Being Well Podcast: How to Have a (Good) Life Crisis: Authenticity, Healthy Discontent, and the Anxiety of Choice

In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore how to use a life crisis productively, drawing on developmental stage theories, existential philosophy, literature, personal experience, and Rick’s clinical work. They examine the anxieties of death, freedom, responsibility, and choice that often underlie these crises, and discuss how we can not only cope with these anxieties but also harness them to build a more authentic life. Throughout, they simplify, summarize, and invite you to focus on not just the next 10 years, but the next 10 minutes.

Key Topics

• 0:00: Introduction
• 5:26: Life Stages: Erickson and Levinson
• 15:34: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Discontent
• 17:18: Inner Conflict and the Anxiety of Choice
• 24:18: Guidelines for Having a “Good Life Crisis”
• 29:36: Seizing Each Day
• 33:00: Coping with the Anxiety of Choice
• 35:17: Authenticity, Values, and Living True to Yourself
• 44:17: Roles and Life Transitions
• 46:28: Clarifying Your Values
• 52:09: Taking Action
• 57:28: Recap

Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.