Ep 81: Embracing the Paradox of New Year's Resolutions: A Balanced Approach to Personal Growth with Dr. Michael Alcee

Things You Learn in Therapy

Are you ready to transform your approach to New Year's resolutions and embrace a balanced path to self-improvement? In this replay, Dr. Michael Alcee joins us once again, bringing his profound insights into why resolutions simultaneously inspire and daunt us. Together, we unpack the annual ritual of setting goals, dissecting the psyche behind the burst of ambition that greets January 1st, while examining the skepticism that sees these resolutions often abandoned shortly after. Dr. Alcee even pulls back the curtain on his own life, sharing his experience of channeling creativity through a unique outlet—a therapists' garage band—providing a vibrant backdrop to our exploration of intentions and growth.
Finding harmony between self-acceptance and the pursuit of progress can feel like walking a tightrope, but this episode aims to offer you the balance needed to tread confidently. We delve into the concept of living in the paradox, where the key is appreciating the present while fostering the seeds of development. Drawing inspiration from the arts, we discuss the importance of recognizing our dual nature—static yet dynamic—and how figures like Emily Dickinson and Henry David Thoreau embraced spirituality in everyday life. This conversation invites you to consider a more compassionate approach to personal development, one that values who you are today without the unyielding chase for 'more'.
The artistry of goal setting takes center stage as we dissect the SMART criteria and its role in forging effective, intrinsic motivation. Flexibility within a structured plan is emphasized, as it helps avoid the common pitfalls that derail resolutions. By sharing personal anecdotes, Dr. Alcee illustrates how constraints can often lead to the most creative breakthroughs, encouraging listeners to value the journey as much as the destination. We bring to light the importance of balancing the quantitative markers of success with qualitative experiences, ensuring that your path to personal growth is not only effective but also enjoyable and truly fulfilling.
Michael Alcée, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Tarrytown, NY and Mental Health Educator at Manhattan School of Music. He specializes in the psychology of artists and everyday creativity and the professional development of therapists. His contributions have appeared in The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The New York Post, NPR, Salon.com, and on the TEDx stage. His book from Norton entitled Therapeutic Improvisation: How to Stop Winging It and Own It as a Therapist is available wherever books are sold.

Book Link

Therapeutic Improvisation

Website

https://michaelalcee.com/

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