The Amazing Connection Between Longevity & Purpose - With Dr. Sue Varma

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May 28, 2025

In this conversation, Dr. Sue Varma, a renowned psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist, sheds light on the profound connection between purpose and longevity. She discusses how having a strong sense of purpose can enhance health outcomes and alleviate mental health issues. Dr. Varma also explores the misconceptions about purpose, emphasizing its role beyond career success—focusing instead on personal fulfillment and community impact. Listeners will discover the importance of practical optimism and daily habits in fostering a happy, resilient life.

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ANECDOTE

Dr. Varma's Therapy Journey

Dr. Sue Varma shares her experience using cognitive behavioral therapy to resolve her physical symptoms under stress.
She discovered that optimism and learned skills help people flourish after trauma, inspired by 9/11 survivors.

INSIGHT

Purpose Fuels Health and Life

Purpose is the driving life force that mobilizes mental, physical, and spiritual resources.
A sense of purpose correlates with significant reductions in stroke, heart attack, and mortality risks.

ADVICE

Find or Craft Job Purpose

Find meaning in your current job by identifying who benefits from your work and crafting your role.
If your job lacks purpose, separate your paycheck from your larger life purpose to find fulfillment elsewhere.

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Since the beginning of existence, humans have wondered why we exist. Having a purpose can bring richness, meaning, and fulfillment to our lives, but for a lot of folks, the idea of finding your life’s purpose can be incredibly intimidating. Today, you’re going to learn how to not only find your purpose, but also to redefine what purpose is and understand how it affects your life in a multitude of ways. Today’s guest, Dr. Sue Varma is a psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist. She has made a profound impact on the field of mental health, including serving as the pioneering medical director and psychiatrist for the 9/11 mental health program at NYU. Her book, Practical Optimism, is a guide to learning the practice of optimism and harnessing your unique resilience, resourcefulness, and purpose. In this interview, Dr. Sue Varma is sharing what purpose actually is and how to reframe it. You’re going to learn about some of the major misconceptions about purpose, how having a purpose can improve your health outcomes, and so much more. You’re also going to learn about practical optimism and how to implement habits that will allow you to live a happy, successful, and long life. Enjoy!

In this episode you’ll discover:

Why western medicine is centered around sickcare. (9:43)
How cognitive behavioral therapy helped Dr. Varma heal. (10:17)
The secret of resilient 9/11 survivors. (13:14)
What percentage of optimism is genetic. (15:56)
The true definition of purpose. (16:39)
How having a purpose can improve your health. (18:18)
The truth about finding purpose in your career. (19:59)
A major misconception about lifetime purpose. (26:13)
Why having a sense of curiosity is essential. (28:10)
How going for a walk can improve your mental health. (31:02)
The difference between optimism and toxic positivity. (35:44)
What flow state is. (36:32)
The importance of mentorship and how to find a mentor. (42:31)
What it means to turn your pain into purpose. (45:54)
How to find strength in vulnerability. (48:46)
Why it’s harder than ever to find adult relationships. (52:01)
The four habits to create happiness. (1:02:18)

Items mentioned in this episode include:

DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any order!
Piquelife.com/model - Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions!
Practical Optimism by Dr. Sue Varma - Read Dr. Varma’s book!
EMDR Therapy - Learn more about this treatment from the APA!
Connect with Dr. Sue Varma Website / Facebook / Instagram

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by LMNT and Pique. Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.

Go to Piquelife.com/model for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.