Reassess self-worth amid shifting life visions and disruptions in established identities.
Embrace personal interests independent of societal norms to redefine worthiness and promote a healthier sense of self.
Deep dives
Navigating Self-Identity Amidst Uncertainty
Questions about self-identity arise not only among students entering a new life phase but also among individuals facing disruptions in their established identities. The shift in life visions calls for a reassessment of self-worth and the sources from which it is derived.
Challenges Faced by Students During COVID-19
High-achieving students are grappling with disrupted plans and lost milestones, leading to academic uncertainties and heightened isolation. Beyond academic struggles, profound grief stemming from personal losses during the pandemic compounds the emotional challenges faced by students.
Strategies for Coping and Self-Compassion
In times of uncertainty, fostering self-compassion and understanding the shared human experience alleviate feelings of inadequacy and comparison. Embracing personal interests independent of societal norms can help redefine worthiness and promote a healthier sense of self.
Balancing Routine and Creativity for Mental Well-Being
Establishing daily routines minimizes decision fatigue and enhances mental resilience during erratic times. Embracing open-ended exploration nurtures creativity and introspection, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of self.
“What am I doing with my life? Where am I going?” During this isolated time, many of us are having to readjust our identities because our visions for what life was supposed to look like completely shifted -- and so perhaps has the locus of our self-worth. Dr. Meag-gan O'Reilly is a licensed Staff Psychologist at Stanford University's Counseling and Psychological Services. In this episode, she offers helpful frameworks for cultivating a life --and society-- that can better recognize the basic intrinsic value of each person. Dr. O’Reilly’s research interests focus on social class, college student mental health, resilience, and multicultural identities, particularly gender and ethnicity. She also operates a private practice in downtown Palo Alto, Inherent Value Psychology, in which she provides clinical services to Silicon Valley professionals. To learn more about "How to Be a Better Human," host Chris Duffy, or find footnotes and additional resources, please visit: go.ted.com/betterhuman
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
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
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