Why Practical Optimism is Better than Positivity + How to Develop It | Dr. Sue Varma

Did you know that practical optimists live up to 15% longer. Why? Because from dental health to mental health, they invest in self-care top to bottom. This is the power of practical optimism, it can literally extend your life.   So if that’s not how you naturally operate…how do you train your brain to think like one?   In the latest episode of The Darin Olien Show, I sit down with Dr. Sue Varma to examine the power of practical optimism and what it means to live a rich and fulfilling life. We discuss the practice of intentional living and how much it’s a muscle that needs to be trained and worked.   How to overcome the temptation to blame others for the way things are, and take personal responsibility for our own happiness. And the danger of toxic positivity in actually distancing ourselves from those we want to connect with the most.   Dr. Sue Varma is a board certified psychiatrist and the author of Practical Optimism, a book that equips you with evidence-based tools and techniques to help you reach your career, financial, fitness, personal, and relationship goals more quickly and sustain momentum toward your future goals.   Don’t forget: You can order now by heading to darinolien.com/fatal-conveniences-book or order now on Amazon.     Breakdown  What we discuss…  (00:01) – Finding ways to connect with nature in daily life (08:25) – How to use practical optimism for intentional living (18:14) – The dance of personal responsibility and finding proactive solutions (27:39) – Differences between joy and happiness (and why it matters) (36:29) – The danger of toxic positivity and transformative impact of active listening (53:41) – How material wealth effects your happiness (01:03:42) – The transformative power of rest and journaling as a therapeutic outlet (01:12:50) – Managing financial struggles and personal relationships (01:15:29) – Cultivating a rich and meaningful life through kindness and gratitude   …and more! Links  Find more from Darin:  Website: https://superlife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Darinolien/ Book: https://superlife.com/fatal-conveniences-book/ Down to Earth: https://superlife.com/down-to-earth/   Find more from Dr. Sue Varma:  Website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/ Instagram: @doctorsuevarma Order the Book: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/ Sponsors  Thank you to our sponsors: Cymbiotika: Visit Cymbiotika.com and use your exclusive code DARIN for 15% off. Manna Vitality: Go to www.mannavitality.com and use code DARIN12 at checkout for 12% off. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Vivo Barefoot: Vivo Barefoot: Get 15% off your first Vivobarefoot order with DARINV15 at www.vivobarefoot.com I hope you enjoyed this episode of The Darin Olien Show! If you want to support or follow the podcast, here’s how:   Subscribe, rate or listen on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher  Follow my Instagram to keep updated on the podcast, weekly deep dives and other projects that I’m supporting (and the occasional Chaga appreciation post) Sign up for my Weekly Email to keep up with what I’m tuned into. For feedback or suggestions, email my team at [email protected]  Find the list of brands & products that get the big tick of approval from me here. Comment below to join the discussion!