ATG 264: Hope Is an Act of Open Rebellion: Why Optimism Is the Secret Weapon of World-Class Performers

What if everything you thought about optimism was wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist who's worked with the Seattle Seahawks, Felix Baumgartner, and world-class performers across every field. We dive deep into why optimism isn't naive positivity but the ground zero of mental toughness, how Felix overcame crippling claustrophobia to jump from 130,000 feet, and why every world's best performer Michael has worked with is fundamentally optimistic. You'll discover the difference between grounded optimism and naive optimism, why your brain's survival bias is working against you, how to extinguish fear using systematic desensitization, and why mastery requires looseness, not control. Plus, Michael breaks down the power of "yes, and" conversations, becoming a researcher of amazing, and why emotions are running the whole show. If you've ever thought optimism was soft or unrealistic, this conversation will change your mind.

Dr. Michael Gervais' Website: https://findingmastery.com/

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