Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt: “Ordinary Magic” and the Transformation of Identity

Default negative beliefs can cast a pall over one’s identity and give rise to worry. “Do I belong here?” “Can I do it?” “Am I enough?” Greg Walton describes Ordinary Magic as ”ordinary experiences that help us set aside the ordinary worries of life so we can flourish.” In this noontime webinar, join Professor Walton for an interactive experience exploring how we can recognize destructive beliefs, take back control of our lives, and help others do the same. Professor Walton will share stories and research before closing with an opportunity to put these concepts into practice.

Greg Walton is the Michael Forman University Fellow and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. Much of his research investigates psychological processes that contribute to major social problems and how “wise” psychological interventions that target these processes can address such problems and help people flourish. Dr. Walton focuses on fundamental ways in which people make sense of themselves, other people, and social situations; how meanings people draw can be counterproductive and self-reinforcing; and how they can be altered to cause lasting benefits to individuals and to society. Dr. Walton’s research has been published in leading journals and major media outlets including Science, Nature, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Onion.