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Why Autopilot Thinking Makes You React Without Awareness and How to Break the Pattern, with Clinical Psychologist Dr Greg Obert | #610
Description
What if the biggest thing standing between you and better decisions under pressure isn’t your circumstances, but the automatic “autopilot” reactions running your mind without you noticing?
In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Gregory Obert breaks down why we so often react emotionally before we even realise what’s happening, and how that can distort our thinking, relationships, and choices. If you’ve ever snapped, assumed the worst, or regretted a reaction in the heat of the moment, this conversation connects directly to that experience and shows what’s actually going on beneath it.
By listening, you’ll understand:
- How “autopilot” thinking quietly shapes your reactions and decisions without conscious awareness
- Simple mindfulness techniques to interrupt unhelpful thought loops and “defuse” from them in real time
- Practical nervous-system tools (like sensory grounding and cold exposure) to regain control when emotions spike
Press play on this episode to learn how to step out of reactive patterns and respond with clarity even in high-pressure moments.
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KEY POINTS AND TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - How Autopilot Reactions Shape Your Decisions
02:35 - What Mindfulness Really Means
05:58 - The Johnny Example and Assumptions Under Pressure
10:16 - Defusion: Separating Thoughts from Reality
12:04 - Simple Mindfulness Exercises to Build Awareness
16:15 - How to Interrupt Emotional Reactions in Real Time
18:24 - The 0 to 10 Emotional Scale and the Logical Brain
21:41 - Using Cold Exposure to Calm Emotional Intensity
29:05 - Sitting with Difficult Emotions Without Escaping Them
36:07 - Where to Learn More from Dr Greg Obert
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MEMORABLE QUOTE:
"It's paying attention on purpose to the present moment, non-judgmentally."
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VALUABLE RESOURCES:
Dr Greg's website: https://www.royaloasispi.com/
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Coaching with Agi: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/mentor
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🎙️ Want to be a guest on Personal Development Mastery?
Message Agi on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/member/personaldevelopmentmastery
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Personal development podcast for midlife professionals, offering actionable insights for personal growth, mindset tips, self mastery and purposeful living.
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Subscribe to our weekly email: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/email
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A personal development podcast for midlife professionals, offering mindset tips and practical tools for personal growth, self mastery, personal mastery, and purposeful living. Discover psychology tips for emotional intelligence and growth mindset, including overcoming impostor syndrome and building self mastery.
Personal Development Mastery features personal development interviews and solo episodes empowering professionals, entrepreneurs, and seekers to cultivate self mastery and create a meaningful, fulfilling life aligned with who they truly are.