Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Reach Your Goals with Daniel J. Moran, PhD, BCBA-D
Sep 26, 2023
auto_awesome
Daniel J. Moran, coauthor of Finding Your Why & Finding Your Way, discusses using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to reach goals. They explore psychological flexibility, identifying values, setting wise goals, and the practicality of mindfulness and acceptance. The significance of ACT and building psychological flexibility is also emphasized.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help individuals reach their goals by teaching them to relate to their thoughts differently, clarify their values, and accept and work through challenging emotions.
ACT emphasizes the value of accepting emotions and committing to actions that align with one's values, allowing individuals to move forward and create a purposeful and meaningful life.
Deep dives
Using acceptance and commitment therapy to reach goals
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that aims to increase psychological flexibility by using mindfulness and behavior change strategies. ACT can help with reaching goals in three main ways: 1) by teaching individuals to relate to their thoughts differently and distance themselves from self-limiting beliefs; 2) by helping them clarify their values and what gives their life meaning and purpose; and 3) by teaching them to accept and work through challenging emotions rather than trying to avoid or control them. By integrating these strategies into their lives, individuals can enhance motivation and create a more purposeful and meaningful life.
The importance of accepting emotions and committing to action
ACT emphasizes the value of accepting emotions and not making life about trying to get rid of certain feelings. Instead, individuals can be willing to experience emotions while committing to actions that align with their values and goals. This allows them to move forward even when they don't feel like it and create a sense of purpose and vitality in their lives.
The mindful action plan in practice
The Mindful Action Plan is a tool derived from ACT that helps individuals build psychological flexibility and focus on the present moment. It involves four components: I am here now, accepting the way I feel, noticing my thoughts, and doing what I care about. By practicing these components, individuals can create a sense of situational awareness, accept their emotions, and align their actions with their values, ultimately leading to a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
Overcoming challenges and boosting motivation
When faced with challenges and loss of motivation, it is helpful to reflect on personal values and the impact one wants to have on their own life and the lives of others. By connecting with what truly matters, individuals can find the resilience and motivation to pursue their goals, even when emotions or circumstances are challenging. Additionally, using the Mindful Action Plan and embracing acceptance of difficult emotions can help re-energize and refocus efforts towards meaningful action.
Daniel J Moran, PhD, BCBA-D, coauthor of Finding Your Why & Finding Your Way, joins us to talk about using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to reach your goals. Daniel is founder of Pickslyde Consulting, and associate professor at Touro University. His appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Network, The Learning Channel, and Discovery focused on ACT for treating people with anxiety, depression, and substance-abuse concerns. In addition, he has successfully consulted with small start-up organizations and international Fortune 500 companies to ensure leaders and associates find their why and find their way.
Visit our website at www.newharbinger.com and use coupon code 'Podcast25' to receive 25% off your entire order.