10% Happier with Dan Harris The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar
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Aug 26, 2024 
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.
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Violin Injury and Discovering Cognitive Science
- Maya Shankar's violin career ended due to a hand injury at 15.
- This led her to discover cognitive science through Steven Pinker's book "The Language Instinct."
Behavioral Science in Government
- Behavioral science can improve government programs by understanding decision-making.
- An example is automatically enrolling children in school lunch programs.
Inspiration for "A Slight Change of Plans"
- Maya Shankar's miscarriage in 2020 and the pandemic's challenges inspired her podcast.
- The podcast, "A Slight Change of Plans," explores diverse change stories.
