The speaker shares their personal journey of becoming a concert violinist, a dream that was shattered due to an unfortunate accident. They now work as a cognitive scientist and host a podcast, where they interview people about their life-altering experiences. They believe that change is often scary due to the uncertainty and potential loss it brings. However, they argue that unexpected changes can lead to lasting change within us, shifting our capabilities, values, and self-definition. They present three questions to ask oneself during such times:
1. "How might this change change what you're capable of?"
2. "How might this change what you value?"
3. "How might this change how you define yourself?"
The speaker uses these questions as tools to discover what they might gain during unexpected challenges. They share their personal experiences, like the story of a chef who became blind but eventually won a TV show, and a woman whose marriage ended, leading her to redefine her life's purpose. The speaker encourages listeners to use these questions to explore their own potential during times of change.
1. The speaker was once a violinist and aspired to become a concert violinist, but an accident at the age of 15 permanently damaged her hand, which ended her dream.
2. The speaker is currently a cognitive scientist and hosts a podcast called "A Slight Change of Plans".
3. The speaker discusses the concept of unexpected change and how it can inspire lasting change within us.
4. The speaker shares the story of Christine, who became a world-renowned chef after losing her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease.
5. The speaker shares the story of Florence, who experienced a painful divorce and learned to embrace uncertainty and serendipity in her life.
6. The speaker talks about her own experience with unexpected change, losing her violin-playing dream due to an injury.
7. The speaker suggests three questions to ask oneself when facing unexpected change: how might this change change what you're capable of, how might this change what you value, and how might this change how you define yourself?
8. The speaker shares her personal experience with unexpected change, such as her desire to become a mother and the challenges she has faced.
9. The speaker concludes by expressing hope that change can be viewed with more possibility and freedom.