Jordan Harbinger avatar

Dexa/Jordan Harbinger

Learn more
Published Oct 4, 2022

733: Maya Shankar | Adapting to a Slight Change of Plans

Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar delves into the profound impact of identity transitions, exploring the power of mentorship, human connection, and subtle behavioral adjustments in navigating life's uncertainties and achieving personal growth.
Episode Highlights
The Jordan Harbinger Show logo

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Questions from this episode

Episode Highlights

  • Identity Labels

    Identity labeling can significantly influence personal identity and behavior, as discussed by and . They explore how labels, whether self-imposed or external, can either empower or limit individuals. For instance, Maya highlights how labels like "ex-convict" can hinder reintegration into society, while positive labels like "job seeker" can foster growth and change 1. Jordan shares a personal anecdote about realizing the impact of labels when interacting with a friend who uses a wheelchair, emphasizing the need for thoughtful identity reassessment 2.

    We tend to act in ways that align with our social identities.

    ---

    This understanding of identity labeling underscores the importance of being conscious of the labels we adopt and assign to others 3.

       

    Identity Transition

    Transitioning identities, especially due to unforeseen circumstances, presents unique challenges. Maya shares her personal journey of losing her identity as a violinist due to an injury, which forced her to grieve not just the loss of her passion but also her sense of self 4. She explains the concept of identity foreclosure, where individuals become overly attached to a single identity, limiting their ability to explore other facets of themselves 5.

    I expected to grieve the loss of the violin, but I did not expect to grieve the loss of myself.

    ---

    This narrative is mirrored in the story of a friend who had to navigate identity changes due to health challenges, illustrating the resilience required to adapt to new realities 6.

       

    Embracing Change

    Approaching change with humility and openness is crucial for navigating life's uncertainties. Maya emphasizes that humans often struggle with change due to the discomfort of uncertainty, preferring even negative certainties over unknowns 7. She shares insights from her podcast, noting that people are generally poor at predicting how changes will affect them, often underestimating the complexity and multifaceted nature of change 8.

    We are going to be incapable of figuring out exactly how we will evolve in the face of the change.

    ---

    By embracing change with a flexible mindset, individuals can better cope with the loss of former identities and the emergence of new ones 9.

Related Episodes