Deepika Chopra, a clinical psychologist, has a problem with the way optimism is often defined. Real optimism, she says, shouldn’t be about always expecting the best, because sometimes the bad thing will happen. Instead, she wants us to expect the best from ourselves. 

On today’s episode, Deepika joins Maya to talk about the deeply personal experience that changed her understanding of optimism – and how to hold onto hope while staying planted in reality. 

Check out Deepika’s book, “The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical, Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard.”

If you enjoyed our conversation with Deepika and want to hear more from A Slight Change of Plans, we recommend these episodes:
“You Have More Influence Than You Think” with Vanessa Bohns
“Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier” with Nick Epley
“How to Build Empathy and Avoid Burnout” with Jamil Zaki

Deepika Chopra, a clinical psychologist, has a problem with the way optimism is often defined. Real optimism, she says, shouldn&rsquo;t be about always expecting the best, because sometimes the bad thing will happen. Instead, she wants us to expect the best from ourselves.&nbsp;
On today&rsquo;s episode, Deepika joins Maya to talk about the deeply personal experience that changed her understanding of optimism &ndash; and how to hold onto hope while staying planted in reality.&nbsp;
Check out Deepika&rsquo;s book, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Power-of-Real-Optimism/Deepika-Chopra/9781668081129">The Power of Real Optimism: A Practical, Science-Based Guide to Staying Resilient, Curious, and Open Even When Life Is Hard</a>.&rdquo; If you enjoyed our conversation with Deepika and want to hear more from A Slight Change of Plans, we recommend these episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans/you-have-more-influence-than-you-think">You Have More Influence Than You Think</a>&rdquo; with Vanessa Bohns</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans/why-we-avoid-conversations-that-would-make-us-happier">Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier</a>&rdquo; with Nick Epley</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans/how-to-build-empathy-and-avoid-burnout">How to Build Empathy and Avoid Burnout</a>&rdquo; with Jamil Zaki</li>
</ul>

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval.

Maya’s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.

Named Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.

Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Brené Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.

Whether it’s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.

You can follow Maya on instagram @DrMayaShankar and read her free newsletter at changewithmaya.com.

 

Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. 

Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin
Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus

What happens when life doesn&rsquo;t go according to plan? In this award-winning podcast, cognitive scientist Dr. Maya Shankar explores how we experience change and strategies we can use to better navigate moments of upheaval.
Maya&rsquo;s life took a dramatic turn when an injury ended her career as a violinist and inspired her to study the science of change.
Named Apple Podcasts&rsquo; Best Show of the Year, A Slight Change of Plans features deeply personal stories and scientific insights about who we are and who we become in the face of a big change.
Past guests include Kacey Musgraves, Bren&eacute; Brown, Ruby Bridges, Amanda Knox, Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth and more.
Whether it&rsquo;s a sudden pivot or a slow transformation, each episode reveals how change can give us an opportunity to reimagine who we are and unlock greater possibility.
You can follow Maya on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/?hl=en">@DrMayaShankar</a> and read her free newsletter at&nbsp;<a href="http://changewithmaya.com/" data-stringify-link="http://changewithmaya.com" data-sk="tooltip_parent">changewithmaya.com</a>.
&nbsp;
<hr>
Get early, ad-free access to episodes of A Slight Change of Plans by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/join-pushkin">Pushkin.fm</a>. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.&nbsp;
Subscribe on Apple: <a href="http://apple.co/pushkin">apple.co/pushkin</a> Subscribe on Pushkin:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pushkin.fm/join-pushkin">pushkin.fm/plus</a>

A Slight Change of Plans

A Realist’s Guide to Optimism

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/76ca785c-45b3-45eb-ad90-b47f017c7226/transcript