Practical Optimism
The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
A practical program rooted in optimism to help you live fully and joyfully in an imperfect, turbulent world
As the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program, Dr. Sue Varma worked directly with civilian and first-responder survivors in the aftermath of 9/11. There, she met people at every point of the stress and trauma continuum. She saw devastation and stagnancy as much as she saw amazing resilience and growth. She asked herself: how do some people survive, even thrive, despite profound challenges? And how can we optimize the things we have control over, while buffering ourselves from stress?
Through her work with patients and combining philosophy, her own personal experience, and a review of the latest research in psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and neuroscience, Dr. Varma discovered that the answer lies in cultivating an optimistic mindset that stays tethered to the real world and helps us make sound and reasonable decisions. This epiphany inspired Practical Optimism, Dr. Varma’s powerful program with eight pillars to help all of us experience a sense of meaning, mastery, and self-acceptance and create lives filled with joy and purpose. Optimists, research has shown, are not just happier and more successful, but physically healthier. And if you’re a natural-born pessimist? No problem: the most vital piece of the Practical Optimism program is that it is a practice, a skillset that we can choose to adopt and get better at every day.
This book isn’t about magical thinking. Practical optimists are resourceful, realistic, and thoughtful problem solvers who possess something of rare value: the inner resources to cope during a crisis and to use as fuel to flourish. Complete with self-assessment quizzes and exercises, Practical Optimism will help us all see the world for the better and reach our true potential. Practical Optimism is a scientific and tangible pathway to boosting health, happiness, resilience, success, and longevity.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Readers don't have to bury their heads in the sand to live "fully and joyfully" in an imperfect world, promises psychiatrist Varma in her buoyant debut. As a trainee psychiatrist in New York City post-9/11 who treated civilian survivors and first responders, Varma wondered why some people thrive in the face of challenges that stymie others. She sought answers in trauma therapy research and in the stories of her hardworking immigrant parents, who used a mix of "positivity and pragmatism" to surmount challenges and pursue their ambitions (her father was one of the first trained child psychiatrists in northern India and a children's rights advocate). Explaining that practical optimism combines a "belief in the boundless positive potential in yourself and others" and brass-tacks "behavioral skills that will give you access to the most... rational course of action," Varma offers guidance on effectively processing emotions and finding one's purpose. Elsewhere, she posits that a healthy sense of personal pride "helps us act in the face of uncertainty." Despite a few off-kilter moments in which Varma seems to tie self-worth to others' perceptions and physical appearance (for example, she encourages readers to "dress sharp" if they're likely to encounter an ex, and extols exercise as a way to "look stellar"), her passion for helping people live well shines through. Studded with catchy pearls of wisdom ("Our self-worth exists simply because we do"), this can-do guide uplifts.
Customer Reviews
Great book
Practical Optimism by Dr. Sue Varma is an insightful and refreshing take on the true meaning of positivity. Rather than pushing toxic positivity or unrealistic expectations, Varma provides a balanced, grounded perspective on approaching life’s challenges with a healthy mindset. Her ability to combine science-backed research with practical tools makes this book stand out, making it both accessible and empowering.
My key takeaway from Practical Optimism is that optimism isn’t about ignoring problems or always being cheerful. Instead, Varma encourages readers to adopt a mindset that recognizes setbacks while focusing on solutions. Her message is clear: positivity can coexist with acknowledging life’s difficulties. This approach resonates deeply, providing an attainable and authentic framework, especially for those navigating mental health challenges or simply wanting to lead a more fulfilled life.
I highly recommend Practical Optimism to anyone seeking a realistic yet hopeful guide to reframing their outlook, fostering resilience, and embracing positivity in a sustainable and true way.