The Tree That Bends - by Ross G White

Book Synopsis

'A smart, engaging and, best of all, incredibly practical guide to winning in life without losing yourself along the way' Damian Hughes, co-host of the High Performance Podcast

Modern life urges us to push relentlessly for what looks like success and to be resolute in avoiding anything less. But at what cost? Burnout and disillusionment are on the rise.

What if there is another way? One that allows us to both do well and feel well; an approach that transforms our striving into thriving?

For clinical psychologist Ross White, a Tanzanian proverb - 'The wind does not break the tree that bends' signals the solution. During more than fifteen years as an expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he has supported countless high-performance clients to develop their psychological flexibility - to anchor themselves in the present, lean into their emotions and make choices in line with their personal values.

If you juggle competing demands, take pride in what you do, and want to achieve your personal goals without sacrificing yourself, then 'high-performance' applies to you too. With perspective-shifting insights and practical strategies, The Tree that Bends will help you to develop a flexible mind so that you can thrive, whatever storms life may throw at you.

'At last, a truly practical, realistic, doable guide to building a better life, and taking good care of yourself, while also performing at your peak . . .Highly recommended for anyone who wants to move from striving to thriving in any area of their life.' Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple

Review Quotes

The Tree That Bends is a beautifully written exploration of the importance of psychological flexibility in modern life. Ross White draws on insights from his extensive experience working with elite athletes and professionals to show you how the principles that underlie Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Training (ACT) can be used not just to survive but to thrive. Whether you're a high achiever striving for balance or anyone seeking to navigate life's challenges with greater ease, The Tree That Bends gives you evidence-based strategies to cultivate a life rich in purpose and vitality. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their mental agility and overall quality of life in today's high-pressure world.--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Originator of ACT and author of A Liberated Mind

A smart, engaging and, best of all, incredibly practical guide to winning in life without losing yourself along the way--Damian Hughes, co-host of the High Performance Podcast

At last, a truly practical, realistic, doable guide to building a better life, and taking good care of yourself, while also performing at your peak. Ross White takes you step-by-step through scientifically-proven strategies to develop a flexible mind: take the power out of difficult thoughts and feelings, live fully in the present, and be the sort of person you want to be. And he does all of this without any of the pseudoscience BS or toxic positivity we so often find in self-help and personal growth approaches. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to move from striving to thriving in any area of their life.--Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple

Discover the wisdom within The Tree That Bends, a compelling exploration of embracing difficult emotions and acting in ways that are deeply meaningful. This book offers deep insights and practical reflections, guiding you to turn towards challenges and act in harmony with your personal values--Dr Todd B. Kashdan, Professor of Psychology and author of The Upside of Your Dark Side and The Art of Insubordination

Imagine being grounded, like a tree with deep roots, and yet empowered to respond flexibly to life's challenges. Through a beautiful mix of stories and ideas, metaphors and science, Ross White provides us with a way of getting there. The Tree That Bends contains all the wisdom and inspiration you need to go beyond the grind of the modern world and live with more meaning and vitality.--Debbie Sorensen, PhD, author of ACT for Burnout

About the Author

Professor Ross White is an award-winning clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adults working in high-performance environments, Including elite-level athletes in rugby, football, athletics and tennis. He is also an expert in global mental health and has conducted research in collaborations with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees on interventions for reducing distress experienced by refugees in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at Queen's University Belfast, and is a director of Strive2Thrive, a training and consultancy.