How to Live Well: Psychological Flexibility and the Power to Overcome

Success in life significantly depends on psychological flexibility, which is the ability to remain adaptable even in the face of challenges. This requires choosing to act in accordance with what truly matters instead of automatically following your thoughts and emotions especially when they are unhelpful or maladaptive.

How can a person function and thrive when they feel overwhelmed? Is it possible to succeed despite struggles with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or other mental and emotional challenges?

In the next four articles, we will offer practical tools for empowered living. This is not about magic solutions which don’t exist, but tools that can help us deal with the unavoidable challenges of being human.

Our goal is not to “solve” any specific mental health issue, but rather to introduce a healthy and sustainable approach to life. We'll focus on a psychological framework called ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. ACT is part of what is known as the “third wave” of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and it is specifically designed to develop that essential psychological flexibility.

As the saying goes: “A good doctor heals the disease. A great doctor heals the person.” This approach looks at the whole person- not only individual symptoms or problems. When a person lives right, they simply live better.

Start with Your Values

When a person becomes aware of and lives in alignment with their core values and guiding principles that bring true fulfillment, they begin to direct their energy in the most authentic and powerful way possible. Living this way leads to greater vitality and satisfaction, which in turn creates the conditions for genuine success.

Identify your values and commit to living by them.

What About the Obstacles?

Of course, life is full of internal and external barriers. Fatigue, fear, anxiety, and emotional pain can stop a person in their tracks. The environment may be unsupportive, even hostile. You might think, “I just don’t have the energy to pursue my goals right now,” or “I feel so terrible, there’s no way I can succeed.”

Even people who are deeply aware of their values often fail to act on them- not because the values aren’t important, but because thoughts and feelings get in the way.

The Real Challenge: Progress Despite the Pain

We need a practical formula for personal growth that works even when things are hard. And we can sum it up like this: If a person can learn not to be swept away by negative thoughts and feelings, they would find it much easier to stay committed to their values, and move forward, even when life is difficult.

The ability to unhook from painful thoughts and feelings, while still choosing meaningful action is the foundation of ACT. When this is combined with a strong sense of values-based commitment, people begin to succeed in life despite even very serious challenges.

In the coming articles, we will explore in greater detail how to live by this powerful formula, and how to apply it in your daily life.

Suffering from depression, anxiety, or low mental state? Contact the "My Inquiry Mind" department at Hidabroot. For advice, call 073-3333331 or email sarap@htv.co.il