Practical Optimism

The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being

By: Sue Varma M.D.

Narrated by: Sue Varma M.D.

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.

We all could use some Practical Optimism

Excellent book on Practical Optimism. Thoroughly enjoyed the audible version of this book which was narrated beautifully and clearly by Dr. Varma. This book offers practical and actionable tips! Highly recommend!

The tools given!

Dr. Sue Varma’s Practical Optimism offers a refreshing and actionable blueprint for cultivating resilience and joy in everything you do. How timely for me as I have entered a new chapter in my life. Dr Varma lays out 8 pillars like purpose, emotional processing, and healthy habits to name a few, she provides this with science-backed tools for thriving in life’s challenges. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and enriched by personal stories, the book is both useful and inspiring.

I believe it is empowering guide for building a fulfilling life, Practical Optimism is a must-read for anyone seeking balance, positivity, and purpose in our day to day lives   .

Practical Optimism

It was excellent in every way! I loved everything about it. Kudos to the author!

A Very Helpful Book

I really benefited from
reading this book twice. I had a couple of personal issues to deal with, but mostly I exhibit healthy habits. My healthy habits were affirmed by this book.

Practical and empowering

I have read several books on this topic, and this is by far, one of my favorites! So practical, giving step-by-step ideas on how to achieve the goal of practical optimism. Very user-friendly, very applicable, and one that does not pander to the crowd of victim mentality. Great book! Highly recommend.