Soul Boom Why Do I Overthink EVERYTHING? Re-Wiring Our Brains w/ Maya Shankar
9 snips
Jan 20, 2026 
Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar, renowned for her work on decision-making and behavior change, delves into the complexities of identity and adaptation. She discusses why we cling to certainty and how rumination traps us in endless thought cycles. Maya also highlights transformative stories, including how moral beauty can inspire change and the power of self-compassion. With insights on practical tools like affect labeling and the importance of embracing uncertainty, listeners gain valuable strategies to navigate life's inevitable changes.
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Define Identity By Your Why
- Anchor identity to your deeper "why" not just roles or jobs to weather change.
- Then seek new outlets that express those core motives to form a soft landing after a loss.
From Lab To White House
- Maya describes moving from academia into the White House to apply behavioral science to policy.
- She pitched creating a new role and then led behavioral initiatives across government programs.
Leverage Smart Defaults
- Use default options to boost participation: switch opt-in systems to opt-out when possible.
- Small design changes can dramatically increase program uptake, as with school lunches.
