About this episode

This episode explores practical optimism and its distinction from toxic positivity, featuring insights from psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma.

Practical optimism is not about pretending everything is fine or forcing happy thoughts when life feels hard. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Sue Varma, psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of Practical Optimism, to break down what it really means to build a hopeful mindset that is grounded in action, not denial. We talk about how optimism differs from toxic positivity, why some people seem to move through hard things with more resilience, and how this way of thinking can be practiced, even if it does not come naturally. In this episode, we cover: What practical optimism actually is How it differs from toxic positivity and pessimism Whether optimism is something you are born with or something you can practice The eight pillars of practical optimism The three Ps of pessimism and how to spot them Why purpose, self-compassion, and emotional regulation matter How optimism can support mental health, relationships, and parenting Ways to start shifting your mindset in everyday life Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out…

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