Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson Is Self-Help Making You Miserable?
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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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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.
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.
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.
