TED Talks Daily

Why change is so scary -- and how to unlock its potential | Maya Shankar

127 snips
Jul 25, 2023
Unexpected changes can be daunting, but they often lead to personal growth. Maya Shankar shares compelling stories of transformation, including a woman's journey from losing her eyesight to discovering new talents. Emotional experiences, like heartbreak and pregnancy loss, are explored, revealing how adversity can reshape identity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace uncertainty by asking key questions that help navigate life's curveballs and redefine their values and purpose.
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ANECDOTE

Violinist's Dream Cut Short

  • Maya Shankar's childhood revolved around playing the violin, practicing for hours and studying at Juilliard.
  • A hand injury at 15 ended her dream of becoming a concert violinist.
INSIGHT

Fear of Change

  • Change is scary because it involves uncertainty and loss, making us feel our lives are contracting.
  • We are often more stressed by uncertainty than certainty of a negative outcome.
ANECDOTE

Christine Ha's Transformation

  • Christine Ha, who became blind at 24, initially struggled with cooking but eventually won MasterChef.
  • She adapted by using other senses and now even prefers life without vision.
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