Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and podcaster whose TED talk, “Why change is so scary – and how to unlock its potential,” caught my attention. If any word has summed up my last year, it is change. Marriage, the loss of my father, a new position at work, and caretaking for my husband who has had a months-long recovery after an injury are just a few of the big changes I’ve experienced in the last 365 days. As the saying goes, “The only constant is change,” and with that comes the fear of change due to the uncertainty and loss surrounding it. However, Shankar presents a refreshing take on the potential that comes with change and how it can be an exciting transformation in our lives.
Her TED talk is filled with anecdotes about her personal experiences and the experiences of those she’s interviewed, and how adapting to change has offered growth opportunities in each person’s life. She raises three questions that we can ask ourselves the next time our lives change course:
- How might this change change what I’m capable of?
- How might this change change what I value?
- How might this change change how I define myself?
Approaching change with this mindset helps us recognize new skills and values, and reevaluate what our identities are rooted in. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-reflection.
Check out Maya Shankar’s TED talk below!