The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey

Identity Hacker: How to Completely Change Your Personality at ANY Age | Olga Khazan : 1268

81 snips
Apr 10, 2025
Olga Khazan, an award-winning journalist from The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better,' shares her insights on transforming personality traits. She discusses how to recode your identity, emphasizing that traits like anxiety and neuroticism are not fixed. The conversation covers the surprising connection between gut health and emotional states, the neurobiology of gratitude, and effective strategies for overcoming inner critics. Olga’s personal journey serves as a guide for anyone desiring meaningful change and resilience at any age.
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ANECDOTE

Postpartum Personality Changes

  • Olga Khazan's personality scores drastically decreased postpartum due to hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation.
  • She regained control by prioritizing self-care, sleep, and accepting the inherent uncertainty of parenting.
INSIGHT

Cultural Barriers to Gratitude

  • Olga, being Russian, initially struggled with gratitude journaling due to a cultural belief about tempting fate.
  • She overcame this by recognizing expressing gratitude's benefits and rejecting the idea that it invites negativity.
ADVICE

Quick Anxiety Reduction

  • To reduce anxiety quickly, Olga recommends deep breathing exercises.
  • Focus on holding and exhaling for several counts for at least five minutes.
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