How to Have a (Good) Life Crisis: Authenticity, Healthy Discontent, and the Anxiety of Choice

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Dr. Rick and Forrest explore how to use a life crisis productively, drawing on developmental stage theories, existential philosophy, literature, personal experience, and Rick’s clinical work. They examine the anxieties of death, freedom, responsibility, and choice that often underlie these crises, and discuss how we can not only cope with these anxieties but also harness them to build a more authentic life. Throughout, they simplify, summarize, and invite you to focus on not just the next 10 years, but the next 10 minutes.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction

5:26: Life Stages: Erickson and Levinson

15:34: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Discontent

17:18: Inner Conflict and the Anxiety of Choice

24:18: Guidelines for Having a “Good Life Crisis”

29:36: Seizing Each Day

33:00: Coping with the Anxiety of Choice

35:17: Authenticity, Values, and Living True to Yourself

44:17: Roles and Life Transitions

46:28: Clarifying Your Values

52:09: Taking Action

57:28: Recap

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