Digital Social Hour: Stop Playing Whack-a-Mole with Self-Improvement | Ryan Christensen DSH #1164
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with Ryan Christensen, a renowned hypnosis expert. The episode, titled "Stop Playing Whack-a-Mole with Self-Improvement," delves into the intricacies of personal development, the limitations of conventional self-improvement methods, and the transformative power of hypnosis. Ryan shares his personal journey, professional insights, and actionable strategies to help listeners break free from ineffective self-improvement cycles.
I. Ryan Christensen’s Background
Ryan Christensen begins by recounting his transition from aspiring psychologist to certified hypnotist. In February 2020, facing the daunting prospect of a lengthy and expensive psychology education, Ryan opted for hypnosis certification, completing it in six weeks at a cost of two thousand dollars. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after certification forced him to pivot professionally.
"I got certified as a hypnotist. Took about six weeks and two grand. And that was in February 2020. So right after I got certified, everything shut down." [02:08]
Despite working in classified intelligence roles that limited his ability to practice from home, Ryan discovered a natural talent for hypnosis through online collaborations. By October 2020, he had established his full-time hypnosis business, leveraging his skills to assist others in overcoming personal challenges.
II. The Concept of Whack-a-Mole Self-Improvement
A central theme of the episode is the metaphor Ryan uses to describe traditional self-improvement efforts as "playing whack-a-mole." He explains that many individuals focus on addressing symptoms or surface-level issues without tackling the underlying beliefs that perpetuate their struggles.
"If you fix these things up here now, all this stuff changes. So if you think about having like a big box in your head, label on it says I'm not good enough... Why not just take the label off. Put a new one on change. I'm not good enough to. I am good enough now." [06:00]
Ryan criticizes the endless cycle of self-improvement tasks that fail to produce lasting change, emphasizing the need to address core beliefs and emotional frameworks.
III. Hypnosis: Accessing the Unconscious Mind
Ryan details how hypnosis serves as a tool to bypass the conscious mind's resistance and access the unconscious, where deep-seated beliefs reside. Unlike traditional methods that rely on conscious effort and rational thought, hypnosis allows direct communication with the subconscious, facilitating more profound and lasting changes.
"Hypnosis gives you access directly to that unconscious mind, kind of lets you bypass that... I can now have that conversation directly with that part of your mind." [08:44]
This approach enables individuals to reframe their beliefs at a fundamental level, eliminating the need for constant self-improvement measures.
IV. Common Issues Ryan Addresses
Ryan categorizes the primary challenges his clients face into two groups:
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Being Blocked in Life: Individuals with grand visions and high potential but feel stuck or unable to achieve their goals.
"They know what they want to do, they've got this big vision, they know they have a lot of potential, but they're here and they shouldn't be here." [09:35]
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The Treadmill of Success: Highly successful individuals who continuously chase new goals but never feel satisfied or fully accomplished.
"These people, it's about being able to step off that treadmill, still be able to perform and do really cool things, but live a more full life." [10:31]
Ryan's solutions focus on dismantling the limiting beliefs that hinder progress and fostering a fulfilling, balanced life.
V. Personal Struggles and Diagnosis
Ryan opens up about his personal battles with undiagnosed autism and bipolar disorder, which significantly impacted his relationships and professional life. Growing up in Kansas during the 70s and 80s, autism was scarcely understood, leading Ryan to develop strategies to navigate a world not tailored to his neurodiversity.
"Growing up autistic in Kansas, really kind of hard. Knew the world worked for everybody else and not for me." [03:13]
His bipolar disorder diagnosis came much later, triggered by ADHD treatment that unveiled manic episodes he hadn't previously recognized. This revelation forced him to reassess his life and seek stability through medication and continued self-work.
"It took me about 14, 15 months to figure out the right medications that keep me stable and actually allow me to, like, function." [33:43]
Ryan’s transparency about his mental health struggles adds depth to his professional expertise, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and targeted interventions.
VI. Purpose and Goal-Setting Techniques
Rejecting traditional goal-setting, Ryan advocates for system-based approaches aligned with one's mission and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of having a "North Star" that guides actions without the constraints of specific, often limiting objectives.
"I don't set goals. I build systems." [27:19]
For Ryan, focusing on a grand mission—such as ending human suffering and unleashing human potential—provides direction and flexibility, allowing for growth and adaptation without the pressure of meeting predefined targets.
VII. Emotional Intelligence and Handling Emotions
A significant portion of the discussion centers on redefining emotions as signals rather than sources of pain. Ryan argues that emotions serve as valuable indicators of our environment and internal states, guiding us to address underlying issues.
"Each emotion is trying to help you figure things out, trying to help you get to where you want to be, even if it's a negative emotion." [22:05]
By engaging with emotions constructively, individuals can transform their responses from reactive to proactive, leading to better emotional regulation and mental well-being.
VIII. Hypnosis in Treating Addictions and Building Confidence
Ryan highlights hypnosis as an effective method for overcoming addictions and building genuine confidence. He explains that hypnosis can address the root psychological causes of addiction, such as the need to use substances as coping mechanisms for an unsatisfactory life.
"Hypnosis is incredibly effective for addictions, especially like smoking. And it's usually quit smoking, like one hypnosis session." [16:34]
Regarding confidence, Ryan challenges the notion that it solely stems from competence. Instead, he posits that true confidence arises from self-acceptance and the elimination of fear and doubt.
"Confidence is about what you gain. It's about what you lose. Lose the fear and the doubt." [19:11]
IX. Current Projects and Future Endeavors
Ryan is actively expanding his work to support veterans dealing with PTSD and stress disorders. By addressing negative self-images and worldviews, he aims to alleviate the mental burdens that exacerbate these conditions.
"One of the things I'm doing these days is working with a lot of veterans groups... the techniques I use make that pretty quick." [35:16]
Additionally, Ryan is authoring a book, Winter Piece: How to End in Conflict, Make Success Inevitable, which encapsulates his methodologies and theoretical frameworks for personal transformation.
X. Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Ryan Christensen provides a nuanced perspective on personal development, emphasizing the necessity of addressing core beliefs and emotional frameworks. His approach, grounded in hypnosis and supported by personal experience, offers listeners a pathway to meaningful and lasting change.
As Sean Kelly wraps up the conversation, listeners are encouraged to explore Ryan’s work further, including his upcoming book and ongoing projects aimed at healing and empowerment.
"Thank you so much for having me." [37:10]
Notable Quotes
- "I'm not good enough to. I am good enough now. Everything in there means I'm good enough." [06:00] — Ryan Christensen
- "Hypnosis gives you access directly to that unconscious mind, kind of lets you bypass that." [08:44] — Ryan Christensen
- "Confidence is about what you gain. It's about what you lose. Lose the fear and the doubt." [19:11] — Ryan Christensen
- "Each emotion is trying to help you figure things out, trying to help you get to where you want to be, even if it's a negative emotion." [22:05] — Ryan Christensen
Closing Remarks
Digital Social Hour offers an eye-opening exploration of self-improvement through the lens of hypnosis and deep psychological work. Ryan Christensen’s insights challenge conventional approaches, encouraging a shift towards addressing the fundamental beliefs that shape our lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking authentic and sustainable personal growth.
For more information on Ryan Christensen’s services and his book Winter Piece, visit his audible design page or follow his social media channels linked below.
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