How to Accept the Parts of Yourself You Don’t Like

Being Well podcast artwork

Host

Forrest Hanson

Guest

Dr. Rick Hanson, psychologist and New York Times best-selling author

Self-acceptance isn’t always about learning to love every part of ourselves. In this episode, Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson explore a more practical approach to accepting difficult traits, behaviors, and identities without giving up on personal growth.

They discuss a four-step process for self-acceptance, the importance of setting boundaries with different parts of ourselves, and how to work with the personas we’ve developed to navigate life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Acceptance vs. complacency: Why accepting yourself doesn’t have to mean giving up on change.
  • Beyond self-love: Why telling yourself to “just love yourself more” may not be enough.
  • Setting inner boundaries: How to acknowledge difficult parts of yourself while establishing limits.
  • Self-authorship: Explore how to take a more active role in shaping the person you’re becoming.

Being Well Podcast offers science-based practices and curated insights for better mental health. New episodes usually air Mondays.

More Podcast Episodes