Rise Above
Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential
An empowering call to reject the victim mindset and become the hero of your life, by the renowned psychologist and host of The Psychology Podcast
Does life feel smaller than it used to? Does it seem that the people around you have taken a step back from doing hard things, preferring to stay in their comfort zone? In the era of TikTok as therapy, it’s tempting to see ourselves as damaged and powerless—defined by our past traumas, our emotions, and the struggles we face. But it’s more important than ever to rise above the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations, and holds us back.
In this empowering book, renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the dangerous myths and misleading buzzwords swirling around the popular imagination—revealing the truth about managing our emotions, the double-edged sword of self-esteem, the surprising gifts of sensitivity, and, ultimately, the power each of has to overcome challenges and to shape the course of our own lives.
Urgently needed, Rise Above speaks to what ails us, offering not just empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, but also actionable solutions to own your life and reach your full potential.
Does life feel smaller than it used to? Does it seem that the people around you have taken a step back from doing hard things, preferring to stay in their comfort zone? In the era of TikTok as therapy, it’s tempting to see ourselves as damaged and powerless—defined by our past traumas, our emotions, and the struggles we face. But it’s more important than ever to rise above the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations, and holds us back.
In this empowering book, renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the dangerous myths and misleading buzzwords swirling around the popular imagination—revealing the truth about managing our emotions, the double-edged sword of self-esteem, the surprising gifts of sensitivity, and, ultimately, the power each of has to overcome challenges and to shape the course of our own lives.
Urgently needed, Rise Above speaks to what ails us, offering not just empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, but also actionable solutions to own your life and reach your full potential.
"Self-actualization is possible for each of us, and there we find a better, happier future. But that means avoiding the traps and barriers we set for ourselves. Scott Barry Kaufman’s brilliant new book Rise Above is the evidence-based manual we need to be free."
--Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Scott Barry Kaufman has made so many contributions to research on creativity, positive psychology, and the science of flourishing. In Rise Above, Kaufman draws on ancient wisdom and modern psychology to address some of the disempowering ideas and mindsets circulating widely in recent decades. Kaufman shows us all how to stand up and walk through the many doors that are always available.”
--Jonathan Haidt, bestselling author of The Anxious Generationand co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind
“Rise Above is a welcome and necessary antidote to the victim narrative that plagues our time. Part memoir, part case study, part scientific toolkit, this book provides both inspiration and practical guidance. A must-read for anyone who wants to move from grievance to gratitude for a more fulfilling life.”
– Anna Lembke, MD, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
“Rise Above is a call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of anger and blame. We always have another choice – to recognize the ownership we have over our own lives, every day -- and Scott Barry Kaufman provides an accessible roadmap for doing just that. It isn't easy work, but it can be life-changing.”
--Lori Gottlieb, bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
"A big part of success in business and life is learning how to deal effectively with things that are beyond your control. The secret is called resilience and Scott Barry Kaufman's Rise Above is an excellent practical guide for anybody working to build their resilience muscles."
– Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern, co-host of the Pivot Podcast, and author of The Algebra of Wealth
"Few things would perplex people from the past -- or hopefully the future -- more than people today exaggerating their victimhood and thinking of it as what makes them special. RISE ABOVE gently but firmly takes us back to the normality of forward-looking resilience."
--John McWhorter, New York Times columnist and bestselling author of Nine Nasty Words and Pronoun Trouble
"A message that needs to be heard today more than ever. No matter how difficult things get, we always have the power to rise above."
--Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"Scott Barry Kaufman reminds us all of our innate capacity to grow from the challenges we face, even big ones. Rise Above leads us beyond our constricted self-perceptions to a far more expansive and empowered sense of possibility that could be ours."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Rise Above is a brilliant blend of science and soul, offering urgent insights for turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Scott Barry Kaufman has written the masterful guide we all need to navigate the chaos.”
–Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and author of Insight and Shatterproof
"The perfect book for our times. The victimhood mindset is everywhere, but leading cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman gives us insights and actionable strategies to successfully rise above this pernicious mentality."
--Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill and author of Outraged
--Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Scott Barry Kaufman has made so many contributions to research on creativity, positive psychology, and the science of flourishing. In Rise Above, Kaufman draws on ancient wisdom and modern psychology to address some of the disempowering ideas and mindsets circulating widely in recent decades. Kaufman shows us all how to stand up and walk through the many doors that are always available.”
--Jonathan Haidt, bestselling author of The Anxious Generationand co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind
“Rise Above is a welcome and necessary antidote to the victim narrative that plagues our time. Part memoir, part case study, part scientific toolkit, this book provides both inspiration and practical guidance. A must-read for anyone who wants to move from grievance to gratitude for a more fulfilling life.”
– Anna Lembke, MD, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
“Rise Above is a call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of anger and blame. We always have another choice – to recognize the ownership we have over our own lives, every day -- and Scott Barry Kaufman provides an accessible roadmap for doing just that. It isn't easy work, but it can be life-changing.”
--Lori Gottlieb, bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
"A big part of success in business and life is learning how to deal effectively with things that are beyond your control. The secret is called resilience and Scott Barry Kaufman's Rise Above is an excellent practical guide for anybody working to build their resilience muscles."
– Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern, co-host of the Pivot Podcast, and author of The Algebra of Wealth
"Few things would perplex people from the past -- or hopefully the future -- more than people today exaggerating their victimhood and thinking of it as what makes them special. RISE ABOVE gently but firmly takes us back to the normality of forward-looking resilience."
--John McWhorter, New York Times columnist and bestselling author of Nine Nasty Words and Pronoun Trouble
"A message that needs to be heard today more than ever. No matter how difficult things get, we always have the power to rise above."
--Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"Scott Barry Kaufman reminds us all of our innate capacity to grow from the challenges we face, even big ones. Rise Above leads us beyond our constricted self-perceptions to a far more expansive and empowered sense of possibility that could be ours."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Rise Above is a brilliant blend of science and soul, offering urgent insights for turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Scott Barry Kaufman has written the masterful guide we all need to navigate the chaos.”
–Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and author of Insight and Shatterproof
"The perfect book for our times. The victimhood mindset is everywhere, but leading cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman gives us insights and actionable strategies to successfully rise above this pernicious mentality."
--Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill and author of Outraged
About
An empowering call to reject the victim mindset and become the hero of your life, by the renowned psychologist and host of The Psychology Podcast
Does life feel smaller than it used to? Does it seem that the people around you have taken a step back from doing hard things, preferring to stay in their comfort zone? In the era of TikTok as therapy, it’s tempting to see ourselves as damaged and powerless—defined by our past traumas, our emotions, and the struggles we face. But it’s more important than ever to rise above the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations, and holds us back.
In this empowering book, renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the dangerous myths and misleading buzzwords swirling around the popular imagination—revealing the truth about managing our emotions, the double-edged sword of self-esteem, the surprising gifts of sensitivity, and, ultimately, the power each of has to overcome challenges and to shape the course of our own lives.
Urgently needed, Rise Above speaks to what ails us, offering not just empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, but also actionable solutions to own your life and reach your full potential.
Does life feel smaller than it used to? Does it seem that the people around you have taken a step back from doing hard things, preferring to stay in their comfort zone? In the era of TikTok as therapy, it’s tempting to see ourselves as damaged and powerless—defined by our past traumas, our emotions, and the struggles we face. But it’s more important than ever to rise above the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations, and holds us back.
In this empowering book, renowned psychologist Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the dangerous myths and misleading buzzwords swirling around the popular imagination—revealing the truth about managing our emotions, the double-edged sword of self-esteem, the surprising gifts of sensitivity, and, ultimately, the power each of has to overcome challenges and to shape the course of our own lives.
Urgently needed, Rise Above speaks to what ails us, offering not just empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, but also actionable solutions to own your life and reach your full potential.
Praise
"Self-actualization is possible for each of us, and there we find a better, happier future. But that means avoiding the traps and barriers we set for ourselves. Scott Barry Kaufman’s brilliant new book Rise Above is the evidence-based manual we need to be free."
--Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Scott Barry Kaufman has made so many contributions to research on creativity, positive psychology, and the science of flourishing. In Rise Above, Kaufman draws on ancient wisdom and modern psychology to address some of the disempowering ideas and mindsets circulating widely in recent decades. Kaufman shows us all how to stand up and walk through the many doors that are always available.”
--Jonathan Haidt, bestselling author of The Anxious Generationand co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind
“Rise Above is a welcome and necessary antidote to the victim narrative that plagues our time. Part memoir, part case study, part scientific toolkit, this book provides both inspiration and practical guidance. A must-read for anyone who wants to move from grievance to gratitude for a more fulfilling life.”
– Anna Lembke, MD, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
“Rise Above is a call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of anger and blame. We always have another choice – to recognize the ownership we have over our own lives, every day -- and Scott Barry Kaufman provides an accessible roadmap for doing just that. It isn't easy work, but it can be life-changing.”
--Lori Gottlieb, bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
"A big part of success in business and life is learning how to deal effectively with things that are beyond your control. The secret is called resilience and Scott Barry Kaufman's Rise Above is an excellent practical guide for anybody working to build their resilience muscles."
– Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern, co-host of the Pivot Podcast, and author of The Algebra of Wealth
"Few things would perplex people from the past -- or hopefully the future -- more than people today exaggerating their victimhood and thinking of it as what makes them special. RISE ABOVE gently but firmly takes us back to the normality of forward-looking resilience."
--John McWhorter, New York Times columnist and bestselling author of Nine Nasty Words and Pronoun Trouble
"A message that needs to be heard today more than ever. No matter how difficult things get, we always have the power to rise above."
--Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"Scott Barry Kaufman reminds us all of our innate capacity to grow from the challenges we face, even big ones. Rise Above leads us beyond our constricted self-perceptions to a far more expansive and empowered sense of possibility that could be ours."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Rise Above is a brilliant blend of science and soul, offering urgent insights for turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Scott Barry Kaufman has written the masterful guide we all need to navigate the chaos.”
–Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and author of Insight and Shatterproof
"The perfect book for our times. The victimhood mindset is everywhere, but leading cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman gives us insights and actionable strategies to successfully rise above this pernicious mentality."
--Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill and author of Outraged
--Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and bestselling author of From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want
“Scott Barry Kaufman has made so many contributions to research on creativity, positive psychology, and the science of flourishing. In Rise Above, Kaufman draws on ancient wisdom and modern psychology to address some of the disempowering ideas and mindsets circulating widely in recent decades. Kaufman shows us all how to stand up and walk through the many doors that are always available.”
--Jonathan Haidt, bestselling author of The Anxious Generationand co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind
“Rise Above is a welcome and necessary antidote to the victim narrative that plagues our time. Part memoir, part case study, part scientific toolkit, this book provides both inspiration and practical guidance. A must-read for anyone who wants to move from grievance to gratitude for a more fulfilling life.”
– Anna Lembke, MD, author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
“Rise Above is a call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of anger and blame. We always have another choice – to recognize the ownership we have over our own lives, every day -- and Scott Barry Kaufman provides an accessible roadmap for doing just that. It isn't easy work, but it can be life-changing.”
--Lori Gottlieb, bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
"A big part of success in business and life is learning how to deal effectively with things that are beyond your control. The secret is called resilience and Scott Barry Kaufman's Rise Above is an excellent practical guide for anybody working to build their resilience muscles."
– Scott Galloway, Professor of Marketing at NYU Stern, co-host of the Pivot Podcast, and author of The Algebra of Wealth
"Few things would perplex people from the past -- or hopefully the future -- more than people today exaggerating their victimhood and thinking of it as what makes them special. RISE ABOVE gently but firmly takes us back to the normality of forward-looking resilience."
--John McWhorter, New York Times columnist and bestselling author of Nine Nasty Words and Pronoun Trouble
"A message that needs to be heard today more than ever. No matter how difficult things get, we always have the power to rise above."
--Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"Scott Barry Kaufman reminds us all of our innate capacity to grow from the challenges we face, even big ones. Rise Above leads us beyond our constricted self-perceptions to a far more expansive and empowered sense of possibility that could be ours."
—Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
“Rise Above is a brilliant blend of science and soul, offering urgent insights for turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Scott Barry Kaufman has written the masterful guide we all need to navigate the chaos.”
–Tasha Eurich, organizational psychologist and author of Insight and Shatterproof
"The perfect book for our times. The victimhood mindset is everywhere, but leading cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman gives us insights and actionable strategies to successfully rise above this pernicious mentality."
--Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill and author of Outraged
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