Self-awareness is a good thing…right? In this episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick Hanson explore how we can stop overthinking and break the self-awareness trap: when knowing ourselves becomes an obstacle to change. They discuss the difference between reflection and rumination, the pitfalls of being "an expert on yourself," and why overthinking is often an avoidance mechanism disguised as problem-solving. Dr. Rick shares practical strategies for managing attention, setting boundaries around decisions, and cultivating an experimental mindset.

You can watch this episode on YouTube.

Rumination Course: Rick’s 5-week online course Breaking Out of Rumination starts on March 29th. Rumination is a big pain point for many people, and this course will help you learn how to break repetitive patterns of thought. Learn more at RickHanson.com/ruminating, and use coupon code BeingWell25 to receive a 25% discount.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

1:40: When self-awareness gets in the way

8:15: Rumination vs. reflection

13:25: Developing passion for the ‘useful truth’, and working with obsession

16:45: Beginner’s mind and self-concept

25:15: The 90/10 approach to overthinking

31:15: Seeing what’s liberating, naming what’s important, seeing your full self

35:05: Managing your attention, and self-trust

42:00: Thinking vs. taking useful action

50:35: Letting yourself experiment

54:00: Self-acceptance, and having a spirit of openness

58:10: Avoiding the unknown  

1:00:35: Recap

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