The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar
Aug 26, 2024
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Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, and host of 'A Slight Change of Plans,' dives into the perplexities of handling uncertainty. She discusses why humans struggle with change and the pitfalls of seeking cognitive closure. Shankar shares insights on cultivating resilience through an open mindset, the art of self-auditing during transitions, and the importance of flexibility in personal identity. Her enlightening perspective on storytelling as a tool for understanding uncertainty brings a refreshing approach to adapting in a constantly changing world.
Maya Shankar explains that humans' discomfort with uncertainty stems from our evolutionary history, making it crucial to cultivate adaptability in our identities.
The podcast highlights the significance of engaging in self-audits during life changes to uncover personal growth and resilience amidst challenges.
Shankar emphasizes actionable behavioral science strategies like 'temptation bundling' to foster effective goal-setting and personal empowerment in uncertain times.
Deep dives
Embracing Uncertainty and Change
Humans often struggle with the constant flux of life, primarily due to a discomfort with uncertainty. This episode explores how individuals can better cope with change by reframing their relationship with it, moving away from a desire for cognitive closure that may be unrealistic. The discussion includes insights from behavioral science, highlighting the significance of cultivating a more adaptable identity that can thrive in uncertain environments. For example, the speaker emphasizes the necessity of embracing change, learning from diverse narratives, and recognizing one's ability to navigate through challenges.
The Role of Identity in Coping
A key theme of the episode is the concept of identity and its evolution through life's changes. The speaker recounts a personal journey where a sudden injury ended their musical aspirations, leading to an exploration of what truly defines them beyond a singular pursuit. By emphasizing the importance of a malleable sense of self, the podcast asserts that individuals should focus on broader traits that drive their passions rather than fixating on specific roles. This perspective fosters resilience and allows for a smoother transition during pivotal life changes.
Behavioral Insights from Personal Experience
Throughout the conversation, the speaker shares various behavioral science applications informed by their own experiences. An example includes a discussion about a government initiative that utilized behavioral nudges to automatically enroll children in lunch programs, highlighting how small adjustments can yield significant societal benefits. These insights serve as a testament to the impact of applying behavioral science principles in real-world scenarios and the transformative potential these strategies have on individual lives. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that understanding and applying these insights can empower individuals facing their own life changes.
Optimizing Change Through Self-Audit
Engaging in regular self-audit during times of change can lead to valuable insights about personal growth and adaptability. The podcast discusses how individuals often misforecast the emotional implications of significant changes in their lives, noting that experiences categorized as solely negative can lead to unexpected positive outcomes. Using anecdotes from various guests, the speaker encourages people to reflect on their reactions and adaptations in the face of change, as this can unveil hidden strengths and new opportunities. By embracing the idea that growth is often intertwined with hardship, listeners are inspired to reframe their understanding of change.
Evolving Our Approach to Goals and Motivation
Setting and achieving goals can often appear daunting, but applying certain techniques can enhance motivation and effectiveness. The podcast emphasizes the importance of personal investment in goal-setting, as people are more likely to succeed when they feel a sense of ownership over their objectives. Various strategies such as 'temptation bundling' and capitalizing on 'fresh start' moments are highlighted to create more conducive environments for achieving personal ambitions. These methods aim to bridge the empathy gap between one’s current and future self, ensuring that goal-setting is realistic and attainable.
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Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar talks about how to get comfortable with uncertainty in an ever-changing world.
It seems like a design flaw in our species that we live in a world of constant change yet most of us are not comfortable with uncertainty.
In this episode, we talk to Maya Shankar about how to get better at dealing with change and to stop seeking what scientists call “cognitive closure.”
Shankar is a former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, where she founded and served as Chair of the White House Behavioral Science Team. She also served as the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations, and is currently a Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google. She is the host of the Pushkin Industries podcast A Slight Change of Plans, which was named Best Show of the Year in 2021 by Apple.
In this episode we talk about:
Why humans are so uncomfortable with uncertainty and change
What a behavioral scientist actually does in the world
Why even the host of a podcast about change isn’t immune to the uncertainties of life
The benefits of cultivating a more malleable sense of self
Why humans are such bad forecasters
The importance of auditing yourself when you’re undergoing a big change
How to take advantage of big reset moments
The concept of cognitive closure and why encouraging an open mind can make us more resilient
