mute the loud one.
Explanation:
Imagine your brain is a group chat. Self 1 is that one friend who always overreacts, judges everyone, and sends 50 messages when one would do. Self 2 is the friend who just drops the mic with a perfect meme and leaves. This method is about blocking Self 1 so Self 2 can shine. It's like telling your inner helicopter parent to go get a hobby and stop micromanaging your every move.
Examples:
Trying to write an email, and Self 1 is like, 'This sounds stupid, they'll think you're an idiot, rewrite it!'
Giving a presentation, and Self 1 is screaming, 'You're gonna mess up that slide, everyone's judging your outfit!'
Learning a new software, and Self 1 is whispering, 'You're too old for this, you'll never get it, just give up.'
Today's Action:
Next time you're doing something simple, like washing dishes or walking, just observe your thoughts without judging them. Notice Self 1 trying to butt in, and just mentally tell it to chill.
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