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Dare to Lead with Brené Brown

Brené with Dr. Susan David on the Dangers of Toxic Positivity, Part 1 of 2

Mar 1, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Susan David, an award-winning psychologist and the author of "Emotional Agility," dives into the complex world of feelings. She tackles the perils of toxic positivity, urging listeners to embrace a full spectrum of emotions for genuine well-being. Topics include how childhood experiences shape our emotional responses, the significance of emotional granularity, and the importance of authentic emotional expression, especially in parenting. David emphasizes that acknowledging our true feelings is essential for personal growth and resilience.
01:07:18

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Quick takeaways

  • The episode critiques toxic positivity, illustrating how it leads to the suppression of difficult emotions and hinders resilience.
  • Emotional agility is highlighted as the essential skill to navigate emotions effectively, using them as indicators for personal needs and values.

Deep dives

The Fallacy of Toxic Positivity

The episode critiques the prevalent culture of toxic positivity, which promotes the idea that one should always maintain a positive outlook regardless of circumstances. This mindset often leads individuals to suppress difficult emotions, creating a façade of happiness instead of acknowledging their true feelings. By labeling negative emotions as 'bad' and pushing them aside, people risk becoming less resilient and more fragile, as these unresolved emotions can manifest in unhealthy ways. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing and experiencing all emotions, which are seen as integral to being human, rather than disregarding those that are uncomfortable.

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