TPP 482: Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman on Moving Beyond a Victim Mindset

Today’s conversation is all about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of empowerment and possibility. My guest is Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist, professor, and bestselling author whose work focuses on helping all kinds of minds live creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized lives. In our conversation, Scott shares insights from his latest book, Rise Above, which explores the concept of the victim mindset and how we can move beyond it. We talk about the role of neurodivergence in shaping perspective, the traps of learned helplessness and rejection sensitivity, and the character strengths that help us cultivate resilience and personal growth. Scott also reflects on his own journey toward empowerment and what it means to truly rise above our limitations—both real and perceived.

About Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How Scott Barry Kaufman’s personal experiences shaped Rise Above and his exploration of the victim mindset

• Why a victim mindset is not fixed—and how self-empowerment and learned hopefulness can transform it

• How rejection sensitivity and cognitive distortions can reinforce feelings of victimhood, especially in children

• Why leveraging character strengths and modeling emotional flexibility builds resilience and growth

• How an empowerment mindset helps individuals take ownership of their challenges and personal development

• Why self-compassion and realistic expectations are essential parts of the ongoing journey toward self-actualization

Resources mentioned

• Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s website

• Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD

• Via Institute on Character

• VIA Youth-103 (Age 13-17) (Currently being tested)

• Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Full-Tilt Parenting)

• 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD

• Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential by Carol Dweck

• Dr. Tamar Chansky on Children & Negative Thinking (Tilt Parenting episode)

• Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility, and Happiness by Dr. Tamar Chansky

• Dr. Sharon Saline on Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) in Tweens and Teens (Tilt Parenting episode)

• Dr. David Yeager on the Science of Motivating Young People (Tilt Parenting episode)

• 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation―And Making Your Own Life Easier by David Yeager, PhD

• Victim Culture & Self-Actualization (Scott on the Last Meal with Tom Nash podcast)

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