In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Rick Hanson, the celebrated psychologist and bestselling author of Buddhaโs Brain, Hardwiring Happiness, and Resilient. Renowned for blending cutting-edge science with timeless wisdom, Dr. Hanson unpacks the art and science of focusing on the good in a world that often highlights the negative.
We explore how to harness the brainโs neuroplasticity to cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a sense of purpose. Whether youโre feeling stuck in an invisible cage or simply seeking practical tools to rewire your mind for joy and fulfillment, this conversation will inspire you to embrace your power and live with intention.
Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Milesโs new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.
And in case you didnโt already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at momentumfriday@passionstruck.com. Now, letโs dive in!
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
How to Focus on the Good: Dr. Rick Hansonโs Blueprint for Resilience and Positive Living
In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, Dr. Rick Hanson, a renowned psychologist and New York Times bestselling author, discusses the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of life to cultivate resilience and meaningful relationships. He emphasizes that our brains are naturally biased towards negativity due to evolutionary factors, making it essential to consciously shift our focus to the good.
Dr. Hanson outlines a three-part strategy to combat negativity:
- Deal with the Bad: Acknowledge and address negative experiences without ruminating on them excessively.
- Turn to the Good: Actively seek out and recognize positive experiences in daily life, no matter how small.
- Take in the Good: Allow yourself to fully experience and feel the positive moments, which helps to reinforce and solidify these good feelings in your memory.
He highlights that mindfulness plays a crucial role in this process, as it fosters self-awareness and autonomy, enabling individuals to connect with their true selves and recognize their inherent worth. By practicing mindfulness, people can cut the strings of past experiences that may hold them back, leading to a greater sense of agency and the ability to form deeper connections with others.
Dr. Hanson also discusses the significance of inner strengths, such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-regulation, in navigating relationships. He encourages listeners to engage in small, deliberate actions that expand their sense of agency and autonomy, ultimately leading to more fulfilling and meaningful interactions with others.
In this episode with Dr. Rick Hanson, weโll cover:
- Understand the negativity bias: Discover why your brain clings to negative experiences and how to counteract it with simple yet effective practices.
- The invisible cage of the mind: Learn how unconscious mental patterns keep you stuck and actionable ways to shatter those mental bars.
- Practical neuroplasticity: Explore how you can intentionally rewire your brain for happiness, focus, and emotional balance.
- Mindfulness in daily life: Gain tips on integrating mindfulness into your routine to cultivate peace and presence.
- The power of gratitude: Understand why focusing on whatโs good can radically transform your outlook and enhance your relationships.
WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH DR. RICK HANSON A MUST-LISTEN?
This episode is a must-listen because it combines groundbreaking neuroscience with accessible practices that anyone can apply. Dr. Hansonโs wisdom will empower you to shift your mindset, break free from limiting beliefs, and intentionally create a life filled with purpose and positivity. If youโre ready to challenge the way you think and embrace your true potential, this episode is for you.
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The Power of Agency: Overcoming Helplessness and Reclaiming Control
During this enlightening Passion Struck Podcast interview, renowned psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Rick Hanson shared profound insights into the critical role of personal agency in overcoming helplessness. Drawing on his decades of expertise in neuroscience and psychology, as well as the principles outlined in his book Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness, Dr. Hanson explained how a sense of agency can empower individuals to navigate challenges and reclaim control over their lives.
Agency, as Dr. Hanson describes, is the recognition and exercise of oneโs capacity to make choices and take meaningful actions, even in the face of adversity. Many people, he noted, feel trapped in what he referred to as an โinvisible cageโ โ a psychological state shaped by past traumas, limiting beliefs, or external circumstances that perpetuate feelings of helplessness. These bars may be invisible, but their impact is profoundly real, often leading to anxiety, stagnation, or a sense of being stuck in life.
Breaking the Cycle of Helplessness: Dr. Hanson highlighted that one of the most significant barriers to agency is the brainโs natural negativity bias, which evolved to prioritize threats and risks over opportunities. While this bias once helped our ancestors survive, it can now reinforce feelings of powerlessness if left unchecked. By acknowledging this tendency, individuals can begin to shift their focus from what they cannot control to what they can.
In the interview, Dr. Hanson outlined actionable steps to foster agency:
- Recognize Small Wins: Start by identifying and celebrating small, everyday achievements. This practice builds confidence and rewires the brain to notice positive outcomes.
- Expand Your Sphere of Control: Focus on areas of life where you have influence, no matter how small. This could include your habits, mindset, or relationships.
- Practice Mindfulness: By cultivating self-awareness, mindfulness helps individuals recognize unhelpful patterns and empowers them to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically.
- Reclaim Your Narrative: Challenge and rewrite the stories you tell yourself about your abilities, worth, and potential.
The Intersection of Agency and Resilience
Dr. Hanson emphasized that agency is foundational to resilience, which he explores in depth in Resilient. When individuals feel they have the power to shape their own lives, they are better equipped to handle setbacks and bounce back from challenges. This resilience, in turn, fosters a greater sense of autonomy and purpose, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces personal growth.
By engaging in small, deliberate actions that nurture agency, individuals can break free from the constraints of helplessness and reclaim their lives. As Dr. Hanson eloquently shared during the conversation, โEven when the world feels out of control, your inner world is yours to shape.โ This empowering message reminds us that while lifeโs challenges are inevitable, our response to them is within our grasp.
THANKS, RICK HANSON
If you enjoyed this interview with Dr. Rick Hanson, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram:
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If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at momentumfriday@passionstruck.com.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH RICK HANSON
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Dr. Rick Hansonโs Website
- Dr. Rick Hansonโs Instagram
- Dr. Rick Hansonโs Twitter
- The Global Compassion Coalition
- BUY Dr. Rick Hansonโs Book โBuddhaโs Brainโ: https://amzn.to/40wlB8X
- BUY Dr. Rick Hansonโs Book: Hardwiring Happiness
- BUY Dr. Rick Hansonโs Book: Resilient
- Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
- Listen to Passion Struckโs interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
- Check out Passion Struckโs Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.
My solo episode on 6 Ways to Build Resilience
My episode with Jesse Bradley on Use the Power of Hope to Overcome Adversity
Canโt miss my episode with Dacher Keltner on How You Cultivate Awe and Moral Beauty in Life
Catch my interview with Amanda Slavin on How to Change Lives By Inspiring Change
Watch my solo episode on The Incredible Power of Being Resilient
About Todayโs Guest, Dr. Rick Hanson
Dr. Rick Hanson is a renowned psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and expert in mindfulness, resilience, and positive neuroplasticity. He is the author of acclaimed books such as Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence and Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness. Dr. Hanson combines insights from neuroscience, psychology, and contemplative practices to help individuals cultivate inner strengths and thrive in a challenging world.
With a deep commitment to making science accessible and actionable, Dr. Hanson has spent decades teaching people how to rewire their brains for greater happiness and resilience. His work has been featured in leading publications and platforms worldwide, and he is known for his ability to translate complex concepts into practical tools for personal growth. As a sought-after speaker and teacher, Dr. Hanson inspires audiences with his blend of scientific expertise and heartfelt wisdom, empowering them to navigate life with calm, strength, and purpose.
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