Inner Work 244: When being good becomes a problem

Are you a GOODIST?

Identified by mindbody pioneer Dr. John Sarno, goodism is a personality trait where highly conscientious people put pressure on themselves to be "good" at all times (and to be perceived as "good" and selfless by everyone).

Some other characteristics of goodism include:

• putting others' needs and desires above your own, most or all of the time
• getting your sense of self-value from being "needed" by others
• finding it intolerable when someone else criticizes you, gets mad, or disagrees with you (and so trying to avoid this at all costs)
• playing the role of peacemaker in others' disagreements 
• going along with what others want, rather than making your voice and preferences clearly known
• avoiding conflict by not speaking up when others disappoint you or overstep your boundaries

In this episode of INNER WORK, we'll explore this trait of goodism and how being a "goodist" can become a problem... because it leads you to suppress your authentic self and to give all of your energy and power away.

If this discussion has intrigued you, I highly recommend reading Dr. Sarno's books The Mindbody Prescription and The Divided Mind.

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Music & editing by G. Demers.

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