Navigating Adversity and the Science of Optimism

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Poler Family Professor and chair of the psychology department at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson joins Ron Steslow to talk about happiness and how to harness the power of a positive mindset.

(02:49) The negative connotation of the “power of positive thinking” and adopting a growth mindset

(11:32) Revisiting the myth of monsters

(13:13) Redemption and reconciliation, and applying a growth mindset to others: the “fundamental attribution error”

(20:05) Let’s talk about stress

(22:43) Grieving shared loss and uncertainty

(28:20) Adequate sleep and happiness

(32:04) Smiling through the pain...and other methods

(36:17) Importance of conversations and meaningful relationships

(39:10) Bringing people together for political engagement

The Positive Shift by Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://benbellabooks.com/shop/the-positive-shift/

Politicology - March 10: Becoming Moral Rebels with Dr. Catherine Sanderson https://politicology.com/episodes/dr-catherine-sanderson-becoming-moral-rebels/

The Victory Lab by Sasha Issenberg https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/215192/the-victory-lab-by-sasha-issenberg/

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805073690

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Follow Catherine and Ron on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks

https://twitter.com/RonSteslow

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