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

by Scott Barry Kaufman

“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

An empowering roadmap for becoming the hero of your life

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

• 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.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Mental Health, Health, Personal Development

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He has taught courses on intelligence, creativity, and well-being at Columbia University, NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere. In addition to writing the column Beautiful Minds for Scientific American, he also hosts The Psychology Podcast, and is author and/or editor of 9 books, including Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, Wired to Create: Unravelling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind (with Carolyn Gregoire), and Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined. In 2015, he was named one of "50 Groundbreaking Scientists who are changing the way we see the world" by Business Insider. Find out more at http://ScottBarryKaufman.com.

Reviews

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brace yourself. This is going to be a longer book review because I have a lot of thoughts. Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and I personally think it’ll be one of the best non-fiction books of 2024. It’s a much-needed book that probably should have come out years ago, but it’s better late than never. While I loved the book, I do have some criticisms.

The title is pretty self-explanatory. Navigating the topic of telling people to “get out of the victim” mindset is super tricky because people are quick to get defensive. The wild part is that anyone who gets defensive when being told to get out of the victim mindset is more than likely the exact type of person who needs to read this book. Fortunately, if these people actually read the book, Scott manages to do an excellent job discussing the topic while also showing compassion to various adversities people face.

I think this book really resonated with me because I’m a recovering drug addict and alcoholic coming up on 13 years sober. I had the victim mentality most of my life, but getting out of it was what really helped me finally get sober. However, I can still fall back into this type of thinking, and Scott’s book was a great refresher that gave me a well-timed kick in the rear.

The author touches on so many great topics and backs it up with research as well as some great insights from great thinkers. He discusses how trigger warnings backfire, how trauma can lead to growth, how people become wounded healers, and so many other great topics.

I can see Scott getting some pushback from people about this book, mainly from the types of people he discusses in this book. But again, they’re definitely the ones who need to take this advice and put it into practice.

So, what’s my criticism? This book is very right-wing coded, but I don’t think that was the intent of the author at all. Scott makes this book pretty apolitical, but it’s largely based on the narrative that “the left is a bunch of snowflakes with a victim mindset”. You can tell based on all of the examples given throughout the book.

Again, I don’t fault the author because I think this is just a massive narrative in our country, and it’s going to take some work for people to realize what’s actually going on. For those paying attention, the right has as much of a victim mindset as the left, but their narrative is that these “rugged and tough” folks, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Look no further than the Libs of TikTok account to see how many people she’s tried to cancel over the years for things the right dislikes. There have been insane assaults on freedom of speech coming from the right because people say things they don’t like. If you follow right-wing people for five minutes, you can see their victim mindset as they scream that everything is the fault of immigrants and other minority groups, and they’d be able to succeed if it weren’t for them. But in this book, you won’t even find a hint of anything the right has been doing that clearly shows their victim mindset.

Scott’s a humanist and just wants everyone to get along, but this becomes the Joe Rogan problem that many others have fallen victim to. “I’m not right wing…but I’ll only criticize the left.” I think that’s an issue, and if Scott reads my review, I hope it’s something he thinks about. Again, liberals and conservatives both have clear issues with the victim mindset, but the narrative is that this is something only the left suffers from.

Overall, this is an excellent book. If you read it from your own perspective and how you may be suffering from a victim mindset, you’ll gain a ton of value from it. I’m going to re-read this book in the future and will have my son read it as well. But in the future, I hope Scott’s mindful that this issue has a much broader scope than whiny liberal college students.

[Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary:

Scott Barry Kaufman’s Rise Above is about the perils of victim mindset and how we can avoid them. In Part One, Kaufman explores the dynamics of victim mindset, including how people get stuck ruminating about their pasts, how we indulge irrational emotions and cognitive distortions, and how we become overly concerned with self-esteem and pleasing others. In Part Two, Kaufman describes the road to self-empowerment, including how we can identity and utilize our innate gifts, how we can train our motivation to serve our best interests, the importance of cultivating gratitude, and how we can ease tribalist tensions and focus on common humanity in group settings.

Key Concepts and Notes:

––I have been following Scott Barry Kaufman’s work since I discovered him in 2020, and I adore his combination of keen intellect and huge heart. His book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization changed my life and put me on a new path of self-actualization through service to others. Rise Above is a good blend of necessary social critique, psychological research, and compassionate support for people struggling with victim mindset. It’s not my favorite of his books but it’s very timely given the recent rise in victimhood culture in the USA and elsewhere.
––Rise Above is part of a natural correction that needs to take place in the wake of psychological and therapeutic language exploding into popular culture in the early 2020s during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m glad that talking about mental health has become destigmatized and the value of developing emotional intelligence has become normalized, but in some ways the pendulum has swung too far. Concept creep abounds, with terms like “trauma” and “narcissism” being overused to the point where many people misunderstand their clinical definitions. In extreme cases, some people weaponize therapeutic language as a form of manipulation and control. Kaufman would like us to keep the social upgrade of mental health awareness but get smarter about how we discuss and pursue mental health.
––Probably the most valuable message in this book is simply that mindset matters. We hear this so much that it can feel like a useless bromide, but it’s so true and so important. In my work as a therapist I often tell my clients that mindset is the fourth pillar of their overall health, along with sleep, diet/nutrition, and exercise/movement. And in some ways, our mindset is the aspect of our health over which we can have the most control. That’s not to imply that changing our attitudes is easy, but it’s definitely possible and there’s nothing stopping us from working every day to shape our mindset to be incrementally more favorable to our flourishing and the flourishing of those around us. Conversely, getting stuck in victim mindset can cripple one’s capacity for healing, growth, and interpersonal connection.
––I don’t think I’ve ever seen an author work so hard to anticipate the complaints of his critics. Kaufman repeatedly bends over backwards to acknowledge, for example, that some people really are victims of past and/or present injustice and that their suffering shouldn’t be discounted. Depending on the reader, this feature of the book may be encouraging or irritating.
––Kaufman does a nice job of challenging “nurture-heavy” theories of mental health with what we know about the strong influence of “nature” on personality, temperament, and relationship formation. Yes, human development is profoundly influenced by our environment, but we also have innate tendencies and traits that steer our reactions, shape our memories, and guide the types of experiences we tend to seek and avoid. Understanding and accepting this reality is critical because otherwise we risk overemphasizing the impact of, for example, dysfunctional attachment histories or traumatic experiences.
––I have a number of critiques of this book, the first of which is that much of the material is recycled from Kaufman’s other books. I take detailed book notes that I can easily cross-reference with notes from other books, and I often found myself coming across sections that overlapped with parts of Transcend and Choose Growth: A Workbook for Transcending Trauma, Fear, and Self-Doubt. This is fine for people who are encountering Kaufman for the first time, but I found the relative lack of new material to be a bit disappointing.
––I do worry that those who might benefit most from this book will not read it. Despite Kaufman’s heroic efforts to approach the problem of victim mindset with patience and compassion, I doubt that people trapped in this way of thinking will be willing to hear him out, especially when the message is delivered in the form of an entire book. I really hope I’m wrong about this.
––I think it’s weird that the term “antifragility” isn’t mentioned once in Rise Above. This idea seems so central to Kaufman’s argument, and given his command of the psychological literature, I’m imagining that he made a conscious choice not to include it. If I’m right about that I’d love to hear his reasoning because I think the book would have benefitted from the inclusion of antifragility as a shorthand for “why we need stress/failure/setbacks to help us grow and become stronger.”
––Finally, I don’t think I can get behind Kaufman’s argument that we can use social media “for the good” and as a way to “boost love” (262). I think this is naive and a result of motivated reasoning due to Kaufman’s social media presence. I have no doubt that Kaufman himself is primarily a “love booster” on social media, but I don’t have confidence that humanity is capable to collectively making a shift that would render social media a net positive influence on society. This could change if the financial incentives/choice architecture of the attention economy were to radically shift, but in its current state I do not think social media can be a force for good. I’m happy to own this opinion as perhaps stemming from my own motivated reasoning as someone who hardly uses social media and wishes everyone else would use it less.

Favorite Quotes:

It’s almost as if we’ve stopped believing in our potential for growth and development. Life’s challenges now seem insurmountable, and we’ve begun to cling to diagnostic labels (sometimes even inventing them for ourselves) so strongly that we can’t see ourselves as anything else. Our obstacles have become so ingrained in our self-concept that we don’t recognize what we could become. And we don’t see that these obstacles are, in many cases, our path to our potential––that we become our greatest self because of, not in spite of, life’s challenges.

To be fair, we weren’t exactly getting it right before, either. Society largely overlooked the very real challenges people faced. We were in many ways discouraged from sharing our struggles, and that certainly wasn’t healthy. It’s still true that we have real problems to work through, and the things we are facing can be extremely hard to overcome. Yet somehow along the way, we overcorrected. Our solution has become a problem, too. We’re living in a time where we identify so strongly with our victimhood that our potential has taken a back seat to our pain. (xi-xii)

In these pages I’ve done my best to offer a heaping dose of what I call honest love. The love part is acknowledging real suffering and pain. I sincerely believe that the best starting point to being a caring, compassionate human is to acknowledge that another being is having their own experiences of life, and that it’s just as valid as your own experiences.

But the honest part means we don’t stop there. I’m not here to placate you or to make you feel better than others only because of the challenges you may have faced. I take a humanistic approach to psychology. In this school of thought we focus on common humanity, self-acceptance, life-acceptance (a term I just made up), vitality, and whole-person growth. I believe all of these things are compatible with each other. We can love and accept ourselves for who we are, and also want to learn and grow. (xxv)

These days, when I encounter the word trauma (as I do about every thirty seconds, especially on Instagram), I can’t help but hear the memorable words of Inigo Montoya, a character from the movie The Princess Bride: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

Some of what’s happening here is that we’ve tasked one word with far too much work. We’re making trauma do the heavy lifting of describing every single type of negative or adverse event a human being might experience. And that’s extremely disempowering. As new research shows, our propensity to see trauma lurking around every corner and to self-diagnose with mental health problems has the effect of “pathologizing everyday life.” Many of us now view ourselves as hopelessly traumatized, which we interpret as damaged beyond all repair. Thank goodness that’s not actually the case. (15-6)

When we feel uncomfortable or we’re challenged by our emotions, the deepest reason often boils down to some aspect of a loss of control. We just want things to go our way, to be predictable, to follow an if-then set of rules whereby we can be guaranteed a specific outcome. Well, that ain’t gonna happen. It’s just not life. There will never, ever be a point where everything is 100 percent predictable, and to fight against that fact is a losing battle. Therefore, I believe that the most important emotional skill of all, or perhaps the core skill, is being able to accept the inevitable uncertainty of life.

Anxiety is one of our biggest struggles, and it often arises because we seek certainty, but certainty doesn’t exist. As British philosopher Alan Watts put it, “There is a contradiction in wanting to be perfectly secure in a universe whose very nature is momentariness and fluidity.” To struggle against that fact is to create our own suffering…

So leave space for the not knowing. Welcome it, even, because the very fact of an uncertain future means that your story is still being written. (56-7)

The best antidote to a victim mindset is having presence and acceptance with others. The moment we witness the good in others and become motivated to bring it out of them, our preoccupations with our victim identity are forgotten. (74)

While the idea of a single true self may be a convenient fiction, there is within each of us a best self, composed of aspects of you that are healthy, creative, and growth-motivated and make you feel most connected to yourself and to others. The more you can drop the facades and the defenses that you erect to protect yourself, the more you can open yourself up to greater opportunities for growth, development, and creativity. (116)

Healthy self-love requires a respect for oneself and one’s boundaries, and affirmation of the importance of one’s own health, growth, happiness, joy, and freedom. Self-actualizing people have healthy boundaries, practice self-care, and have the capacity to enjoy themselves. Healthy selfishness is rooted in psychological abundance, whereas unhealthy selfishness is rooted in psychological poverty. Healthy selfishness requires self-love. The person who is motivated by healthy selfishness is motivated by a desire to become a unique person, to learn, grow, and be happy. (146)

Where you put your attention is where you put your life. Yes, negative things will happen. Sometimes they’re devastating. But if that’s where we keep our focus, that’s the lens through which we will view the world. And when that happens, as Kimi Katiti says, we rob ourselves of peace. Earlier in the chapter I noted that if all you focus on is your own victimhood, that’s the only part of your identity that you’ll see. Similarly, if all you show people is your victimhood, that’s all they’ll see. Yes, acknowledge your wounds––that’s important. But also remember the part of you that’s not wounded. The part that can’t ever be broken, and see the world through those eyes. Show the world the whole you. (168)

The shit we endure can turn out to be tremendous fertilizer for future growth. (170)

You know what would make a really shitty memoir? People told me I was a piece of crap, and I believed them. THE END.

Or how about this: I experienced a ton of trauma and other hardship, so I gave up. THE END.

Sorry, neither of those is ending up on the Amazon bestseller list because they are terrible stories. And they don’t have to be yours. (211)

Suffering doesn’t feel good. Yet one could argue that we’re built not only to endure it, but also to make it out the other side as better versions of ourselves. I’m not trying to imply that the process is quick, simple, or easy, but it’s a very real phenomenon.

According to psychiatrist Kazimierz Dabrowski and his theory of positive disintegration, experiences that force us to shift our identity or reconsider our values––in other words, disintegrate––are actually necessary if we’re to realize our full potential. It’s this coming apart that enables us to construct ourselves differently, like a building that’s fallen in an earthquake being reengineered to be more flexible and resilient. We learn to adapt, rebuilding a self that more closely resembles who we truly are.

Interestingly, Dabrowski believes that what we often see as indicators of mental illness––such as anxiety and neurosis––can, at least in some cases, actually be indicators that a person is trying to move toward their “personality ideal.” You’re feeling conflict or struggle because you’re not where you want to be, and that’s a good thing, even if it doesn’t feel good. (Don’t mind me, I’m just rebuilding myself!) (219-20)

So what can you do about this? As it turns out, there’s a lot that can be done. Many skills in this book are relevant, such as teaching young people to regulate their emotions appropriately and become aware of their cognitive distortions. But learning to think critically is also essential. Learn to question narratives. Learn to think for yourself. Learn to look at actual evidence and consider all sides. And crucially, people can be encouraged to extend some grace––to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially in those ambivalent situations…Recognize that what you have been told about those people is likely not the full picture, and most certainly doesn’t apply to everyone within that group. In my view, we need to go from cancel culture to grace culture.

And here’s the promising news: If these socialization processes can so effectively instill a victim mindset in so many people and at such an early age, then surely we can take over this system of indoctrination and direct it more positively.

We can seek to instill in young people and in our societies an empowerment mindset. We can teach people that trauma doesn’t have to form the core of our identity, and that it’s possible to grow through our most difficult experiences. We can demonstrate through our own actions that it’s possible to have healthy pride for our in-groups, and that in-group love does not have to be linked to out-group hate. And we can teach that while no one is entitled to special affordances for having suffered, each and every one of us is worthy of being treated with care and compassion. We are all worthy of love and belonging. (257-9)

This review was originally published on my blog, Words&Dirt.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a really great book. My only concern is that the people who need it the most would never admit it nor actually read it.

[Homa]

At first glance, the title reminded me of those run-of-the-mill self-help books, the kind with names like "Rise and Shine" or "Fix Your Life and Fly" But I have to say, reading it was an entirely different experience, thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly free of clichés.

[MiNa Sal · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب بخشهای جالبی داره و روی موضوعات فراگیری هم دست گذاشته. برای من یکی از جذابترین بخشها تاثیر زبان و بکارگیری زبان در درونی سازی احساسات و عمق دادن به تجربیات بود، مخصوصا وقتی بکارگیری بی‌قاعده از واژگان علمی برای همه موقعیت‌ها آنها رو از معنا تهی و افراد رو از درک درست احوالاتشون ناتوان میکنه.
مسأله همذات‌پنداری نکردن با تجربیات و یکی ندونستن خود با یک تجربه هم بنظرم خیلی جالبه.
در فصل آخر کتاب تناظری بین موضوعات فردی و اجتماعی ـ سیاسی در جهان امروز به نمایش گذاشته, گویا آنچه بیرون از ما درحال جریانه و گاهی خیلی بخاطرش غر می‌زنیم، شباهت زیادی داره با آنچه در ما میگذره. سازوکارهای یکسان، انگیزه‌ها و نحوه برخورد یکسان و در نهایت، نتایج یکسان و البته عموماً منفی.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars; the message is old but eminently worth sharing; don't fall for the victim mindset, don't give in to comfortable but stifling resentment; in effect avoid the dreaded drama triangle (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpman...) and instead turn it upside down into the winner's triangle (conceptualized by Choy); for an additional explainer check out: The Power of TED. On the subject; I am always reminded of Oscar Wilde's observation that 'to regret one's own experiences is to arrest one's own development'; food for contemplation (and action).

[Troy Crider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 4.5 stars. The author is well-researched, weaving together true stories with proven science and occasional references to contemporary trends in society. I respect his sense of nuance, and he writes with both a compassionate and challenging voice, encouraging readers to believe that overcoming overwhelming odds and limitations is possible.

I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced legitimate trauma or victimization. It provides tools, new ways of thinking, and a sense of hope for bouncing back. This was a fun book to read and Kaufman has a sense of humor that was refreshing while navigating sensitive issues.

Victomhood Olympics was the funniest phrase! 😂

I hope to write a more thorough review soon.

[Giorgio Bugnatelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott Barry Kaufman is a recognised humanistic psychologist whose research explores creativity, intelligence, and human potential. He has taught at prestigious institutions like Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania. "Rise Above" sits squarely in the self-help and popular psychology genres. It’s written for anyone seeking to move past adversity, question limiting beliefs, and build a more empowered life.
I decided to read this book as I noticed a recent increase in “victimhood culture”
Kaufman divides the book into two parts. The first candidly examines the victim mindset: how people dwell on past hardships, succumb to negative thought patterns, and over-identify with labels and self-esteem issues. Through direct language and relatable examples, Kaufman urges readers to recognise when they’re stuck, but stresses that remaining in that state is a conscious choice. The second part offers practical strategies to cultivate an “empowerment mindset”—from nurturing gratitude and agency to forging connections beyond tribal identities. Kaufman gently critiques therapy buzzwords and concept creep, encouraging a more grounded pursuit of well-being, all underscored by his signature empathy and humour.
Some may find Kaufman’s style slightly repetitive, and the book’s caution about “victimhood culture” risks seeming dismissive of real trauma if read uncritically.
Memorable Quote
“It’s more important than ever to rise above the limiting beliefs and widespread anxiety that puts us in boxes, lowers our expectations and holds us back.”

[Jaspreet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindset Matters

Rise Above by Scott Barry Kaufman is a thought provoking read divided into 2 insightful parts, wherein the first part explores manners to recognise and protect oneself from being a victim, while the second part empowers readers to lead themselves into a more self-driven life.

While the introduction appropriately sets up the tone, unloading the onset of victim mindset and harnessing empowerment, Kaufman emphasized that while victimhood may be a natural landing, staying there is definitely a discretionary choice.

The bullet points make a strong impact allowing the reader to resonate with the thought, while the accompanying illustrations enhance the understanding, making abstract ideas relatable.

The writing touches the right chords as the author shares his own personal anecdotes allowing the reader to connect the dots, but the bracketed statements throughout the chapters act like thoughtful whispers prompting the reader to flip to the next page with curiosity.

For readers who are seeking courage and clarity, Do give this book a read as it is a perfect blend of experienced psychology and empathy.

[Todd Kashdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody is spared from adversity and negative life events, big and small.
A sizeable number of people will unfortunately, experience a traumatic event.
Close to the majority of the population will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder over their lifetime (even if you believe ADHD is a gift, it is still a self-regulatory dysfunction).

The question is what the costs are for allowing these difficult events and diagnoses to define you? This book explores this provocative premise and offers an alternative - an empowerment mindset.

Beautifully written. Easy to read 100 pages in one sitting. If enough people read this book and integrate the lessons imparted, society will be better.

Provocative, interesting, based on scientific research, dedicated to helping humanity. These are the kind of books I enjoy reading.

[Levi Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the crowd and heavy commercial wellness industry, Dr. The ideas of Scott Barry Kaufman and educational research on navigating treatment and development are a welcome change. 'One treatment' or someone is very different from enticing or enticing someone to adopt a name for their difficulties. In this book, Dr. Kaufman has brought together scientific evidence to help the readers to help the readers to overcome scientific evidence, his important thinking, well -developed ideas, and a victim's capabilities, together with scientific evidences, their own important thinking, well -developed thoughts and reliable approvals. All this is done with understanding, compassion and what he calls 'honest love'. Gave strongly advised to anyone wishing to change your existing perspective and start living in high gear.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book majorly teaches us that we should not let our past control our life. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman who is the author of this book explains how people can get stuck in their past pain and start believing that life cannot get better. But this is not true. Our brain is not always right, it guesses based on old experiences. Sometimes, it tells us things are bad even when they are not. while bad things may not be our fault, it is still our responsibility to change our future. We can choose to learn hope, face our fears and not believe every negative thought. My favorite chapter mentions that we have the power to control how we respond to life and create a better future for ourselves. Simple steps like thinking about what we can do next instead of asking why bad things happen can make a big difference. A must read.

[Dima Timofeev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered the author through the Sam Harris podcast, where Scott and Sam were discussing the culture and competition surrounding victimhood. I've always found stoicism to be a better fit for my way of thinking and living, and I often wondered why I noticed a sort of competition in victimhood around me. While the podcast provided some solid answers, I decided to read the book as well, since it promised deeper insights backed by research

I’m glad I did.The book isn’t in a genre I usually read—so it was a bit challenging and required me to pause and reflect at times—it offered meaningful explanations. Chapters on personal victimhood, collective victimhood, narcissism, DEI, and others addressed many of the questions I had been asking myself and provided very satisfying answers. No spoilers here.

[Chrissann Nickel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first came across the author when he was a guest on my client’s podcast.

This is an interesting concept for a book and one that I feel is certainly necessary and relevant for our times. Social media has given people tools from the therapy world without the nuances of actual one on one work with a therapist. There is a lot of self-diagnosing going on in our world these days and I agree with the author in that I feel like it sometimes does more harm than good.

I particularly enjoyed the paradigm shift of “learned hopefulness.” It’s an empowering book in many ways that I think a lot of people would benefit from.

Ultimately, we are not what has happened to us. Overly identifying with our traumatic experiences often keeps us stuck in a self-defeating mental loop. If we flip the switch, we can see that, more accurately, we are who we become through our life experiences.

[Silva Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me pause and think about how often I stay in my comfort zone just to avoid failure. Dr. Scott doesn’t blame anyone, but gently shows us how fear, self-doubt, and old beliefs shape our daily life without us noticing. He explains how even sensitivity and emotions, which we sometimes see as weakness, can be our strength.

What I appreciated most is how the book doesn’t offer unrealistic solutions. It’s more about understanding ourselves and finding the courage to try, even when things are hard. The tone is warm and understanding, not preachy.

Recommended for readers who feel stuck and want a little honest push to grow especially if you like self-help books that are kind and clear.

[Sophiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chapter "Don't be a victim to your emotions". A brilliant message is conveyed in the most easiest way to understand. Author's insights on handling emotions are so refreshing, practical and wise. I loved author's analogy of toddlers. Just like toddlers, emotions are wonderful. We need to understand them but we don't need to take decisions through their lens. Because their lens doesn't carry the whole picture, they have limited worldview and they are lack of facts.

Emotions are not facts and we don't we don't have to stuck with them is the clear and powerful message that deeply resonated with me.

[Dora Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rise Above is not just about rising from failure, it’s about understanding why we keep falling into the same traps. Dr. Scott writes about modern issues like social media, self-esteem, and mental health without making it feel like a lecture. It feels like someone is finally speaking the truth in plain words.

I liked that he mixes science with stories and keeps it simple. It’s not about becoming perfect but about becoming aware. There are many small things I could relate to and that made the book really powerful.

Recommended for those who want a thoughtful guide to break out of limiting beliefs and take small, meaningful steps toward change.

[Nazia Sultana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me see how often we fall into feeling stuck in something or just start blaming others for everything. Scott Barry Kaufman explains in detail, & easy to understand words how a “victim mindset” can limit us and how we understand it & shift to taking control of our lives. He talks about helpful ideas and examples showing how small choices—like taking responsibility, being kinder to yourself, and setting goals—can change your mindset.

What I liked most is how the knowledge shared feels practical and friendly. It’s like talking to a kind coach who believes you can grow.

A short & motivating read for anyone wanting to break free from limitations.

[Lila]

With a bold call to stop black and white thinking of victim/perpetrators or helpless/empowered, Scott Barry Kaufman tells readers to not limit themselves or allow what labels they have been assigned determine their life path. As a child, Kaufman was labelled as special needs due to a low IQ test caused by an audio processing disorder. After a teacher suggested he was capable of more, Kaufman charged forward, eventually earning a PhD.
Those not used to alternative ways of viewing victimhood may find much to be uncomfortable with.
The final chapter suggests ways to allow for more group conflict resolution by using the ideas presented in the book.

[Chris M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance, this title might come off as a self-help book, but the author has a profound understanding about mental health. He balances the need for acknowledging the need for improved mental health outcomes while criticizing the state of mental health awareness today. What makes this title stand out is that he does not use labels to describe certain traits like narcissism or neuroticism, but insists that personality traits exist on a continuum. Also, he does a great job discussing the dangers associated with over-identifying with certain characteristics that fuel a victim mindset. The information here would be of value to everybody.

[Sortal · Rating 1 out of 5]

'Victim mindset' as a source of excessive entitlement is certainly a problem worth solving, but I'm doubtful that this book holds the answers. What really worries me is that those who need this book most might be least likely to read it, while the vulnerable people who need this book least and might even be harmed by its messages, might be the most likely to take it to heart.

I love Kaufman's earlier book, Ungifted, and would also recommend his podcast.

I believe Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind and The Anxious Generation do a better job of unpacking some of the key drivers behind 'victim mindset' and giving us tools to turn the tide as supporters of those at risk.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Rise Above," Kaufman tackles an epidemic of our time: the toxic trend of defining ourselves as victims and suffering as a twisted badge of honor. Using science, personal stories, and practical tools, he unpacks how to bounce back and regain our agency. The book advocates accepting both struggles and hope, pushing back against victimhood, and fostering a balanced view of emotions and responsibility. It highlights how neglecting an empowerment mindset adversely affects society, fostering division and negative perceptions of ourselves and others. Ready to turn wounds into wisdom? Read this.

[Tej · Rating 5 out of 5]

RISE ABOVE by Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman teaches us that while we can't control everything, we can control how we responsed . Many people gt stuck on pain or trauma, but this book encourage us to take responsibility and greo. Kaufman show that we're not weak_ we just need to learn how to become hopeful again. Using science and stories, he explains how our brains predict danger even when it's not there. But we can unlearn fear and choose a new path. This book is a guide to building strentand and a better mindset. It's truly a powerful and positive read.

[Surbhi Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As humans, we all fall victims to various mind traps at some point or other. We get stuck with our past, emotions, cognitive distortions, self-esteem and all. All of these topics are thoroughly discussed in this book. You'll definitely be able to relate with atleast a few of them. You'll realise that you also have been into that trap.
It's a book packed with personal experiences of author Scott Kaufman along with insights from psychologists and researchers which aims to make a shift in readers mindset. A highly encouraging, self- improvement book.

[Christina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Get up over Scott Robinson. We can't control everything, but we can control how we react, as Barry Cofman tells us. Many people get stuck on trauma or pain, but this book encourages us to take charge and move forward. Cofman indicates that we are not weak; We only need to regain our optimism. He shows how our brains estimate danger, when it is not present through science and anecdotes. However, we can choose a separate passage and make fear unknown. This book power acts as a manual for a more positive attitude. This is a truly inspiring and uplift book.

[Jackson Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. on Scott Robinson. Rise. Barry Kofman informed us that although we cannot control everything, we can control how we react. This book urges us to take control and move forward, even if many people turn into trauma or pain. According to Kofman, we just need to find our hope again; We are not weak. He uses research and anecdotes to display how our brain is threatened when it is not there. However, we can choose a separate route and hide anxiety. This book serves as a guide to adopt a more optimistic approach. This book is incredibly uplift and inspiring.

[Miss. Judy Ann]

I always say if a self help book helped a little then it wasn't a waste of time. I love the quotes in this book and learned that I am a bit of a vulnerable narcissist. Although the rest of the book felt like when you kinda already know something but I'm guessing a lot of people don't which is showing my age, but I'm glad that this book exists for those who need to discover the truth and get some help in a world of competitive victimhood.

[Sai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful book that will strengthen your mindset 10x. Some of my major learnings are

1- Our capacity to deal with challenges is not predetermined. It can be learned.

2- Learn to question narratives.

3- It takes not only a vision and a plan but also a lot of humility and patience to make sustained long-term changes.

4- An empowered society begins with a shift in individual consciousness.

It's a value-packed book that will bring genuine changes in you.

[Shubhadarshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lessons in chapter "Don’t Be a Victim to Your Need to Please" stood out for me. We all want to do things that make others happy. But excess of anything is bad. When our need to please crosses limits, it can cause dangerous scenarios. This chapter was self-reflecting to me. It made me realise how easy it is to get trapped in the cycle of pleasing others which also leads to neglecting our own needs.

[Surbhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rise above-Overcome a victim mindset" is a book which makes you understand how one slips into victim mindset and remain stuck there. It uncovers the psychology behind the victim mindset. Overtime this mindset becomes a habit and keeps us from taking responsibilty of moving forward. But author suggests practical ways of changing that attitude. After reading this book, you'll own your decisions and actions instead of blaming someone else for it.