380. The Tree That Bends with Ross White

Psychologists Off the Clock

What if the relentless push for productivity is actually standing in the way of a truly fulfilling life?

Join cohost Michael Herold and guest Ross White, author of The Tree that Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive, as they redefine balance and purpose, challenging societal pressures to stay constantly “on.”

Using the wisdom of nature and the anatomy of a tree, Ross explores how psychological flexibility—grounded in rest, resilience, and self-awareness—can empower us to find strength in slowing down.

And discover how “relenting” can open doors to a balanced, purpose-filled life.

Listen to the full conversation to uncover how embracing rest could be your greatest asset!

Link to Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCtaljb-QMHXl6651OdUrK6Zwt5QeDckw6dCoDYszC-0XpyA/viewform?usp=send_form

Listen and Learn:

• Are mantras like 'no limits' actually harming us? Hear from Ross why relenting, not relentless, may be key
• Finding a balance between 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' mode—are you tuned to your true needs?
• Is purpose found or formed?
• Small steps that could lead you closer to your purpose
• The 'reset' formula to shift from burnout to balance by cultivating mental flexibility
• How you can thrive amid the ‘uncontrollables’ in life with the mindset shift high performers swear by
• What price would you pay for emotional well-being against mastery?
• How you can balance strong intention and light attachment in pursuit of a purposeful life
• What is the distinction between confidence and self-efficacy in high performance?

Resources:

• The Tree that Bends: How a flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive
• The 'Strive2Thrive' webpage: https://www.strive2thrive.co.uk/
• Instagram: @RossGWhite - https://www.instagram.com/rossgwhite/
• X: @RossGWhite - https://x.com/RossGWhite
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-ross-g-white/

About Ross White

Professor Ross White is an award-winning clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adults working in high-performance environments, including elite-level athletes in football, rugby, track and field, and tennis. He has collaborated with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on projects to reduce distress experienced by refugees and other populations in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, and is a director of Strive2Thrive, a clinical psychology consultancy firm that provides interventions and training to help individuals and organizations thrive.

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