Embrace Indecisiveness to Promote Change in Your Life - Featuring Dr. William Miller

On The Verywell Mind Podcast

Listen to The Verywell Mind Podcast, where host Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews inspiring authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and more about their strategies for improving mental health.

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Meet Dr. William Miller

• Dr. William Miller is a renowned clinical psychologist, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, and an accomplished author.
• His research primarily centers around the psychology of change, addictive behaviors, self-regulation, and the intersection between spirituality and psychology.
• Together with Dr. Stephen Rollnick, Dr. Miller co-founded motivational interviewing, a respectful communication style that effectively uses change language tailored to the client's own words.
• His latest book, "On Second Thought," delves into the concept of ambivalence.

Dr. Miller's Contributions to Mental Strength

• Dr. Miller's pioneering work has transformed the approach clinicians take towards motivation, especially with individuals grappling with substance use disorders.
• His emphasis on motivational interviewing techniques has empowered countless people to embrace change, cautioning against confrontational strategies that often lead to resistance and denial.
• Dr. Miller's expertise has been instrumental in educating professionals and students worldwide on respectful communication with individuals ambivalent about making life changes.
• He continues to share his knowledge and research with the world, impacting the treatment of substance use significantly.

What You Will Learn from This Podcast Episode

• Gain insights into the nature of ambivalence and its normality.
• Learn to accept that complete motivation for change is not always immediate or necessary.
• Understand why most New Year's resolutions fall short.
• Discover strategies for handling missteps and setbacks along the journey of change.
• Explore the concept of an inner committee that offers diverse perspectives on our actions and how to discern which voice to heed.
• Learn what to do when you believe someone else needs to make a change.
• Discover the "ruler strategy" for enhancing motivation for change.
• Gain tips on helping others become more receptive to change.
• Learn self-motivational techniques to drive action.
• Prepare for setbacks by conducting a "fire drill."

Key Takeaways about Mental Strength and Mental Health

• The common notion that you must be 100% ready to change before taking action is a myth.
• Second-guessing yourself and feeling indecisive are normal, not signs of weakness.
• Struggling with adherence to medication or quitting habits like alcohol consumption doesn't make you weak; it's a human experience.
• Recognizing and accepting ambivalence as normal empowers us to take steps forward. Sometimes we can navigate this on our own, while at other times, seeking support can be beneficial.

Quotes from Dr. Miller

• "Trying to help people voice their own positive motivations for change is much more powerful than trying to persuade people."
• "When diagnosed with diabetes or questioning alcohol consumption, it's normal to desire change while simultaneously seeing reasons for and against it."
• "Resist becoming a champion for change, telling others what's wrong with them and what they should do. This often leads to resistance."
• "Instead of dictating what people should do, ask them what they think they should do, why they would want to do it, and how they would go about it. By voicing their motivations, they embrace change more readily than responding to external arguments."

More About the Podcast

• The Verywell Mind Podcast is available on all streaming platforms.
• Your reviews and ratings on Apple Podcasts help us reach more people and prioritize mental health discussions.

Recommended Episodes

-[Link to Episode 1] -[Link to Episode 2] -[Link to Episode 3]