Published 2025 · TarcherPerigee
Rise Above
Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential
Life is never easy. But even in the most challenging times, we have the ability to rise above — and thrive. In this engaging and hopeful book, renowned psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the victim mindset and shines a light on the many ways we can empower ourselves.
About the book
What you'll discover
Life is never easy. But even in the most challenging times, we have the ability to rise above — and thrive. In this engaging and hopeful book, renowned psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman unpacks the victim mindset and shines a light on the many ways we can empower ourselves.
Part memoir, part case study, part scientific toolkit, Rise Above provides both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone who wants to move from grievance to gratitude for a more fulfilling life.
Key insights
What's inside
01
Managing Tough Emotions
Research-based tools for feeling your emotions without letting them run your life.
02
Making Peace with the Past
How to understand trauma, heal from it, and even achieve post-traumatic growth.
03
The Trap of Self-Esteem
Why chasing self-esteem backfires — and what to pursue instead for genuine satisfaction.
04
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
Practical strategies to move forward and shape the course of your own life.
Praise
What readers are saying
"Brilliant — the evidence-based manual we need to be free."
Arthur C. Brooks — Author of From Strength to Strength
"A call to action for anyone who feels stuck in a pattern of anger and blame. It isn't easy work, but it can be life-changing."
Lori Gottlieb — Author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
"A message that needs to be heard today more than ever. No matter how difficult things get, we always have the power to rise above."
Mark Manson — Author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
"An excellent practical guide for anybody working to build their resilience muscles."
Scott Galloway — Professor at NYU Stern, Author of The Algebra of Wealth
"Scott Barry Kaufman reminds us all of our innate capacity to grow from the challenges we face, even big ones."
Sharon Salzberg — Author of Lovingkindness
"The perfect book for our times."
Kurt Gray — Professor of Psychology, UNC Chapel Hill
Get the book
Become the hero of your life
Available everywhere books are sold. Paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook.