Dan Harris sits down with Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist and author of newly released book “The Other Side of Change”, to explore how the human mind handles major life changes, drawing on Shankar’s research and personal experiences including her transition from Juilliard-trained violinist to cognitive scientist and challenges with infertility and surrogacy.
Key takeaways include:
- The “Why vs. What” Identity Anchor: Separating self-worth from professional identity and attaching it to intrinsic purpose builds resilience during life transitions.
- Affect Labeling & Mental Time Travel: Two neuroscientific techniques that help interrupt rumination and emotional spiraling in under five.
- The Shock Study Paradox reveals why brains prefer certain negative outcomes over 50/50 uncertainty.
- Productive denial can serve as a healthy short-term psychological immune response.
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris offers practical tools and expert conversations for a calmer, more mindful life. New Episodes air every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
