Rewire
Subtitle: change your brain to break bad habits, overcome addictions, conquer self-destructive behavior
By: Richard O'Connor, PhD
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 289
ISBN-13: 9781594632563
Subjects: Self-destructive behavior; Brain; Habit breaking; Behavior modification
Other titles: Break bad habits, overcome addictions, conquer self-destructive behavior
Description: We humans tend to get in our own way time and time again-whether it comes to not speaking up for ourselves, going back to bad romantic partners, dieting for the umpteenth try, or acting on any of a range of bad habits we just can't seem to shake. In Rewire, renowned psychotherapist Richard O'Connor, PhD, reveals exactly why our bad habits die so hard. We have two brains-one a thoughtful, conscious, deliberative self, and the other an automatic self that makes most of our decisions without our attention. Using new research and knowledge about how the brain works, the book clears a path to lasting, effective changes.

Bringing together many different fields in psychology and brain science, Dr. O'Connor gives you a road map to overcoming whatever self-destructive habits are plaguing you, with exercises throughout the book. We can rewire our brains to develop healthier circuitry, training the automatic self to make wiser decisions without having to think about it; ignore distractions; withstand temptations; see ourselves and the world more clearly; and interrupt our reflexive responses before they get us in trouble. Meanwhile, our conscious minds will be freed to view ourselves with compassion at the same time as we practice self-discipline. By learning valuable skills and habits-including mindfulness, self-control, confronting fear, and freeing yourself from mindless guilt-we can open ourselves to vastly more successful, productive, and happy lives. The book even demystifies how to overcome what Dr. O'Connor calls the "undertow" (the mysterious force that sabotages our best efforts when we're just on the edge of victory) for long-lasting change. Offering a valuable science-based new paradigm for rewiring our brains, Rewire is a refreshing guide to becoming a healthier, happier self.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 271-279) and index.
Table of contents: title: Two brains, not working together; title: The autodestruct mechanism; title: Fear incognito; title: Rebels without causes; title: Because you're special; title: Waving the red flag; title: The enemy is us; title: Trauma and self-destructive behavior; title: Watching the parade go by; title: Brainwashed and burnt out; title: You're hooked : addictions; title: Gloom and dread; title: Facing the undertow.