One of the most counterintuitive truths about priming: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Priming Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of priming
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking priming is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging priming without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing priming to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for priming while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Priming
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting priming, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Priming
Many people find that when they stop fighting priming and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of priming is partly the struggle against it.