Masterclass: Unhook and Let Go of Unhelpful Thoughts with Dr. Russ Harris

The Happier Life Project

We all experience negative thoughts—those persistent voices in our heads that seem to weigh us down. Research shows that over 80% of our thoughts are negative, and when we focus too much on them, they can lead to challenges like social anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Whether these thoughts are true or not, we often believe them, allowing them to dominate our emotions and lives, leaving us feeling deeply unhappy.

But what if there was a better way to handle those pesky voices in our heads?
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, we revisit one of the most popular and impactful conversations from our archives with the prestigious Dr. Russ Harris. Dr. Harris is the bestselling author of The Happiness Trap (along with eight other books), a doctor, therapist, world-renowned trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a consultant to the World Health Organization. His simple and effective exercises on YouTube, which help you master your mind, have collectively garnered an impressive 7.5 million views.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Russ challenges the conventional idea that negative thoughts are inherently bad and positive thoughts are always good. Instead, he introduces the ACT approach, which focuses on accepting your thoughts and learning to defuse from the unhelpful ones. Worrying, catastrophizing, obsessing, ruminating... Dr. Russ unpacks why getting caught up in these streams of unhelpful thoughts is actually your mind’s way of trying to protect you. He also dives into why his approach can be so effective, and you’ll even get the chance to try some simple yet powerful exercises during the next 40 minutes.

Packed with insights and actionable advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better navigate their inner world.

To download the free My Possible Self app: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypossibleself
To check out Dr. Russ YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@dr.russharris-acceptanceco972?si=vAEIP31ns56PRoJF
To follow Dr. Russ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happiness_trap_program
To try Dr. Russ dropping anchor exercises find on the My Possible Self App.