In this episode, Dr. Twitchell discusses the intricacies of goal setting and its relationship with anxiety. Drawing upon Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's flow theory, Dr. Twitchell explores how creating the right types of goals can help achieve a state of inner harmony and reduce anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of goals that enhance autonomy and create inner order, distinguishing between genetic and cultural programming versus conscious goal setting. Dr. Twitchell also shares personal anecdotes and strategies to balance goal demands with available resources, ensuring they are neither too hard nor too easy, thus facilitating a flow state. Practical advice on adjusting goals to fit within one's resources and focusing on process-oriented goals is provided to help listeners cultivate a satisfying and harmonious relationship with their goals.


[00:00:00] - Introduction and New Year Greetings
[00:00:36] - Understanding Anxiety and Goals
[00:01:23] - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's Flow Theory
[00:02:51] - The Importance of Autonomy in Goal Setting
[00:05:25] - Genetic Programming and Autonomy
[00:09:31] - Cultural Influence on Goals
[00:14:12] - Creating Goals that Reduce Anxiety
[00:18:43] - Personal Experiences and Practical Tips
[00:25:16] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts


For full show notes, including resources mentioned, go to:
www.calmyourcaveman.com

Join Dr. Twitchell in this New Year's episode as she discusses the importance of optimism and a challenge mindset in predicting and coping with future stressors. Dr. Twitchell explains how our appraisals and predictions shape our emotional and physiological responses, as well as our ability to solve problems and collaborate with others. Learn about the differences between threat and challenge mindsets, and practical ways to cultivate a more optimistic outlook for the coming year.

00:00 Introduction and New Year's Greetings
00:42 Predicting the Future and Its Impact
01:43 The Role of Emotions in Future Predictions
05:17 Challenge vs. Threat Mindsets
06:38 Three Insights on How the Challenge Mindset Helps Us Find Solutions to Problems
13:14 Cultivating a Challenge Mindset
18:13 Conclusion and New Year's Challenge


For full show notes, including resources mentioned, go to:
www.calmyourcaveman.com

Join Dr. Twitchell in this special Christmas episode of 'Calm Your Caveman' to explore the profound impact of awe on our mental and physical well-being. Learn about Professor Dacher Keltner's insights on the psychological need for awe, its various benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and its ability to expand our circle of care. Discover eight pathways to experience awe daily, including moral beauty, collective movement, nature, music, and more. Dr. Twitchell also shares her personal 'daily awe hygiene' practice and explains how cultivating awe can enrich our lives year-round.

00:00 Welcome to Calm Your Caveman: Christmas Special
00:57 The Power of Awe: Benefits and Impact
02:00 Understanding Awe: Definitions and Differences
03:25 The Positive Effects of Awe on Mind and Body
05:06 How to Seek Awe in Daily Life
06:55 Personal Awe Practices: My Daily Routine
10:05 The Unique Nature of Awe: Beyond Pleasure
11:00 Final Thoughts and Christmas Wishes

For full show notes, including resources mentioned, go to:
www.calmyourcaveman.com