Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential

An empowering roadmap for becoming the hero of your life

“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.”—Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck


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—offering research-based insights on:

• managing tough emotions—instead of letting them manage us
• making peace with the past, understanding and healing from trauma, and even achieving post-traumatic growth
• resisting the trap of self-esteem, and how to find genuine satisfaction instead
• getting out of our comfort zone—to move forward and shape the course of our lives.

Written with empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, Rise Above speaks to the challenges many of us face, no matter our stage of life. You’ll find actionable solutions to help you own your story, transcend setbacks, and reach your full potential.