In this episode, we continue our series on “Who Am I” by looking at the two sides of narcissism.

Having and taking in positive experiences is a key part of building useful inner strengths, and developing a strong sense of self almost always includes some sense that you’re basically a good, capable person with desirable traits. How can we do those things without developing narcissistic traits or falling prey to narcissistic tendencies? Put another, maybe slightly more casual way, where’s the line between “not enough narcissism” and “too much”?

Today we cover:

• Where narcissistic tendencies come from.
• The difference between “10% narcissism” and true narcissistic personality disorder.
• What distinguishes narcissism from confidence.
• How we can take in healthy narcissistic supplies without becoming narcissistic ourselves.

Timestamps:

• 01:22: How would you, as a clinician, describe the spectrum of narcissism?
• 04:03: What’s narcissism at the 1%, 5%, or even 10% mark?
• 07:36: How is narcissism distinct from just being confident?
• 12:47: Where does narcissism come from?
• 27:48: How can we take in healthy narcissistic supplies without becoming narcissists?
• 31:32: Should people with 10% narcissism still take in narcissistic supplies?

If you’d like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don’t have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson’s new program: Just One Minute.

Dr. Rick Hanson offers 57 brief practices that strengthen the neural networks of deep well-being and resilience.

This program gives you just one thing to focus on each day to gradually change your brain for the better so you can handle the stresses and challenges of everyday life with greater ease, inner strength, and confidence.

Each practice is grounded in modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom, and Rick’s background in the very real world of business and raising a family.

Practices include a 1-2 minute video explaining the importance of the practice and how to do it, a recap, reflection, and suggestion for integrating it into your daily life, weekly emails with inspiration, support, and encouragement, an audio download, transcription, and printable handout.

They’re quick and easy to do, and each repetition strengthens key neural circuits – just like building a muscle in the gym. It’s the law of little things: a small thing repeated each day adds up to big results. Just one thing… that could change your life.

Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.