Rise Above

Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential

De: Scott Barry Kaufman PhD

Narrado por: Scott Barry Kaufman PhD

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.

©2025 Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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

This!!!!!!!

I got this book on audible and am going to be buying the hard copy. I’m a trauma therapist and I appreciate this book calling out the dangerous direction our culture has taken in glorifying victim hood. This book is well and delicately written. I will recommend this book to my clients. This book is also a great listen, the author is entertaining, I was surprised how quickly I got through it, a lot of times listening to books can be dry and boring but this one was not.

Update for Mental Health in the 21st Century

At first glance, this title might come off as a self-help book, but the author has a profound understanding about mental health. He balances the need for acknowledging the need for improved mental health while criticizing the state of mental health awareness today. What makes this title stand out is that he does not use labels to describe certain traits like narcissism or neuroticism, but insists that personality traits exist on a continuum. Also, he does a great job discussing the dangers associated with over-identifying with certain characteristics that fuel a victim mindset. The information here would be of value to everybody.