On this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Forrest and Dr. Rick Hanson explore how self-concept, the invisible architecture of who we are, shapes our lives. They discuss how identity can become a cage, the unconscious beliefs we have about who we are, and how loosening those beliefs might be the key to lasting change.
Forrest and Rick talk about the science of psychological flexibility, how to challenge limiting self-beliefs, and why a little more “don’t-know mind” can go a long way. They share insights from Carl Rogers, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Buddhist philosophy, and focus on practical ways to update your self-concept without losing who you are.
Key Topics:
- 0:00: Introduction
- 1:40: What is self-concept?
- 8:25: Stories, frameworks, and expectations
- 13:30: ‘I’ vs. ‘me’, and feeling misunderstood
- 16:55: Carl Rogers’ framework of self-concept and congruence
- 24:20: Common tropes for defending identity
- 30:45: Applying principles of biological evolution to your sense of self
- 34:50: Resistance to change, and misguided beliefs
- 40:35: Don’t-know mind, affirmation, and taking in the good
- 47:30: The Buddhist conception of the self
- 53:40: Living in direct experience, and basic trust
- 56:50: Recap
Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.
