Steven C. Hayes on Developing Psychological Flexibility
Jan 21, 2020
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In this podcast, Steven C. Hayes, founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), discusses his new book on psychological flexibility. Topics include understanding what you care about, the power of diffusion, managing deep yearnings, exploring values and finding purpose.
Misery can be seen as an ally, holding energy and motivation, and can guide us towards a fulfilling life.
Cognitive diffusion helps us hold thoughts lightly, choose what serves us, and cultivate clarity, flexibility, and openness in our thinking.
Self-acceptance and living in alignment with our values empower us to make conscious choices, leading to fulfillment, well-being, and authentic connection.
Deep dives
The power of embracing misery
Misery can be seen as an ally because it holds energy, caring, and motivation. Our thoughts and actions play a crucial role in creating a fulfilling life. It is essential to focus on positivity, learn from negative thoughts, and make room for growth. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) aims to live with negative thoughts and emotions skillfully and align our actions with our values. Through psychological flexibility, we can be present, direct our attention, and choose actions that bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
The importance of cognitive diffusion
Cognitive diffusion involves seeing thoughts as ongoing attempts at meaning-making and choosing to give them power only to the extent that they genuinely serve us. Instead of getting entangled in thought patterns and rigidly holding on to them, cognitive diffusion allows us to hold thoughts more lightly, take what is useful, and let go of what is not. By disengaging from the overpowering nature of our thoughts, we can cultivate more clarity, flexibility, and openness in our thinking and actions.
Understanding the role of self-acceptance and values
Self-acceptance and values play a major role in leading a purposeful life. By acknowledging our struggles and accepting ourselves as imperfect beings, we can make choices that align with our values. Identifying values that reflect our true aspirations, such as kindness, honesty, and dependability, empowers us to make conscious decisions that guide our behavior. When we live in accordance with our values, we can experience a sense of fulfillment, well-being, and authentic connection with ourselves and others.
The significance of presence and awareness
Being present in the moment and cultivating awareness are essential for personal growth and well-being. By actively engaging with our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment or attachment, we can fully experience life as it unfolds. Mindfulness practices, contemplation, and centering techniques can help us develop a heightened sense of presence, leading to greater clarity, connection, and inner peace.
Harnessing the power of psychological flexibility
Psychological flexibility, which comprises acceptance, presence, and commitment to one's values, is a powerful tool for leading a meaningful life. By embracing our thoughts and emotions without trying to eliminate or suppress them, we can learn to live with them in a skillful way. This allows us to make choices aligned with our values and take actions that contribute to our personal growth and well-being.
Steven C. Hayes is one of the founders of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and this is his second time on the show. This time, he and Eric discuss his new book, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. Dr. Hayes is a Professor of Psychology at The University of Nevada Reno. He’s the author of 43 books and more than 600 scientific articles. He’s served as the President of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. In this episode, Dr. Hayes teaches what psychological flexibility is, how to cultivate it, and the ways in which it can improve your life.
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In This Interview, Steven C. Hayes and I Discuss Psychological Flexibility and…
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