About this episode
In the early innings of yet another new year, compelled to take on fresh resolutions and (likely short-lived) self-improvement projects, it can be difficult not to get overwhelmed by the incessant pressure to always be working on oneself. Of course, it is both noble and worthwhile to be willing to grow and heal, but is it possible to go overboard? Is there such a thing as unhealthy self-care?
In Season 2 episode 3 of Nah-cademics, Brett and John reconvene to discuss the, sometimes neurotic, tendency to constantly be looking for areas of improvement and consuming self-help materials—be it literature, motivational speakers, or binging those online inspirational quotes in typewriter font printed over a bust of Marcus Aurelius or Mt. Everest… you know the ones.
-In an era of much needed destigmatization of and emphasis on self-reflection, mental health, and trauma exploration, is it possible to overidentify with one’s brokenness and perceived need to be “fixed?”
-How can one approach self-improvement in a healthy and compassionate manner, rather than simply approaching personal recovery with the same tendencies toward self-abandonment, imbalance, and overextension?
-Is the term self-hell the most clever and artistically significant contribution Brett and John will collectively make to the world?
As always, this podcast offers no definitive answers to these questions (well, except maybe that last one. Answer: all signs point to yes, and Brett came up with it, so not looking good for the J man); it is but the blathering of the “broken.” However, if you find yourself burnt out trying to cure your perfectionism with more perfectionism, this podcast is for you.
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