Shrink Mindset

Doing less and being more

Gabriel Young Ph.D.

Non-violence lies among the better angels of our nature

Violence: A Taboo Worth Preserving

Are we hypocrites if, despite our own imperfections, we believe there must be rules? The survival of humanity demands nothing less.

Narcissism in a Nuclear World

The narcissistic autocrat believes in nothing beyond their self-interest. For us, that’s a useful weakness.

Chronic abuse cannot be undone with a song.

The Problem with "Encanto"

Does "Encanto" groom audiences to identify with the abuser and not the victim?

Is Your Relationship Based on a Myth?

We’ve been lied to about what love is. Here are some of the realities.

A broken resolution can be fixed.

Your New Year’s Resolution Is Broken, But It Can Be Fixed

Have you already blown your resolution? There's still hope.

What Can 20 Trillion Dollars Buy, Aside From the Afghanistan War?

Was the Afghanistan war really 10 times more beneficial than sending every US student to college?

"Someday" never comes...

Will Your Child Pay a Hidden Price in Divorce?

When does divorce set the stage for long term harm to a child? Sometimes it's less obvious than it may seem.

Creating new traditions supports authentic enjoyment of the holidays

7 Tips for Lower Holiday Stress

Are you stressed about the upcoming holidays? Here are some steps to relax and enjoy yourself.

My wife, Virginia, my father, Aaron and I at the adult adoption hearing

Being Adopted as An Adult Healed Me. DNA Testing Did Not.

Do our genetic relationships define us? We can break free by choosing our own family.

In Defense of Trying: Why Failure Is Valuable

Think you have to commit to a task for it to be worthwhile? The opposite may be better for your personal growth.

Informed medical decisions require critical thinking skills

Vaccine Hesitancy Exposes Flaws in the Educational System

Can critical thinking skills help fight vaccine hesitancy? Teaching mindfulness can help fight misinformation.

Parents can love children simply for who they are

Why Growth Mindset Theory Fails Children

Is growth mindset a harmful ideology? Here is a healthier approach.

The Dangers of the “Learning Loss” Craze

Children's mental health was at risk long before COVID, and a narrow focus on achievement post-pandemic may make it even worse. We can choose a better path by putting mental health first.

Discussing hardship via teleconference

What (Not) to Say When Colleagues Disclose Grief or Hardship

What can you say when colleagues disclose grief or hardship at work? Instead of advice, I advise trying to "shut up and listen."