[One Thousand Characters a Day] Sad Feelings Are Also a Habit<1>

Editor's NoteFalling repeatedly into feelings of depression and stagnation is due to bad habits created by a depressed brain. It means that when faced with difficult situations, one has become too accustomed to expressing and acting on negative emotions, thus trapped in the cycle of negative automatic thoughts. If negative emotions are allowed to turn into actions, the likelihood of developing neuroses such as depression and anxiety increases. Moreover, the habit of repeatedly thinking negatively actually accelerates the deterioration of brain function, leading to cognitive decline. It is natural to feel negative emotions in negative situations, but to choose positive emotions at those times, one must have practiced mental training regularly.
＜Depressed Minds Are Also Habits＞ is a book by psychological counselor Professor Park Sang-mi, based on her own experiences and research, which organizes how to recognize one’s emotions and break free from negative automatic thoughts. It introduces psychological prescriptions for choosing good emotions and thoughts in any situation and explains how to create a habit of positive automatic thoughts through 21 days of repetition. Asia Economy offers parts of this book as transcription content in five installments for the 'One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Thousand Characters a Day' newsletter readers. Word count: 827.

According to psychologist Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, human needs are divided into five levels, and the ultimate goal of human development is the 'need for self-actualization.' Humans have the desire to continuously develop themselves and to maximize their potential. Unlike other needs, the need for self-actualization tends to increase as it is fulfilled. Later, Maslow also proposed the need for self-transcendence beyond the stage of self-actualization. This is the desire to become a person who helps others and contributes to the world, beyond the completion of oneself.

American psychologist Clayton Paul Alderfer, who expanded Maslow’s five-level hierarchy of needs, proposed the ERG (Existence, Relatedness & Growth) theory, asserting that humans have existence needs, relatedness needs, and growth needs. The growth needs expand on Maslow’s fourth and fifth levels of needs.

As can be seen here, the basic desire to become a better person and to do well is fundamental. When humans feel that they are growing, hope arises, leading to self-acceptance and increased competence. Believing that one is growing leads to greater self-love.

Do not compare yourself to others; focus on your own growth. Think only about realizing your self and developing your potential. People with severe inferiority complexes tend to only try to cover themselves up. Stop hiding and honestly acknowledge yourself as you are, and consider what your growth needs are. When you become a beneficial presence in the world and feel that both you and others are growing together, you will realize that you are a unique and precious being in this world.

- Park Sang-mi, Depressed Minds Are Also Habits, Evening Moon, 18,800 KRW