Great entry into the challenge Dom, I feel I should have read it when it was first posted as it genuinely might have helped me a few days ago! It's weird how that little tip of accountability has helped me so much recently, even if I know that there are no real consequences for failing, just the act of sharing my intention with anyone cements it in my brain.
Hesitation as a confirmation of danger is an interesting thought, it reenforces the need to be decisive and then follow through.
I’m really happy you liked the article, Mark! It’s interesting how simply sharing an intention reinforces commitment, it’s like a mental anchor. And yes, hesitation as a signal of danger really highlights why decisive action matters. Glad this resonated with you :)
This is so interesting. I intuitively understood that action is an excellent antidote to depression and anxiety. But I didn’t know of the neurological mechanism behind it.
I’m so glad you found this interesting, Aimée! It’s fascinating how neuroscience supports what many of us have intuitively felt. As you know, the mind & body are deeply connected, and taking even a small step forward can start rewiring our response to anxious perceptions and low mood.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts :)
Seeing resilience and mental health as a skill, like a muscle that can be trained is so essential for self-improvement. Once we embrace this concept, we can always do something to make things better and this is the true essence of taking action. Great article Dom!
It’s wonderful to hear you liked the article, Moon! Viewing resilience and mental health as skills we can develop shifts the focus from feeling stuck to recognising our ability to grow. You put it perfectly—this is the essence of taking action. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
As a health coach who works with overweight and obese population, it’s highly relevant.
Goals oftentimes are best set by the individual themselves, and accountability/support is massive in this. An object in motion stays in motion. Following!
There's nothing better than hearing your writing means something to somone, right? At least here in the Substack universe :) Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Thank you also for following. Amazing!
Are you saying the combination of determination and compassion increases our accountability to ourselves?
What I've seen is that if we're only tough on ourselves it's a self-rejection or an aspect of self hate. Often we won't allow ourselves to change from that stance.
And when we practice self kindness I believe we're more willing or able to deeply see and understand ourselves, which makes us wiser about what's going on and what's needed.
Not quite! 🙂 I was referring to the idea that seeing qualities like mental health and resilience as skills (something we can work on, develop, and improve) motivates us to be more responsible and caring toward ourselves.
The opposite view, treating these as fixed traits, often leads people to feel powerless, adopting a "this is just who I am, and there’s nothing I can do about it" mindset. This surrender prevents them from recognising their own abilities, competence, and sense of agency in shaping their psychological wellbeing.
I believe it also diminishes the value of practices like self-kindness, which you mentioned. A topic I’ve explored in a previous post as well :)
Dear Hafsa, I'm so glad you think this article is informative. Out of all the articles I've written so far for my Newsletter, this is the one I enjoyed the most. I shall write more pieces like this from now on.
Thank you for your constant support Hafsa. It means a lot to me <3
I love the way you simplify psychological concepts in your articles. I'm also writing on this topic, exploring it from a different angle, your version was worth knowing. I constantly remind myself - the more you wait (to act),the more you wait (to see results).
Mayank, thank you for the reassuring words! That’s exactly the goal: keeping the message clear while avoiding scientific jargon. I'm looking forward to your post and curious about the angle you're taking. Please, be sure to tag me!
I love your motto: The more you wait (to act), the more you wait (to see results).
Great entry into the challenge Dom, I feel I should have read it when it was first posted as it genuinely might have helped me a few days ago! It's weird how that little tip of accountability has helped me so much recently, even if I know that there are no real consequences for failing, just the act of sharing my intention with anyone cements it in my brain.
Hesitation as a confirmation of danger is an interesting thought, it reenforces the need to be decisive and then follow through.
I’m really happy you liked the article, Mark! It’s interesting how simply sharing an intention reinforces commitment, it’s like a mental anchor. And yes, hesitation as a signal of danger really highlights why decisive action matters. Glad this resonated with you :)
This is so interesting. I intuitively understood that action is an excellent antidote to depression and anxiety. But I didn’t know of the neurological mechanism behind it.
I’m so glad you found this interesting, Aimée! It’s fascinating how neuroscience supports what many of us have intuitively felt. As you know, the mind & body are deeply connected, and taking even a small step forward can start rewiring our response to anxious perceptions and low mood.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts :)
Seeing resilience and mental health as a skill, like a muscle that can be trained is so essential for self-improvement. Once we embrace this concept, we can always do something to make things better and this is the true essence of taking action. Great article Dom!
It’s wonderful to hear you liked the article, Moon! Viewing resilience and mental health as skills we can develop shifts the focus from feeling stuck to recognising our ability to grow. You put it perfectly—this is the essence of taking action. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing this
As a health coach who works with overweight and obese population, it’s highly relevant.
Goals oftentimes are best set by the individual themselves, and accountability/support is massive in this. An object in motion stays in motion. Following!
There's nothing better than hearing your writing means something to somone, right? At least here in the Substack universe :) Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. Thank you also for following. Amazing!
Ps: Your work sounds fascinating Tristan.
Skill rather than traits, how I love that! Also your encouraging and compassionate dialectic.
Hi Margo, how nice to see you around once again :)
I'm glad you liked this approach to wellbeing. I think this sort of view makes us accontable and, in turn, more motivated to look after ourselves.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and interact <3
Are you saying the combination of determination and compassion increases our accountability to ourselves?
What I've seen is that if we're only tough on ourselves it's a self-rejection or an aspect of self hate. Often we won't allow ourselves to change from that stance.
And when we practice self kindness I believe we're more willing or able to deeply see and understand ourselves, which makes us wiser about what's going on and what's needed.
Thoughts?
Not quite! 🙂 I was referring to the idea that seeing qualities like mental health and resilience as skills (something we can work on, develop, and improve) motivates us to be more responsible and caring toward ourselves.
The opposite view, treating these as fixed traits, often leads people to feel powerless, adopting a "this is just who I am, and there’s nothing I can do about it" mindset. This surrender prevents them from recognising their own abilities, competence, and sense of agency in shaping their psychological wellbeing.
I believe it also diminishes the value of practices like self-kindness, which you mentioned. A topic I’ve explored in a previous post as well :)
Thank you for engaging, Margo!
Ah that makes sense. Thanks so much for your reply. Have a great weekend!
I loved how you stated that hesitation confirms threat to the Brain.
Such an informative piece.
Dear Hafsa, I'm so glad you think this article is informative. Out of all the articles I've written so far for my Newsletter, this is the one I enjoyed the most. I shall write more pieces like this from now on.
Thank you for your constant support Hafsa. It means a lot to me <3
I love the way you simplify psychological concepts in your articles. I'm also writing on this topic, exploring it from a different angle, your version was worth knowing. I constantly remind myself - the more you wait (to act),the more you wait (to see results).
Mayank, thank you for the reassuring words! That’s exactly the goal: keeping the message clear while avoiding scientific jargon. I'm looking forward to your post and curious about the angle you're taking. Please, be sure to tag me!
I love your motto: The more you wait (to act), the more you wait (to see results).