323 — Always Bracing for the Worst? Here's Why Becoming a Realistic Optimist Is Better for Your Health with Dr. Deepika Chopra

Have you ever told someone, “I’m not an optimist, I’m a realist” because the whole “good vibes only” thing seems irritating, and you don’t want to set yourself up for disappointment?
 
A lot of us brace for the worst on purpose. We think if we expect the worst, we’ll either be right or pleasantly surprised. But bracing for disaster can be bad for your health.
 
My guest today is Dr. Deepika Chopra — a clinical health psychologist known as The Optimism Doctor® and the author of The Power of Real Optimism.
 
Some of the things we discuss are:
 

• What real optimism actually looks like in the middle of grief, stress, or a bad diagnosis
• The difference between real optimism and toxic positivity — and why “just think positive” can make people feel worse
• The question that opens the door to a different outcome without forcing you to fake a feeling
• The surprising physical health benefits of optimism
• Why optimism is a learnable skill
• The a one-minute end-of-day practice that rewires your brain to become more optimistic
• Why awe is even more powerful than gratitude for shrinking anxiety
• My top three strategies for becoming a real optimist starting today

Key Takeaways:

• Real optimism involves being grounded in reality and addresses the full spectrum of emotions, not just the positive ones.
• Practicing optimism can lead to improved mental and physical health, better decision-making, and healthier relationships.
• Curiosity plays a critical role in optimism and help you stay open-minded rather than being fixed in negativity.