IAN MORGAN CRON: The Path to Flourishing—and Freedom

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Jan 15, 2025

Ian Morgan Cron, a bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Episcopal priest, shares his insights on addiction and personal growth. He discusses how the 12 Steps can be transformative, even for those who don’t identify as addicts. Ian emphasizes the need for community in overcoming isolation and the importance of admitting powerlessness. He argues that real freedom comes from spiritual awakening and the courage to ask for help. The conversation explores the tension between control and surrender, highlighting how embracing vulnerability leads to true fulfillment.

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INSIGHT

Addiction's Counterfeit Nature

Addiction is a counterfeit for what we really want.
It attempts to solve internal problems with external solutions, which never works.

ANECDOTE

Social Media Addiction

Megan Hyatt Miller details her experience with social media addiction, primarily Instagram.
She describes feeling numb, unable to focus, and empty after extended scrolling sessions.

INSIGHT

The Big Ache

Humans are inherently restless and discontent, experiencing a "big ache."
This ache stems from a spiritual yearning for connection with a higher power.

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In this episode of The Double Win Show, Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller interview Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Episcopal priest. Ian shares insights from his new book, The Fix, offering a fresh perspective on how the 12 Steps can transform lives—even for those who don’t identify as addicts. This episode dives into universal human struggles, addressing how we numb pain, avoid truth, and search for solutions in all the wrong places.

Memorable Quotes

“Trying to solve an inside problem with an outside solution doesn’t work.”
“Human beings are always on the prowl for a fix, looking for something to distract or numb the big ache of what it means to be simply human.”
“All human beings are fundamentally restless.”
“The whole point of the 12-step program is to facilitate a spiritual awakening of sufficient force that it expels the need for external solutions to internal problems.”
“Real happiness comes when you make memories in community.”
“People get sick in secret. They get well together.”
“The three most courageous words in the world are ‘I need help.’”
“Powerlessness is a superpower. When you finally admit ‘I am powerless’ or ‘I do not have control over nearly as much of life as I think I do’ suddenly a great, great burden is lifted from your shoulders.”
“Ultimately what we want for ourselves and the people we love most is freedom.”
“All addicts are frustrated mystics.”
“As I’ve kind of unraveled the codependency addiction that I had, I’ve realized that I have to just be okay with people not changing. I want them to change. I pray for them to change. But they have to want it.”
“Your addiction is just a bad solution to a very real problem.”
“The number one addiction? Playing God.”

Key Takeaways

The Big Ache: Everyone carries a longing—an ache—for more. When unmet, it often leads to unhealthy patterns like workaholism, social media scrolling, or compulsive busyness.
A Plan for Transformation: The 12 Steps offer a simple yet profound roadmap to freedom and flourishing, focusing on making peace with God, yourself, and others.
Addiction Looks Different for High Achievers: Addiction isn’t always dramatic. For leaders and professionals, it might show up as perfectionism, control, or overworking.
Healing Happens in Community: Isolation perpetuates pain; healing requires connection.
Surrender Leads to Freedom: Admitting powerlessness isn’t failure—it’s the beginning of true transformation.

Resources

The Fix by Ian Morgan Cron
Ian Morgan Cron’s Website: ianmorgancron.com

Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ZA73bOupPL8

This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound