Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
@RickHanson and I explore how self-concept, the invisible architecture of who we are, shapes our lives. We 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.
Rick and I 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. We 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
1:35 What is self-concept?
8:25 Stories, frameworks, and expectations
13:35 ‘I’ vs. ‘me’, and feeling misunderstood
16:55 Carl Rogers’ framework of self-concept and congruence
23:30 Common tropes for defending identity
30:00 Evolving your sense of self
34:20 Resistance to change, and misguided beliefs
40:15 Don’t-know mind, affirmations, and taking in the good
47:35 Buddhist philosophy on the self
52:45 Living in direct experience, and basic trust
56:05 Recap
Subscribe to Being Well on:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-well-with-dr-rick-hanson/id1120885936
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5d87ZU1XY0fpdYNSEwXLVQ
Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.
Subscribe to Rick on YouTube: youtube.com/@RickHanson?sub_confirmation=1
Get Rick's Free Newsletters: rickhanson.com/writings/newsletters-from-dr-rick-hanson
Follow Rick Here:
🌍 rickhanson.com
📸 instagram.com/rickhansonphd
I'm not a clinician, and what I say on this channel should not be taken as medical advice.
You can follow me here:
🎤 apple.co/38ufGG0
🌍 forresthanson.com
📸 instagram.com/f.hanson
@RickHanson and I explore how self-concept, the invisible architecture of who we are, shapes our lives. We 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.
Rick and I 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. We 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
1:35 What is self-concept?
8:25 Stories, frameworks, and expectations
13:35 ‘I’ vs. ‘me’, and feeling misunderstood
16:55 Carl Rogers’ framework of self-concept and congruence
23:30 Common tropes for defending identity
30:00 Evolving your sense of self
34:20 Resistance to change, and misguided beliefs
40:15 Don’t-know mind, affirmations, and taking in the good
47:35 Buddhist philosophy on the self
52:45 Living in direct experience, and basic trust
56:05 Recap
Subscribe to Being Well on:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-well-with-dr-rick-hanson/id1120885936
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5d87ZU1XY0fpdYNSEwXLVQ
Who Am I: I'm Forrest, the co-author of Resilient (amzn.to/3iXLerD) and host of the Being Well Podcast (apple.co/38ufGG0). I'm making videos focused on simplifying psychology, mental health, and personal growth.
Subscribe to Rick on YouTube: youtube.com/@RickHanson?sub_confirmation=1
Get Rick's Free Newsletters: rickhanson.com/writings/newsletters-from-dr-rick-hanson
Follow Rick Here:
🌍 rickhanson.com
📸 instagram.com/rickhansonphd
I'm not a clinician, and what I say on this channel should not be taken as medical advice.
You can follow me here:
🎤 apple.co/38ufGG0
🌍 forresthanson.com
📸 instagram.com/f.hanson
