Coercion (anti-rational memes) works by setting up blocks that repel you from thinking certain things.
It doesn’t make you think particular things — only creativity can do that.
Creativity boosters (that should be used all the time but get forgotten):
Follow fun. Navigate by “towards”. Try things. Think what’d be awesome, not just ‘un-meh’.
Why does this fit with the critical, problem-solving approach?
If you’re feeling bad, the “towards” approach can unhook you from that block.
Meaning you’re free to use criticism productively/unpainfully. Because you’ve got places to go, instead of only things to avoid.
In science, we need a better rival theory in order to refute anything. If a theory seems faulty, we still have to stick with it until we’ve got something better.
Likewise with personal problems, it’s no use to just criticise and move away. You need something to go towards.