Why Change Is Hard and How to Make It Your Advantage with Maya Shankar

Why Change Is Hard and How to Make It Your Advantage with Maya Shankar

Author: Chris Hutchins February 18, 2026 Duration: 45:22
#266: Chris and Maya break down the science-backed tools that make change easier and more intentional. They explore why most people misunderstand change, how to anchor your identity to your deeper “why,” and practical tools to break out of rumination and navigate uncertainty. Maya Shankar is the bestselling author of The Other Side of Change, and hosts the podcast A Slight Change of Plans. She previously served as a Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, where she founded and led the White House Behavioral Science Team. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/navigating-change-maya-shankar Partner Deals Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Gusto: Free 3-month trial of the #1 payroll software Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent DeleteMe: 20% off removing your personal info from the web Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Maya: Website | Instagram Book: The Other Side of Change Podcast: A Slight Change of Plans Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke Deep Personality Assessment ATH Podcast Ep #81: Making Smarter Decisions and Knowing When to Walk Away with Annie Duke Ep #265: I Built an AI Assistant That Works While I Sleep Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:38) What People Get Wrong About Change (05:14) The Antidote That Makes Change Easier (12:11) Past Change vs. Intentional Change (16:02) Maximisers vs. Satisficers (19:10) Anchor Your Identity to Your Why (23:15) How to Discover Your Why (25:03) Navigating Change With a Very Different Partner (29:17) Breaking the Rumination Cycle (29:58) Mental Time Travel (31:55) Affect Labeling (32:39) Tools for Better Self-Understanding (36:01) AI as a Conversational Partner (39:43) Tactics For Thinking Through Big Changes (42:01) Moral Elevation (43:36) Why Reading Fiction Matters (44:29) Repurposing Your Experience (45:34) The First Step When Everything Changes (47:31) Where to Find More From Maya Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like there's a smarter, more efficient way to navigate your finances, your travels, and your daily routines? That's the core question driving All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life. Hosted by Chris Hutchins, this podcast is built on a simple, powerful idea: maximizing value doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment. Instead, it's about the strategic choices that free up resources-both money and time-for what truly matters. Chris approaches life as a series of systems to be optimized, drawing from his own experience saving millions through meticulous analysis. The conversations here are practical and wide-ranging, moving seamlessly from credit card points strategies and investment philosophies to the less tangible hacks for personal fulfillment. You'll hear from a diverse roster of experts and icons, including Tim Ferriss, Tony Hawk, Codie Sanchez, and Gary Vaynerchuk, who all bring their unique perspectives on building wealth and designing a compelling life. Each episode feels like a focused workshop, offering actionable advice you can use immediately, whether it's planning a luxury vacation for a fraction of the cost or rethinking your approach to career and leisure. This isn't just about frugality; it's about unlocking freedom and excitement through smarter decisions. Tune in for a consistently insightful blend of tactical moves and deeper conversations that challenge the conventional trade-offs between spending, saving, and living well.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
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