Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Is Self-Help Making You Miserable?

21 snips
Jul 21, 2025
The hosts dive into the pitfalls of the self-help industry, highlighting the dangers of excessive striving and performative growth. They explore how social media and capitalism fuel narcissism and the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement. Acknowledging personal anecdotes, they stress finding balance between agency and acceptance. The conversation addresses the commodification of self-worth and the shift from hustle culture to a more laid-back approach to well-being. Ultimately, they champion authenticity and community over the pressure of individual success.
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INSIGHT

Healthy vs Obsessive Self-Striving

  • Healthy striving for self-improvement is natural and beneficial like organizing a kitchen drawer.
  • Avoid obsessive perfectionism in self-help that turns growth into a relentless and harmful pursuit.
INSIGHT

Self-Help Overemphasizes Individual Blame

  • Self-help’s focus on the individual makes all problems personal, implying if you don't improve, it's your fault.
  • This overlooks larger context and can lead to shame and unrealistic personal responsibility.
ANECDOTE

Rick and Forrest's Self-Help Roles

  • Rick Hanson describes himself as 'keeper of the bar' in the self-help community.
  • Forrest Hanson says he’s been on the self-help advisory board for years, highlighting their deep involvement.
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