Episode 62 - Why You Can’t Live in the Moment — And What to Do About It
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (static1.squarespace.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Why is it so hard to live in the moment — and why do we overthink it when we try?
In this episode of The Struggle, we dive deep into the real reasons we struggle to stay present — and what we can do about it. From the way our brains evolved, to how the modern world hijacks our attention, this episode explores both the science and psychology behind presence, distraction, and overanalysis.
🎙 Episode 62: Why You Can’t Live in the Moment — And What to Do About It
We’ll explore:
• Why the present moment is the only tense that’s experientially real
• How our instinct to avoid uncertainty makes us overthink presence itself
• Why even mindfulness can become another trap for control
• How the digital world trains us to escape the moment
• Two clear strategies to reclaim your attention and stop resisting the now
📰 Sponsor
Sign up for The Struggle Newsletter here - https://gregorthomson.com
📺 Watch The Struggle
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@GregorSThomson?si=wTfFwPVYKhJxKAsD
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregorsthomson/
Tiktok -https://www.tiktok.com/@gregor.s.thomson?_t=8ioMNLUnA25&_r=1
Email - [email protected]
🎵 Music
Conal Mooney - https://www.instagram.com/conalmooneyaudio?igsh=dGxqdThlNnNoNzh6
🔬 Key Study Referenced:
De Berker, A. O., et al. (2016). “Computations of uncertainty mediate acute stress responses in humans.” Nature Communications, 7, 10996.
https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms10996
— This study from University College London showed that participants experienced greater anxietywhen there was a 50% chance of receiving an electric shock than when the shock was guaranteed — highlighting our deep aversion to uncertainty.
📚 Additional Sources Referenced:
• Oliver Burkeman, Four Thousand Weeks – for the quote about overthinking joy during a walk in the Yorkshire Dales
• James Clear, Atomic Habits – for the habit design principle: “make bad habits difficult”
• Sam Harris, Waking Up – for the river/canoe metaphor about letting go and observing the mind
• Nir Eyal, Indistractable – for practical strategies on reducing distraction
🛠 AI Use Disclosure:
I used ChatGPT (GPT-4) as a research and editorial assistant to refine concepts, fact-check studies, and develop a clearer structure. All personal insights, storytelling, and delivery are entirely my own.
💬 If you’re tired of surface-level advice and want to go deeper into the ideas, psychology, and philosophy that actually help you grow — subscribe for weekly episodes.
📌 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
#presentmoment #mindfulness #overthinking #selfawareness #thestrugglepodcast #gregorthomson #anxiety #timemanagement #selfgrowth #mentalclarity