Complaining Rewires Your Brain

Complaining makes your brain feel good.

At least, that’s what it feels like. You vent your frustrations, point out what’s wrong or unfair, and maybe even get a nod of agreement from someone nearby.

But here’s the problem, complaining doesn’t change things you don’t like. It only makes it easier to do again. Dr. Travis Bradbury wrote:

So if you’re constantly rehashing similar frustrations and venting, you’re training your brain to hurt, not help you. Said differently, the short-term joy you get from complaining causes long-term harm.

It’s time to put an end to it. Not just because it’s bad for you, but because no one else really wants to hear it. As the saying goes, the world’s smallest violin is playing just for you.

Here’s your challenge today: When you feel the urge to complain, ask yourself these three questions:

1. True - Is what I am saying true and supported by facts?

2. Helpful - Is what I am saying going to resolve or improve the situation constructively?

3. Purposeful - Will what I said lead to a meaningful or positive outcome?

Complaining might make you feel better, but it slowly erodes your mindset. It lets a little air out of your balloon for no reason other than your chronic habit.

Today is your day to start building a new and better habit.

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