In this episode of "Inevitably Great," we delve into a topic that might initially seem offbeat but holds immense relevance to our everyday experiences: the concept of our "drug of choice." This isn't about literal substances, although it can be, but rather about the myriad ways we unconsciously try to numb or escape uncomfortable feelings stemming from our thoughts.
I explore how every struggle, insecurity, or difficulty we face is coming from our thoughts, which we mistakenly perceive as reality. This misinterpretation can lead us into a dark, effortful place, unaware that it's our own thoughts creating this sensation. We all have a feedback mechanism through our emotions, signaling us about these thoughts. But instead of recognizing these signals for what they are, we often seek an antidote to this discomfort.
Our 'drugs of choice' vary widely - from overworking and obsessing over details to literal substance abuse or excessive training in the case of athletes. These are not solutions but temporary escapes from the discomfort created by our thoughts. The emphasis here is not on self-blame but on understanding the underlying wisdom of our actions. It's about recognizing the poison of our thoughts and understanding that the feeling of needing an antidote comes from a misunderstanding of these thoughts' nature.
This episode invites listeners to see the fleeting and temporary nature of thoughts, how they aren't as concrete as they appear. By recognizing this, the urge to seek out our 'drugs of choice' diminishes.
S01E12 - What's your drug of choice? - Inevitably Great