What if optimism isn’t about staying positive but about facing uncertainty with courage?<br /><br />In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with clinical psychologist and optimism expert Deepika Chopra to explore what she calls real optimism—a science-backed approach to resilience that has far less to do with positive thinking and far more to do with how we relate to possibility. Drawing from her new book <a href="https://amzn.to/3QUrVo5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><i>The Power of Real Optimism</i></a>, Deepika challenges one of the biggest myths in modern self-help: that optimism means ignoring hardship or forcing good vibes.<br /><br />We explore why positivity can sometimes undermine mental health, how the brain acts as an anticipation machine shaping what we expect from the future, and why expectations often influence outcomes more than wishful thinking.<br /><br />Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.<br /><br /><b>Full Show notes</b>: <a href="https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/</a><a href="https://passionstruck.com/real-optimism-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><br /><br /><b>Get the Companion Workbook</b>: <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-rule" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-rule</a><br /><br /><b>Thank You to Our Sponsors </b><br /><br />Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.<br /><br /><b>Connect with John </b><br /><ul><li>Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: <a href="https://matteringeffect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://matteringeffect.com/</a></li><li>Book John to Speak: <a href="https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/</a></li><li>Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></li><li>Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: <a href="https://youmatterluma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youmatterluma.com/</a></li><li>Substack: <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.theignitedlife.net/</a></li></ul><br /><b>Support the Movement</b>: <a href="https://startmattering.com/." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://startmattering.com/.</a> Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.<br /><br /><b>Disclaimer</b><br /><br />The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions