A fresh take on overthinking, regret, and making peace with your choices
This preview is based on the episode notes, not the full audio. In this bitesize clip, Harvard psychologist Dr Ellen Langer shares a mindset for decision-making that aims to reduce overthinking, loosen regret, and help you feel more at ease with uncertainty.
This is a preview based only on the published show notes, so think of it as a guide to whether the episode sounds useful rather than a recap of everything said. If you often replay old decisions, second-guess current choices, or imagine how life might have gone differently, this bitesize episode looks designed for you. The notes suggest that Dr Ellen Langer challenges a basic assumption behind that kind of thinking, and offers a different way to approach decisions that may feel lighter and more freeing. Langer is introduced here as a Harvard professor of psychology with more than 50 years of research on the power of the mind. According to the notes, this clip focuses on practical mindset shifts: stopping overthinking, letting go of regret, and becoming more confident in the choices you make. That makes it sound especially relevant for listeners who want psychological insight without needing a long deep dive. Because this is a short clip taken from a longer conversation, it may work well if you want a quick dose of perspective on uncertainty and everyday decision-making. If the themes of mindfulness, mindset, and mental flexibility appeal to you, this episode appears likely to offer a concise, thoughtful entry point before deciding whether to explore the full episode.
About this episode
Many of us spend time agonising over decisions, regretting past choices or wondering what might have happened if we'd chosen differently. But today’s guest believes this way of thinking is based on a fundamental misconception. Today’s clip is from episode 537 of the podcast with Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, Dr Ellen Langer. Ellen has spent over 50 years conducting ground-breaking research into the power of the mind and how our thoughts can shape every aspect of our lives. In this clip, she shares a refreshing approach to decision making that could help us stop overthinking, let go of regret and feel more confident in the choices we make. Ellen is a wonderful human, full of knowledge, expertise and passion. She is the recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards and the author of twelve books, including The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health. Thanks to our sponsor https://thewayapp.com/livemore Join my 21-day energy reset: https://drchatterjee.com/reset Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/537 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.