Psychology and Star Wars

May the Fourth be with you! In honor of Star Wars Day, I'm going to be sharing some psychological insights found in the popular series. 

"Do or do not; there is no 'try.'" 

When Yoda says this, he is expressing a part of behavioral therapy - that if you tell yourself that you will try to do something, you're already doubting your ability. A decision to try is a decision to accept inactivity. On the other hand, if you begin on a task, you can say that you got part of the way to finishing it, whether you finish it or not. Behavioral therapy teaches that, when asked before and after a projected activity, most people experienced more pleasure or less pain than they expected to, so it's in your interest to begin on the activity. If it is intolerable, it's still possible to stop. 

"You're going down a path I can't follow." 

Padme shows us the importance of knowing when to let someone go. When she finds that Anakin has taken immoral actions, even though she loves him, she must let him go on without her. One of the errors in thinking that is taught in cognitive therapy is the mental filter - paying attention only to what one wants to see - and Padme has done some of this with Anakin. But in the end, she finds that she has to see his true character and act accordingly. 

"I take orders from just one person: me." 

This Han Solo quote points to the idea of being the actor in your own story. Reframing your life from 'I have to' to 'I choose to' can change your outlook. You don't have to pay your taxes, but you might choose to do so in order to avoid penalties. Solo has decided that there are things he's not willing to do, and he sees himself as independent, giving himself the high confidence that he shows in the movies. When you find yourself faced with an order at work, remember that it's still your choice to obey or to find a new job. No one can force you to act.