JUST SHOW UP The word motivation stems from the Latin word "movere" which means to move. Which is why MOMENTUM is such a powerful force when it comes to motivation. Motivation doesn’t happen before the creative act — it happens during. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYWHVvKW4GY Small steps.Day by day.Week by week.Moving you forward.Closer to your dreams.Just show up.... Continue Reading →
This moment. This day. THIS LIFE. Is yours for the taking. Don't be afraid to step into your power. https://youtube.com/shorts/_kBlKrI8RQ8?feature=share It is you. And you are it. Empowerment is the reason you were born. Face It — You Are Strong!
https://youtu.be/UlkaArLVg28?si=VVI9DtIw7EIBTC1A You are resilient. You are strong. You are a diamond in the making. You sparkle. You shine. I see it every time I look at you. And one day you will too. Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk: Watch Here
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucq3BluxGw&t=5s ◊ In this video clip from my “Pitch with Passion” seminar with student and community entrepreneurs, I discuss the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. ◊ Not everyone is going to like who you are. Not everyone is... Continue Reading →
In this article and interview, I share why putting a time limit on negativity enhances time and energy. https://drandreadinardo.com/2022/04/16/put-a-time-limit-on-negativity/ https://youtu.be/RK7EzyPXRPA Pay attention to how you spend your energy today. Joy needs room to breathe. And so do you.
Trust Your Journey https://youtu.be/Tlejs0QvHDE FEAR MAKES BAD DECISIONS was the “hot topic” during coffee talk today. Hot enough to write today's blog post. Blog discussions are the next best thing to sharing a cup of coffee after all. I hope this message speaks directly to your heart. And reminds you that the still small voice within you... Continue Reading →
PSYCHOLOGY THOUGHTS They say we only use 5-10% of our brain’s full potential. A statement I agree with. Psychology Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwisq9hn8q0 Know thyself Understanding ourselves better, including our brains, is always the first step in tapping into what’s possible, within, and all around us. Hacking the brain Did you know that fear and excitement share the same... Continue Reading →
FOCUS ON THE GOOD This is my mantra. I write it on my bathroom mirror. I post it on my refrigerator door. I tape it to my office wall. I speak of it every time I teach. These 4 words remind me to focus on what's good, what's working, what's infinitely possible. Even (especially) when everything... Continue Reading →
Look up ↑ Breathe ↑ Release One quick glance to inner peace. Related Post: Always Looking Up.
Be the light. Change the world. Related Post: Good energy multiplies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=desktop The first question I ask clients wanting to make a change is “Why Now?” For there is no doubt that they (and you and I) have been wanting to transform an aspect of our lives for a very long time. But the intrinsic motivation just isn’t quite there. The kind of motivation that is... Continue Reading →
My job description as a psychology professor includes this quote: Because first you foster peace and positivity. Then you teach. 🍎 Related Post: Let peace begin with me
Happy Monday Everyone! I am excited to share my interview with The Drive Magazine on positive psychology and stress resilience. Inspired by my TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure. The 3 C's of Positive Psycholog My favourite part of this photo is the story behind it.When the magazine was arranging the photo shoot, they asked where... Continue Reading →
Hope everyone’s having a great day! I wanted take a moment and share some good news with you. In June I was interviewed by THE DRIVE magazine for an article on mental health and thriving under pressure. The creative director saw my TEDx Talk and reached out for input into their next issue. How cool is that! Consequently,... Continue Reading →
"The simple act of paying attention can take you a long, long way." Intrapersonal Intelligence ⇔ Interpersonal Intelligence The first lesson in reading people, using the principles of emotional intelligence, is to understand yourself more deeply. What motivates you. What excites you. What angers you. What lifts you up! As self-awareness is essential for both... Continue Reading →
When problems feel big. Savour the small. The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do. Related Post: The Sweet Spot
Getting to know my students is one of my favourite parts being a professor. Accordingly, I ask students a lot of questions. So it’s only fair that students get to ask me questions too! Why did you become a psychologist? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJDKR07hDw What’s most interesting about being a college professor? 🎥 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NieGvwEkkEI I would love... Continue Reading →
I met a delightful group of people at a dinner party Saturday night. Which of course, like all social occasions, got my psychologist mind percolating. Particularly when one of the guests leaned in halfway through dinner and stated: “Andrea, you seem like the kind of person who never worries”. At which point my husband laughed very... Continue Reading →
Don’t be fooled by fear. Look it directly in the eye. Fear distorts reality. Fear exaggerates the truth. Step back. Take a pause. Remember who you are. You have overcome great adversity. You have faced this phantom before. This wolf is a mirage. Only your strength, your courage, and your untapped powers are real. Resources to help you... Continue Reading →
What if your doctor prescribed dancing as a fitness activity instead of time on a treadmill or at the gymnasium. Would you be more likely to follow through if exercise was fun and uplifting? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=02XQw-LjrXo This doctor’s prescription for today: Dancing! Which is why I love this commercial. It's a great reminder that getting healthy... Continue Reading →
Reflection Questions 1. When someone asks you "What makes you happy?" does your answer differ from "What makes you healthy?" https://youtu.be/LgACYyFv2YQ 2. Do you consider your health requirements essential and your happiness needs selfish and superfluous? 3. Or do you rate health and happiness as equal and interdependent. https://youtu.be/z_DNIWYh6vE For me: health and happiness are... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/BcKL7x18Fc4?si=DIMK9PLpsOuAAiHQ The Aftermath No matter how many times I deliver a speech or engage in media and events, I am frequently left with the same emotion for the next day or two. Sadness. A kind of longing. A sense of emptiness. A Change of Pace I spend weeks and months practicing, preparing, and editing my... Continue Reading →
In this psychology video and article I share 5 Steps to Thriving and Growth using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyGHeBzGwUU&feature=youtu.be Read the article and watch the video, then try out the reflection questions below. https://issuu.com/sabooster/docs/thedrive_143_issuu/72 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Reflection Questions Which deficiency needs (physiological, safety) are currently met vs. unmet? Which growth needs (love... Continue Reading →
My husband John and I had dinner at this little restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake when I was away speaking at a conference this week. This single pink rose on the table reminded me of the only thing that truly matters during the up and down cycles of life — HOPE I have hope. In you. In... Continue Reading →
“Go 24 hours without complaining and watch your life start changing.” The next time you’re tempted to complain about the same thing over and over again, direct that same frustrated energy into your highest, loftiest goals. Consciously swap one complaint for one baby step towards your dreams. Same energy required. Magically different results. To view... Continue Reading →
Simple pleasures are my favourite. Hot coffee. Cozy blankets. Birds singing. The sun rising. Fast runs. Slow walks. Long days. Warm hugs. Peaceful silences. BLT sandwiches. Tomato soup. Matinee movies. Buttery popcorn. Ice cold pop. Walking on campus. Smiling in the hallways. Laughing with students. Learning from students. Driving home. Soulful conversations. Dreaming of the future. Reminiscing about... Continue Reading →
The next time you’re gearing up for another big fight with reality. Morning Traffic Office Politics Loud Neighbours Unpredictable Weather Try rolling with it. Giving up the fight. Waving the white flag. Surrendering to what is. And always has been. The upside. You conserve energy for the joyful in your life. The meaningful in your... Continue Reading →
You were born to inspire others. To show them the way. In good times. In bad times. And every moment in between. Quietly. Privately. Boldly. Courageously. You were born to inspire others. To show them the way. Related: Mindset changes everything.
I love sharing ideas with students. I can’t imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young. Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada.The most recent opportunity being a conference called: “You Can Do College.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY... Continue Reading →
Trust the process of your life. What looks like the end could be a whole new beginning. You just can’t see it yet.
“Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.” In psychology class this week, I teach one of my favourite subjects - Stress, Coping, and Health Psychology Chapter 11 in my psychology textbook. I purposely teach this topic during the height of midterms. Raising awareness about the healthy (and not so healthy) ways students manage... Continue Reading →
I want to give the world the best of me. This is my hope every time we meet. And every time I teach. No matter how brief or long our interaction. I want to leave you feeling brighter, lighter, more confident. The bonus is — when your energy rises, so does mine. A boomerang effect of... Continue Reading →
As a psychology professor and former school psychologist, I talk about mental health issues with students every single day. My classroom is a safe place for students to be themselves. Which is critical when working with youth (18-24) who represent the highest proportion of individuals with mental illness. Education helps bridge the gap between fear... Continue Reading →
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." I value positivity and a sense of security in the classroom, above all else. For it is only when students feel safe, supported, and uplifted are they motivated to learn. Creating a harmonious classroom atmosphere happens long before the school bell rings. Which is why... Continue Reading →
I am so excited to share that my TEDx video hit 1000 views today! 🎥 A BIG thank you for watching and sharing my TEDx talk with your friends and family. We are stronger than our stress. This I know for sure. Together we will thrive under pressure. 💥 Click on TEDx Video → Thriving Under Pressure
Good news to share! I have been working on a TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. Today I received the news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TED Talks site. Video below — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY Stress Resilience In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress... Continue Reading →
What are the most powerful words in the universe? The ones you use to talk to yourself. Choose the words that move you forward, the emotions that lift you up, and the actions that empower you. Believe in the one reason that a difficult situation will work out. You! You have everything it takes to... Continue Reading →
When I'm struggling to get through a difficult day, I look to the trees for inspiration and refuge. All they do is give. And all we need to do is receive. Again and again. With every single breath. And every single step. Peace lives here.
Show yourself some love today. Your health and happiness depend on it. ♥️ Related Post: From Fear to Love
Let go of what is outside your control. The next time you are gearing up for another fight with reality. Winter; Traffic; Parking; Deadlines. Try rolling with it. Surrendering to what is. Letting go. No matter the circumstances. Hold on to what brings you joy. In surrendering, you save precious energy for the joyful in your... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM Instead of seeing obstacles and stressors as taking you down. Challenge can be difficult. Adversity overwhelming. Growth painful. I agree! Try perceiving challenges as taking you UP ↑ Again and again and again. For it’s in this uncomfortable space in between failure and success; breakups and makeups; exams and graduation that strength is ultimately born. https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” I am excited to share an interview, photos, and a short video clip from yesterday’s TEDx Event at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences I’ve ever had. Truly magical. TEDx Videoclip TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →
Everything you're afraid of - you've already experienced. Afraid of commitment? You've been dumped. Afraid of failure? You've failed. Afraid of rejection? You've been rejected. Afraid of being broke? You've been without money. Fill in the blanks for me.. Afraid of being _________? You've been _________. And then vow to erase that fear in your... Continue Reading →
Be who you were meant to be. Shine your light for the whole world to see. 🏹 Rise UP and Shine 🌞 Related Post - Trust the music.
What are you most excited about in your life right now? What brings a smile to your face and makes your heart skip a beat? Each time you share your zest for life — you move the world ! Related Post: Enthusiasm is contagious.
I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”. Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure. What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →
What we believe matters as it’s our mindset that shapes our physiological and emotional response to stressful circumstances. Ultimately, determining our ability to face our fears, overcome resistance, and bounce back after adversity. Watch Video - Click Here https://youtu.be/p58APeFQEmM RELATIONSHIP: BELIEF PATTERNS For example, when a relationship ends, if we view it as a personal... Continue Reading →
I wrote this on the blackboard for my nursing students today. This is their final week of classes. Which means one final opportunity for me to encourage their success. This is my favourite part of teaching psychology. Every time I face a challenge, I imagine how I can translate it into a motivating lesson for my... Continue Reading →
Smile like you’re changing the world. Because you are! We often think of changing the world as some great big, grand gesture. Performed on stage with millions of people watching. When in fact it’s just you and me. And 8 billion human beings. Smiling, connecting, caring, and loving. Every moment. Every encounter. We are the... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 