Neil Vanderpool, a speed skater, decided to take a break from his intense training and focus on other interests. This unconventional approach, known as identity foreclosure, allowed him to become a fuller human being and ultimately led to his impressive performance. Vanderpool's story is important because it demonstrates the power of diversifying one's identity, even at the highest level of competition. It's a reminder that our metaphorical 'rooms' in life will change, and it's important to have sources of meaning beyond our primary pursuits.
We go through at least thirty-six major changes in the course of our adulthoods. And yet adapting to those changes is really, really hard. Why is that? Health and science writer Brad Stulberg says it's because our model for change is broken. Luckily, he's here to fix it.
Guest: Brad Stulberg
Book: "Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You"
Host: Caleb Bissinger