Reading Time: 5 minutes

You’re ready to make a change in your home; you’re envisioning a cozy sofa to make your living room a space for relaxation. You dive in enthusiastically, exploring every option: different materials, colors, textures, and brands. Samples arrive, and you test them thoroughly at different times of the day, apply different products to check the fabric resistance and take photos of them with different lights. You visit stores, sit on countless sofas, analyze dimensions, and take many photos.

Finally, after weeks of back-and-forth, you click “place order.”

But then, doubt creeps in.

You second-guess your choice. Maybe the brown chair isn’t the right fit.

You quickly change the order, keeping the sofa, but dropping the chair.

Still unsure, you revisit the website and consider a completely different color – the soft brown one that caught your eye earlier. Then, you try to place the order and call the company.

• That soft brown color? Discontinued.
• “Discontinued forever?”
• “Yes,” says the customer service representative.

You hang up the phone.

You feel stunned, disappointed, and overwhelmed by regret.

This is decision paralysis. And you’re not alone.

Why it’s so Hard to Decide

Indecision isn’t just about not knowing what to do—it’s often rooted in the fear of making the wrong choice. We put immense pressure on ourselves to “get it right,” focusing so intensely on avoiding mistakes, missing out on better opportunities, or finding the “correct” decision that we lose sight of the bigger picture.

This fear often leads us to overanalyze, endlessly searching for information in hopes of uncovering the perfect solution or eliminating any chance of future regret.

According to the research of Dr. Ellen Langer, indecision often stems from being trapped in mindlessness. Her work emphasizes that indecision thrives when we rely on rigid, habitual thinking patterns rather than staying open to new perspectives and possibilities.

What is Decision Agility?

Decision agility is your ability to make decisions effectively, adapting to new information and changing circumstances without becoming stuck in emotional or cognitive rigidity.

Annie Duke, a professional poker player and decision strategist, highlights that decision agility isn’t about making flawless choices. Instead, it’s about cultivating a process that maximizes learning, reduces bias, and allows for flexibility as new data becomes available.

Building decision agility isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about learning to pivot, staying receptive to new insights, and ensuring your choices remain aligned with your core values.

Playing-It-Safe Moves Related to Decision-Making

Did you know that much of what we decide daily isn’t a true “decision” at all? Often, our choices are unconscious reactions—quick assumptions made by our mind to reduce uncertainty or discomfort.

Our incredible minds are always working hard to keep us safe and comfortable.

Researchers studying decision-making often call these tendencies “cognitive biases.” I like to think of them as playing-it-safe moves, strategies designed to protect us from discomfort now or in the future. Who doesn’t play it safe sometimes?

It’s completely understandable to want more information or to focus on what you already know, especially in anxiety-provoking or uncertain situations. But there’s a critical distinction: How often do you rely on playing-it-safe moves, and are these habits helping or hindering you from living your personal values?

Here are some of the most common playing-it-safe tendencies related to decisions, how they show up in your life, and reflective questions to help you make values-based choices.

Confirmation Bias

Definition
The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that supports pre-existing beliefs (Nickerson, 1998).

Example
Imagine you’re considering buying an electric car. If you believe it’s the most eco-friendly choice, you might focus only on articles praising its low emissions and ignore those highlighting environmental costs of battery production.

Reflective Questions

• Am I giving equal weight to opposing evidence?
• How might someone with an opposite perspective interpret this?
• What would I need to see to change my mind?

Hindsight Bias

Definition
The tendency to perceive past events as predictable after they have occurred (Roese & Vohs, 2012).

Example
Imagine you didn’t prepare for a sudden rainstorm during a picnic, thinking the weather forecast looked good. When it starts raining, you say, “I knew this would happen!” In reality, your confidence about the likelihood of rain only surfaced after it occurred.

Reflective Questions

• Am I basing this judgment on hindsight rather than foresight?
• How might I prepare better next time without unfairly criticizing my past self?

Loss Aversion

Definition
The fear of losses outweighs the joy of equivalent gains (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979).

Example

• A professional might avoid leaving a stable but unfulfilling job for fear of instability, even when a new role offers significant potential.
• You resist selling an old car that requires frequent repairs because accepting the loss feels worse than gaining peace of mind from a new vehicle.

Reflective Questions

• What opportunities might I miss if I cling on to this loss?
• How would I advise a friend in the same situation?
• Am I prioritizing avoiding regret over pursuing growth?

Sunk Cost Fallacy

Definition
Continuing an endeavor because of prior investment, even when it’s no longer beneficial.

Example
Continuing to watch a boring movie because you’ve already watched half of it.

Reflective Questions

• What would I advise a friend to do in this situation?
• Am I sticking with this just because I’ve invested time or money?
• If I hadn’t already invested time, money, or effort into this, would I still choose it today?
• What other opportunities am I missing by sticking with this decision?
• Would a fresh start in this situation open up better possibilities?
• Am I holding on because of the effort I’ve already put in, rather than the value I’m receiving now?
• Am I continuing because I feel guilty, ashamed, or afraid of admitting a mistake?
• If someone else were in my position, what advice would I give them?
• What have I gained or learned from this commitment, and how can I use it moving forward?
• What would someone without my emotional attachment to this situation suggest?

Status Quo Bias

Definition
A preference for maintaining current circumstances rather than making changes, even when the change is beneficial (Samuelson & Zeckhauser, 1988).

Example
You stick with the same cable TV provider despite higher costs because switching feels like too much hassle, even though it could save money.

Reflective Questions

• What is the cost of staying where I am?
• Is my resistance to change rooted in fear or inertia?
• What small step could I take to test this new option?

Last Words on Decisions

• Decisions are rarely final
  Think of decisions not as immovable monuments, but as stepping stones on your life.

• Embrace flexibility when making choices
  Life changes, and so can you. Let go of the pressure to make “perfect” decisions.

• Decisions are rarely permanent
  Choices often feel heavier than they truly are. Most decisions are adjustable and open doors to learning, growth, and new opportunities.

• Decisions are context-based
  Every decision reflects a specific moment in time—your needs, your values, and your circumstances. And as those moments shift, so, too, can your choices. This is the essence of psychological flexibility: the ability to adapt your actions when circumstances change.

• Decisions are about exploration
  Think of each decision as an experiment. It’s less about “getting it right” and more about “seeing what’s possible.” Each choice is a chance to discover, learn, and grow.

Esther Perel beautifully says, “The quality of your life is defined by the quality of your relationships.” To build on that, I’d say, “The quality of your life is deeply influenced by the quality of your choices.”

Every choice you make—big or small—has the potential to shape your path, your relationships, and your sense of purpose. When you’re faced with a decision, take a moment to reflect: Does this choice align with the values that matter most to me? Will it help create the kind of life I want to live?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Nikko steps into a small, cozy coffee shop nestled in a quiet corner of the city. The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mixed with the sweet aroma of pastries.

Cold Play plays in the background.

The barista, a cheerful young woman with a warm smile, greets Nikko as he approaches the counter.

Barista: “Our coffee machine is broken, my apologies. I can only offer you any of our teas.”

“I’ve never tried their tea. If I’m going to try it, I should ask exactly how it’s prepared.  I wish I could be sure I’d like the tea before ordering it. What if I don’t like it?” Nikko’s interpreter thinks as he leans slightly forward.

“If I’m hesitant about ordering tea, it must mean that I’m not meant to try their tea.”

He straightens up, frowns slightly, and tells the barista, “Thank you. I’d rather come back when your coffee machine is working.”

The concept of openness

Researchers like McCrae and Costa (1987), describe openness as a quality that encourages us to see things in new ways and be receptive to different ideas. It’s about being willing to appreciate life experiences as they happen.

Openness is about saying, “Let’s see where this leads.”

But when encountering the “new,” anxiety-based reactions may create an initial hesitation, shrink your actions, and tell you to go back to what you know.

Being open doesn’t mean eliminating anxiety or the proneness to play-it-safe; it’s also more than just trying new activities. It’s about approaching things a step beyond what’s familiar and welcoming the new as part of life.

Misconceptions about openness

You may wonder, is openness the same as saying yes to everything? No.

You don’t need to rush into every new experience, that’s reckless.

You can approach the ones you choose to participate in with “beginner’s eyes” and in the service of who you want to be.

Openness isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about embracing who you are capable of becoming. It’s an invitation to live more fully.

So, the next time anxiety nudges you toward the familiar, remind yourself that life lies in the unexpected.

Exercises to Practice Openness in Your Daily Life

1. Start Small with New Experiences

Choose a new dish at a favorite restaurant or explore a different hiking route. 

2. Go Beyond Hearing Someone’s Words

Notice their tone, body language, and emotions. Ask follow-up questions like, “What makes this important to you?” 

3. Say “Yes” to One New Experience Weekly

Accept an invitation that feels slightly outside your comfort zone

4. Learn Something New

Pick a subject you’ve always been curious about and dedicate time to explore it.

5. Revisit an Old Fear-Based Situation

Identify something you’ve avoided in the past and take one small step towards approaching it, if it takes you close to be the person you want to be.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

It was finally time to give road biking shoes a try.

I’d heard all about the benefits—better pedaling efficiency, smoother movement, and that elusive “aerodynamic” feel that cyclists rave about. But stepping into those shoes, both literally and figuratively, was about more than cycling; it was about stepping outside of my comfort zone.

The key to a good cycling shoe, I’d learned, is that it fits snugly but doesn’t pinch anywhere. After trying on a few pairs and searching for just the right size, I finally landed on a sleek pair of white Italian shoes that felt just right—as if they were made for me. 

Comfortable, supportive, and stylish. I was ready to roll.

Here’s the thing about road biking shoes: they’re designed to clip directly into the pedals, locking your feet in place. It’s like snowboarding—you’re securely attached, and it also means your reflexes need to adjust. 

Before you stop, you have to twist your foot to unclip. Otherwise, well… your feet stay firmly attached to the bike, and gravity quickly takes over.

I headed to the bike shop to get the matching pedals installed. Once everything was set up, I climbed onto the bike inside the store to test them out. And then it happened.

I fell. Hard.

In less than 30 seconds, I hit the hardwood floor. 

I got back up, clipped in again, and started pedaling. This time, I lasted about 20 seconds before I was on the floor again. 

Over the next ten minutes, even with help, I couldn’t unclip fast enough before losing balance.

My legs were a patchwork of fresh bruises.

What if I couldn’t get the hang of this? What if I fell during a ride and seriously hurt myself? My brain was already compiling a list of reasons to abandon the shoes altogether. 

Here’s the kicker: I’d signed up for a group ride that was starting in just ten minutes.

Standing there, I had a choice to make.

What would you have done in my shoes?

The science behind psychological flexibility

Psychological flexibility refers to the ability to adapt your actions and responses based on the situation at hand. In essence, it’s about being open to adjusting your behavior in a way that aligns with your values, even when faced with new or uncomfortable external situations or internal uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, sensations, urges, memories, or emotions.

In positive psychology, research shows that psychological flexibility is strongly linked to well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction. A study by Tami Kim and colleagues (2020) found that people who were more flexible in their behavior were better able to handle stressful situations; participants also reported higher levels of happiness and greater ability to maintain relationships during difficult times.

You need to be curious to be psychologically flexible

Kashdan and colleagues, through the development of the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory-II (2009), identified two critical dimensions of curiosity: stretching – the active pursuit of novel and challenging experiences – and embracing – the capacity to tolerate and even thrive amidst uncertainty and ambiguity. 

Think about this: when you try something unfamiliar, you’re stretching. It might feel awkward or even nerve-wracking at first, but each step helps you grow. At the same time, embracing asks you to lean into the “what-if thoughts” of that experience without retreating.

When you stretch yourself outside of your comfort zone and make room for the uncomfortable feelings that come along with an open attitude, you strengthen the muscle of psychological flexibility that is central to value-driven living.

Everyday situations for you to practice psychological flexibility

Imagine you’re in a meeting, and your colleague brings up an idea you hadn’t considered before. Initially, you might feel worried or uncertain about it, especially if it challenges your assumptions or routines. But instead of rejecting the idea outright, you take a moment to listen carefully and reflect on what you heard.

Think about a situation where your boss asks you to take on a new project or shift the way you’re approaching an existing one. You might feel overwhelmed, and you could try approaching the situation with curiosity. Instead of quickly saying, “I’m too busy” or “That’s not how we’ve always done it,” you could think about how this new project aligns with your professional strengths or career values. 

Suppose you’re at a family gathering, and an uncomfortable conversation arises – perhaps about a political issue or a sensitive topic. You might want to pause and ask questions, seeking to understand the other person’s point of view even if you disagree with it. 

Why behavioral flexibility matters for your mental health and well-being

Psychological flexibility isn’t just about changing what you do—it’s about making conscious choices that reflect your personal values. 

When you practice behavioral flexibility, you are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety because they approach situations with a more open mindset, ready to pivot and adjust when needed. This makes them less likely to fall into the trap of rigid, unhelpful thinking patterns that can contribute to depression or chronic worry.

The bottom line about psychological flexibility

Psychological flexibility isn’t just a skill—it’s a mindset that helps you navigate the complexities of life and enables you to thrive, even in uncertain or stressful situations.

What happened?

Cycling has always been my happy place. It gets me outside, clears my mind, and keeps my body moving. I love the challenge of a steep hill or a long-distance ride.

I’m not training for the Tour de France; I cycle because it feels grounding.

So, I ended up riding with two different shoes. 

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As I strolled down the narrow, sunlit street next to the Mediterranean in Naxos, Greece, I could feel the warmth of the sun, hear the light laughter of teenagers nearby, and breathe in the salty ocean air.

The world around me seemed to hum with life.

The ocean has always, always, always been a source of comfort for me. It was one of those precious moments—when everything feels in sync, and the world is exactly as it should be.

Then, my stomach interrupted with a growl.

It remind me that even the most peaceful moments are accompanied by the mundane. I paused and looked around.

That’s when I spotted it: a cozy little Greek restaurant tucked away on the side of the street.

• Me: Approaching the hostess, “Can I get a table for one?”
• Waitress: “A table for one?  while raising an eyebrow with a soft smile, “but… someone else is joining you later, right?”
• Me: “No, no one is coming.”
• Waitress:  “Are you sure? – gesturing to the empty table.  We could set the table for two and wait.”
• Me: “Thank you, but no one else is coming.” 
• Waitress:  “How come? She takes a deep breath, are you eating alone?”
• Me:  Yes, I am eating alone.”
• Waitress: “I can leave the forks for another person, if you want.”
• Me: “Thank you, but it’s not necessary,” I answer, with a soft smile.

The waitress’ question lingered in the air.

Imagine all the conversations, people, situations, activities, hobbies, or objects you’ve avoided for years because the unfamiliarity feels daunting. Facing our fears isn’t just about confronting big fears – it’s about making space for discomfort in everyday moments.

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), exposure is more than tackling anxieties, worries, and fears; it’s about doing so in the service of what truly matters to you.

ACT redefines exposure by focusing on your core values, not just symptom reduction. Instead of forcing your fears, worries, and anxieties away, it invites you to lean into discomfort while embracing your personal “why.” That’s why I refer to these practices as values-based exposure exercises.

Facing our fears can often feel like standing on the edge of a deep cliff, wondering whether it’s safe to jump. But, here’s the thing, approaching your worries, fears, and anxieties is a way to live in alignment with what you care about, not just a tool to eliminate fear.

An invitation for you

What about taking yourself to eat alone without a cell phone, book, or anything to distract yourself, but as an invitation to be with yourself and anything that shows up under your skin?

Exposure isn’t just about confronting big fears—it’s about facing discomfort in everyday moments.

Sitting alone at a table for one can be your values-based exposure.

Resources to practice values-based exposure exercises

(a) A comprehensive guide to read: Facing your fears

This guide includes five parts:

Part 1: What are values-based exposure exercises?

Part 2: How to create your values-based exposure menu?

Part 3: What are the different types of exposure exercises you can practice?

Part 4: Where do you start?

Part 5: What to do when practicing a values-based exposure exercise?

Click here to read full guide: Facing your fears.

(b) 1-minute video to watch: The purpose of values-based exposures

(c) Podcast to listen to: How to engage in values-based behaviors when feeling anxious

1. “Just think positive!”

The research conducted by Wood and colleagues found that while positive self-statements might be beneficial for individuals with high self-esteem, they can have the opposite effect on those with low self-esteem.

When people with low self-esteem try to force themselves to think positively, it can actually backfire, leading to increased anxiety and self-doubt. This is because the positive affirmations are inconsistent with their existing self-beliefs, causing internal conflict.

The findings challenge the simplistic notion that “just thinking positive” is universally beneficial and underscore the importance of a more nuanced approach to mental health interventions, particularly for individuals struggling with anxiety and self-esteem issues.

• Study: Wood, J. V., Perunovic, W. Q. E., & Lee, J. W. (2009). Positive self-statements: Power for some, peril for others. Psychological Science, 20(7), 860-866.

2. “Mind over matter.”

Daniel Wegner’s work on ironic process theory demonstrates that attempting to control or suppress unwanted thoughts can paradoxically make them more persistent. For example, trying not to think about something can cause that thought to dominate one’s mind, leading to heightened anxiety.

This finding contradicts the “mind over matter” philosophy, which suggests that we can simply will ourselves to overcome challenges by forcefully controlling our thoughts. Wegner’s research highlights the limitations of mental control and suggests that acceptance-based approaches, which allow thoughts to come and go without trying to control them, may be more effective in managing anxiety.

• Study: Wegner, D. M. (1994). Ironic processes of mental control. Psychological Review, 101(1), 34-52.

3. “Push through your anxiety.”

Mann and Ward’s research suggests that while pushing through pain and discomfort can sometimes lead to short-term gains, it can also result in long-term harm, particularly when the underlying causes of stress or pain are not addressed. This “push through” mentality can lead to burnout, injury, or exacerbation of anxiety symptoms, particularly in high-stress environments.

The study advocates for a more balanced approach to self-regulation that involves recognizing limits, taking breaks, and addressing the root causes of pain and anxiety, rather than simply forcing oneself to continue through discomfort.

• Study: Mann, T., & Ward, A. (2007). Attention, self-control, and health behaviors. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(5), 280-283.

4. “You can control your thoughts.”

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), developed by Steven C. Hayes and his colleagues, challenges the idea that we can or should control our thoughts. The ACT model posits that trying to control or suppress unwanted thoughts often leads to increased psychological distress. Instead, ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings as they are, without judgment or the need to change them, and to focus on taking actions that are consistent with their values.

This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and improving psychological flexibility, as it reduces the struggle against unwanted thoughts and fosters a more adaptive relationship with them.

• Study: Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press.

5. “Fake it till you make it.”

Lerner and Keltner’s research on the effects of emotions like fear and anger on decision-making suggests that “faking it” can sometimes lead to emotional dissonance, where there is a disconnect between how one feels internally and how one is expected to behave externally. This dissonance can exacerbate anxiety and lead to poor decision-making, particularly in high-stress situations.

The study challenges the idea that simply “faking” confidence or calmness is an effective strategy, as it can increase stress and anxiety when the external façade does not match internal feelings. A more effective approach might involve acknowledging and managing one’s genuine emotions rather than pretending they don’t exist.

• Study: Lerner, J. S., & Keltner, D. (2001). Fear, anger, and risk. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(1), 146-159.

6. “Don’t worry, be happy.”

Moskowitz and Epel’s research suggests that while maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial, the simplistic message of “Don’t worry, be happy” can be problematic because it encourages the suppression of negative emotions and invalidates genuine experiences of stress and anxiety.

Their work highlights the importance of finding meaning and growth in adversity, rather than merely trying to avoid or suppress negative emotions. By embracing a more balanced perspective that acknowledges both positive and negative experiences, individuals are better equipped to manage anxiety and build resilience.

• Study: Moskowitz, J. T., & Epel, E. S. (2006). Benefit finding and growth following adversity: The challenge of finding meaning. Positive Psychology in Practice, 145-158.

7. “You just need to try harder.”

Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset challenges the notion that effort alone is sufficient to overcome challenges. Her work shows that while effort is important, a focus on learning and adaptability is equally crucial. The “try harder” message can be damaging when it leads individuals to believe that failure is due to a lack of effort rather than a need for new strategies or skills.

In the context of anxiety, this message can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and helplessness, as individuals may feel they are not trying hard enough when they struggle with anxiety, rather than recognizing the need for different approaches or support.

• Study: Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

8. “Push through the anxiety.”

Baumeister’s research on self-regulation highlights the risks of overcommitting and pushing through pain without addressing underlying issues. Overcommitment can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness in managing stress and anxiety. The “push through” mentality may work in the short term, but it often leads to long-term negative consequences, including chronic stress, anxiety, and physical health problems.

The study advocates for a more balanced approach that includes recognizing limits, taking breaks, and practicing self-care, rather than simply pushing through pain and discomfort.

• Study: Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2007). The destructive nature of overcommitment: Behavior, motivation, and self-regulation in high-stress situations. American Psychologist, 62(3), 207-215.

9. “Anxiety is all in your head.”

Kessler’s study provides evidence that anxiety disorders have significant biological, genetic, and psychological components, challenging the notion that anxiety is merely “all in your head.”

The research shows that anxiety disorders are common and can have a profound impact on individuals’ lives, requiring a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses both mental and physical aspects. The idea that anxiety is just a matter of willpower or mindset ignores the complexity of these disorders and can lead to stigmatization and inadequate treatment.

• Study: Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.

10. “Anxiety is something you should avoid at all costs.”

Kashdan and McKnight’s research suggests that avoiding anxiety can lead to a diminished sense of purpose and life satisfaction. Their study on social anxiety disorder found that those who commit to a meaningful purpose in life are better able to manage anxiety.

The message that anxiety should be avoided at all costs is questioned by their findings, which suggest that facing anxiety in the pursuit of meaningful goals can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. Avoidance behaviors, on the other hand, can reinforce anxiety and limit one’s ability to live a rich and purposeful life.

• Study: Kashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E. (2013). Commitment to a purpose in life: An antidote to the suffering by individuals with social anxiety disorder. Emotion, 13(6), 1150-1159.

11. “Positive thinking can fix your anxieties.”

Aspinwall and Brunhart’s research highlights the limitations of positive thinking, especially when it involves ignoring or downplaying negative information. While optimism can be beneficial, an overemphasis on positive thinking can lead to denial of problems and inadequate coping strategies. The idea that positive thinking can cure everything is overly simplistic and can prevent individuals from addressing real issues that require attention.

A balanced approach that includes a realistic assessment of challenges, along with positive thinking, is more effective in managing anxiety and promoting mental health. This approach allows for constructive problem-solving and better emotional regulation.

• Study: Aspinwall, L. G., & Brunhart, S. M. (2000). What I do know won’t hurt me: Optimism, attention to negative information, coping, and health. Psychological Bulletin, 127(1), 99-127.

12. “Anxiety is a choice.”

The notion that “anxiety is a choice” is fundamentally challenged by research conducted by Hofmann and his colleagues. Their review of anxiety disorders highlights the complex interplay of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development and persistence of anxiety. Anxiety is not simply a matter of choice; rather, it is a deeply ingrained response that can be influenced by biological predispositions and life experiences.

The study emphasizes that while individuals can choose how to respond to anxiety, the initial experience of anxiety is not a matter of personal choice but a natural and often automatic reaction to perceived threats. Further, the belief that anxiety is a choice can lead to self-blame and exacerbate the condition.

Hofmann’s work supports a more compassionate approach, recognizing that anxiety is a common human experience that can be managed with evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions. These treatments focus on helping individuals develop healthier responses to anxiety rather than perpetuating the myth that anxiety is merely a choice to be willed away.

• Study: Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2012). The nature and treatment of anxiety disorders. Clinical Psychological Review.