Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness How to Embrace Failure & Let Go of Fear with Dan Harris
11 snips
May 7, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Dan Harris, a best-selling author and former ABC News anchor, dives into embracing failure and overcoming fear. He shares how his own setbacks propelled him toward growth and reflects on the psychological impact of failure, highlighting the importance of mindfulness. The discussion emphasizes self-compassion after mistakes and tackles the societal pressures of perfectionism. With humor and raw honesty, Dan offers listeners practical tools to navigate their challenges and find resilience.
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Fear of Failure in the Brain
- Failure activates the amygdala, which triggers a fear response and shuts down clear thinking.
- Evolutionarily, social fear of failure was critical since exclusion from the tribe meant death.
Managing Failure with Mindfulness
- Use mindfulness meditation to develop self-awareness that distinguishes useful reflection from rumination.
- Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself like a good friend or your pet to manage failure healthily.
Panic Attack Sparks Transformation
- Dan Harris had a cocaine-fueled panic attack live on Good Morning America which nearly ended his career.
- That failure led him to meditation and therapy, transforming his life and career path.