AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
10% Happier with Dan Harris
The Science of Handling Uncertainty | Maya Shankar
Sep 2, 2024
Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, shares insights on navigating uncertainty. She explores the discomfort humans feel toward change and the concept of cognitive closure, emphasizing the benefits of open-mindedness. Shankar highlights the importance of self-reflection during transitions and the value of cultivating a flexible identity. With personal anecdotes and research, she illustrates how embracing uncertainty can lead to unexpected growth and resilience in our ever-changing lives.
59:46
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- 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.
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.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode