In today’s world of work, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the way we work, complaining has become a common refuge for many. Not only does it affect emotional well-being and productivity, but it also puts at risk our ability to adapt to the changes that this new era brings.
There are people who do complain all the time and do nothing, adopting a position of victim, passive towards life, which leads them to a loop of pessimism and negativity that could, depending on each psychic tendency, take them to very dark areas. and, sometimes, even get sick since they tend to stay in zones of supposed comfort that, although rewarding in the short term, are destructive in the long term.
It is common for it to be validated in family environments where everyone complains, which keeps us in that negative comfort zone. But when you start to feel uncomfortable, when you can’t stand yourself anymore, that is the key moment to seek a change, recover the emotions that used to make you happy, remove those rigid faces and stop feeling bad all the time.
An addictive cycle
But why do we complain? What effects does this behavior have on our brain, and what can we do to break it?
A workplace complaint is an emotional response to situations perceived as unfair or frustrating, for example. From a toxic leader to a lack of growth opportunities, we complain to release tension. This posture also generates discomfort in our environment and our relationships, creating an environment full of negative energies: helplessness, injustice, anger, fears, rage, frustration, among other emotions. It also promotes comparison, jealousy, envy, everything negative. The problem is when complaining becomes a defensive mode, full of sultry emotions that, if not treated in time, can become chronic resentment or nonconformity with life.
When we complain and do not find a correct escape route through dialogue, the complaint remains stuck in our emotions and adds to others, such as anger for example. Thus, for a small complaint, we can end up fighting, shouting, generating conflicts.
What many do not know is that, when we complain, our brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter of pleasure and reward. This small release makes us feel good in the moment, but the relief is only temporary, creating the illusion that we are solving problems when, in reality, we perpetuate the feeling of helplessness. The problem arises when the release of dopamine reinforces an addictive cycle: the more we complain, the more
It is pleasant and the more we tend to repeat the behavior.
On a neurological level, this can lead us to constantly look for reasons to complain, turning temporary relief into a habit that perpetuates dissatisfaction. A Stanford University study showed that complaining for just 30 minutes a day can physically damage the brain. Prolonged exposure to negativity shrinks neurons in the hippocampus, the region responsible for problem-solving and cognitive functions. This affects our ability to make effective decisions and can make us addicted to complaining.
Being around people who complain also increases the likelihood of engaging in this behavior.
Pessimism, a bad companion
The habit of complaining is closely linked to a pessimistic view of the work environment. Pessimism sets in when we believe that nothing will improve, and this feeling is amplified by constant complaints. In this context, the complaint stops being a specific reaction and becomes a reflection of a generalized attitude of negativity. It would be like complaining for the sake of complaining, which only shows a projection of pain or fear, of something that we are not able to control.
Constantly complaining, without doing anything to change things, shows an attitude as if a part of us has not grown. This cycle of pessimism affects the ability to see solutions, increasing frustration and stagnation. People trapped in this cycle not only feel less motivated, but they are less likely to innovate, adapt to new technologies, and take on challenges that take them out of their comfort zone.
The new Work Era: Adapt or stagnate
Today’s labor market requires adaptability, innovation and creativity. The pessimistic outlook generates resistance to change, which is dangerous in this new era. The key is to look for innovative solutions and rebuild the job profile so as not to fall into obsolescence and feel that the prophecy of fear is finally fulfilled, but mainly due to inaction.
As a transformational work psychologist, I use the Tarasiewicz Method to help people identify these addictive patterns and replace them with a mindset of growth and resilience. Breaking these cycles allows professionals to evolve alongside emerging technologies.
Many times complaining makes us feel like we are “doing something” when in reality we are postponing real change. Fluency involves moving with change, adapting and learning new skills. Innovation and creativity are key in this new era, but they require an open and proactive mindset.
The first step to breaking this cycle is to develop self-awareness and recognize when we complain out of habit, rather than out of a genuine need. Instead of just expressing frustrations, we should adopt a problem-solving mindset.
Dopamine complaints and pessimism are traps that can hinder professional growth. Instead of focusing on what isn’t working, we should train ourselves to identify opportunities in challenges. Changing this model will give us greater productivity and job satisfaction.
CEO, Psychologist & Work Coach at Work Better (MN 57898). Creator of the Tarasiewicz Method.
Source: Ambito
