In this episode of Getting Open, Andrea Miller sits down with Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist and host of A Slight Change of Plans, to explore how we rebuild our identities after life-altering events. From losing her dream of becoming a concert violinist to finding a new purpose through neuroscience and behavioral science, Maya shares powerful insights on resilience, emotional flexibility, and embracing change when life doesn’t go as planned.

Chapters:
00:00 – When Your Identity Is Taken Away
01:52 – Meeting Dr. Maya Shankar
04:26 – Getting Into Juilliard at Age 9
08:12 – Growing Up in High-Pressure Environments
10:39 – The Injury That Ended Everything
15:22 – “I Didn’t Know Who I Was Anymore”
21:38 – Why Achievement Can’t Be Your Identity
24:11 – Redefining Self-Worth Without Success
27:54 – What Failure Teaches You
38:02 – The Pressure to Be Exceptional
45:41 – Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism
48:52 – Choosing Values Over Titles
55:12 – Defining Yourself by Why, Not What
59:33 – Letting Go of External Validation
01:03:06 – Advice for Anyone Feeling Lost
01:06:54 – What Maya Wishes She Knew Earlier
01:10:22 – Building a Life That Feels Meaningful

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Maya Shankar, cognitive science, A Slight Change of Plans, resilience, embracing change, identity loss, how to reinvent yourself, emotional healing, behavioral science, overcoming change, self discovery, growth mindset, letting go, rebuilding identity, how to start over, dealing with uncertainty, finding purpose, life after failure, change psychology, emotional resilience, self acceptance, change expert, personal growth, adaptability, life transitions, Getting Open podcast