Why Do People Get Stuck?
May 8, 2018 12:18 PM Subscribe
A few months ago, I read something - I thought via MeFi or AskMe - that addressed why people get 'stuck' in times of difficulty and become unable to 'think outside of the box' with any clarity. I really regret not saving the link - please help me find this article (blog post?) or something similar.
IIRC, the gist of the article was that when things are not going well, we develop tunnel-vision about the issue and become unable to contemplate creative solutions. Instead of being open to new ideas, we become more determined to cling to things (ideas, concepts, items) that are familiar and comfortable, even if letting go of those things would objectively reduce stress and help to improve parts of our lives where we are really struggling.
I believe there was some discussion about how to get yourself out of the tunnel-vision, and possibly some info about helping others to do the same for themselves - but I could be wrong.
I realize this is a bit vague, which is why my attempts to search for this here and elsewhere have failed, but... anyone else remember this?
IIRC, the gist of the article was that when things are not going well, we develop tunnel-vision about the issue and become unable to contemplate creative solutions. Instead of being open to new ideas, we become more determined to cling to things (ideas, concepts, items) that are familiar and comfortable, even if letting go of those things would objectively reduce stress and help to improve parts of our lives where we are really struggling.
I believe there was some discussion about how to get yourself out of the tunnel-vision, and possibly some info about helping others to do the same for themselves - but I could be wrong.
I realize this is a bit vague, which is why my attempts to search for this here and elsewhere have failed, but... anyone else remember this?
This post was deleted for the following reason: Sorry, questions about finding stuff on Mefi or AskMe should be posted in Metatalk -- go ahead and post this over there instead. -- LobsterMitten
(in the course of a major life or death situation, of course. this might not be what you are thinking of. but it gets into how people under extreme stress develop tunnel vision and have difficulty changing course even when it's clear that they must, and it's very interesting!)
posted by cakelite at 12:30 PM on May 8, 2018
posted by cakelite at 12:30 PM on May 8, 2018
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posted by cakelite at 12:26 PM on May 8, 2018 [1 favorite]