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Seattle, WA
USA

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Why Are We Still Doing That? – Why Are We Still Naysaying?

Blog / Podcast

Our blog and podcast dive into the real stories and everyday strategies behind building a No Vacation Required life. We challenge outdated norms, share fresh perspectives, and explore what it means to find fulfillment right now—in a world that rarely makes it easy.

Why Are We Still Doing That? – Why Are We Still Naysaying?

No Vacation Required

Stop Centering Yourself: The Cure for Habitual Naysaying

Why have so many people become habitually critical? We dive into the cycle of constant rejection and the insecurity that often fuels a negative mindset. By examining a recent "call out" we received regarding their stance on traditional life paths, we explore why we tend to center ourselves in stories that have nothing to do with us.

From the viral "bean soup" phenomenon to the science of positive psychology, this episode offers a guide on how to shift from a defensive posture to an "upward spiral" of curiosity and joy. Learn how to protect your energy by knowing when to care, when to let go, and how to authentically celebrate the choices of others – even when they look nothing like your own.

Onward and Inward,

CHAPTERS:

  • (00:00) Why are we still doing that?

  • (01:03) Mindshare: Beautiful October weather and the "big leap" to the iPhone 17 Pro

  • (04:09) The Naysaying epidemic: Why we critique what we can't control

  • (06:28) Getting "Called Out": Addressing the bias against traditional paths

  • (12:38) The "Bean Soup" Effect: The problem with centering yourself

  • (16:02) Mindful Positivity: The brain science of the upward spiral

  • (21:40) The Coaching Trick: "I'm glad that makes you happy"

  • (22:41) Worth the Time: Seattle’s Museum of Flight and beaded weapons of war

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Mindful vs. Toxic Positivity: Applying positive emotions like joy and curiosity is a physiological tool to undo stress and increase resilience.

  • Stop the Self-Centering: Recognizing that someone else’s recipe, podcast, or lifestyle choice is not a referendum on your own life allows you to save your energy for things that actually matter.

  • The Upward Spiral: Practicing a "that’s great" attitude toward others' happiness creates a virtuous cycle that benefits your own mental well-being.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

SUPPORT NO VACATION REQUIRED:

If this episode helped you rethink how you engage with the world, please leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! It is the best way to help our message reach more people.