NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An award-winning psychologist reveals the hidden power of our inner voice and shows how to harness it to combat anxiety, improve physical and mental health, and deepen our relationships with others.“A masterpiece.”—Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit • Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Adam Grant, and Daniel H. Pink’s Next Big Idea Club Winter 2021 Winning SelectionOne of the best new books of the year—The Washington Post, BBC, USA Today, CNN Underscored, Shape, Behavioral Scientist, PopSugar • Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness starred reviewsTell a stranger that you talk to yourself, and you’re likely to get written off as eccentric. But the truth is that we all have a voice in our head. When we talk to ourselves, we often hope to tap into our inner coach but find our inner critic instead. When we’re facing a tough task, our inner coach can buoy us up: Focus—you can do this. But, just as often, our inner critic sinks us entirely: I’m going to fail. They’ll all laugh at me. What’s the use? In
Chatter, acclaimed psychologist Ethan Kross explores the silent conversations we have with ourselves. Interweaving groundbreaking behavioral and brain research from his own lab with real-world case studies—from a pitcher who forgets how to pitch, to a Harvard undergrad negotiating her double life as a spy—Kross explains how these conversations shape our lives, work, and relationships. He warns that giving in to negative and disorienting self-talk—what he calls “chatter”—can tank our health, sink our moods, strain our social connections, and cause us to fold under pressure. But the good news is that we’re already equipped with the tools we need to make our inner voice work in our favor. These tools are often hidden in plain sight—in the words we use to think about ourselves, the technologies we embrace, the diaries we keep in our drawers, the conversations we have with our loved ones, and the cultures we create in our schools and workplaces. Brilliantly argued, expertly researched, and filled with compelling stories,
Chatter gives us the power to change the most important conversation we have each day: the one we have with ourselves.
In his captivating book, "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It," Ethan Kross unveils the intricate workings of our inner dialogue, a persistent stream of thoughts that shapes our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Kross delves into the science behind this internal chatter, exploring its impact on our mental well-being, decision-making, and relationships.
Kross introduces the concept of "chatter" as a continuous narrative that runs through our minds, often without our conscious awareness. He explains how this inner voice can be both a source of insight and a source of distress, depending on its content and how we engage with it. Through engaging anecdotes and rigorous research, Kross illustrates how chatter can influence our emotions, driving us towards negative spirals or propelling us towards positive outcomes.
The book delves into the fascinating connection between chatter and our sense of self. Kross reveals how our inner dialogue shapes our self-perception, self-esteem, and self-control. He explores the role of chatter in our social interactions, demonstrating how it can either enhance or hinder our ability to connect with others.
Kross emphasizes the importance of harnessing the power of chatter rather than letting it control us. He offers practical strategies for managing negative chatter, promoting self-compassion, and cultivating a more positive and productive inner dialogue. With humor and compassion, Kross guides readers through a journey of self-discovery, empowering them to take charge of their inner voice and unlock their full potential.
