If you take a child out of a poor neighborhood and put them in a wealthier neighborhoods, they'll likely earn 30% more over their lifetime. 

This could be because of the network they get access to, or from simply observing wealthier people and realizing, hey, being born with a silver spoon doesn’t make you any better than me. 

Either way, having grit, self-efficacy, and practical optimism are 3 key ingredients to living a longer, fuller life. 

In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I’m joined by Dr. Sue Varma as we discuss practical strategies to bring practical optimism into your daily life, no matter where you are. How to break the patterns of negative thinking, how optimism and positivity can significantly influence recovery from traumatic events, and how to build self-efficacy into your kids. 

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.

What we discuss…

(00:01) - Everything you need to know about practical optimism 

(11:09) - Dangers of rumination, how we perceive the world, and overcoming pessimism 

(17:40) - The power of practical optimism in literally extending your life 

(22:10) - How to develop resilience and create more purpose in your life 

(34:17) - The current state of mental health treatment and medications 

(44:25) - Social media’s dangerous impact on happiness

(53:15) - Empowering yourself and your children to have long-term success 

(58:13) - Having self-compassion and self-confidence to live a richer, more fulfilling life

…and more!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Pendulum: head over to pendulumlife.com and use my special code HUSTLE15 for 15% off your order.

Therasage: go to therasage.com and use code B-BOLD for 15% off

Find more from Jen: 

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen 

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement

Find more from Dr. Sue Varma: 

Website: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/

Instagram: @doctorsuevarma

Order the Book: https://www.doctorsuevarma.com/book/