Category: motivation
The power of beliefs.
Belief plays a pivotal role in resilience.
Believing that you have what it takes.
Believing that you can try again.
Believing in something greater than yourself.
Believing you are never alone.
Believing your power is greater than your pain.
Believing that things are going to get easier.
This 1 minute video encapsulates it all.
What beliefs help you overcome challenges?
Thanks Mom for always believing in me.
How do you prepare for work each day?
“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 my preparation for teaching psychology includes both energetic and intellectual preparation.
Ultimately, the more relaxed and happy I am, the more calm and content my students will be.
I am grateful for every student I teach and I want to make sure that they get the best of me.
Energetic Preparation for Teaching = Exercise
Intellectual Preparation for Teaching = Textbooks
How do you prepare for work each day?
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. And just an hour ago, I received the good news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TEDx site today! So pumped!
In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress resilience tools: challenge, control and commitment.
The purpose of this talk and my blog is to help students develop positive coping techniques in fun, interactive, and uplifting ways.
By first focusing on what is right, before examining what is wrong, students can be transformed by their challenges and adversities. 🌴💚
If you like, please share this TEDx video with friends and family on social media. The wider its reach, the more people I can help thrive under pressure!
May Your North Star Light Your Way. 💫
Positivity first.
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.
TEDx Photos: Diamonds from Pressure.
“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 my dream of being on the TEDx stage! The official TEDx video will be posted soon. 🎥
Related Post: How I prepared my TEDx Speech.
TEDx Preparation: Diamonds from Pressure.
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.
TEDx Diamonds from Pressure
TEDx Posters Everywhere!
What are TEDx Talks?
“A TEDx event is an independently operated, community driven event. The talks are no more than 18 minutes in length, are idea-focused, and cover a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and provoke conversations that matter.” Source: Ted.com
TEDx Preparation in Six Steps
The process of preparing a TEDx Talk has been quite different from any other keynote or seminar I have given. I have maximum 18 minutes to convey an original idea. So I have no choice but to get right to the point. Which is a very good thing!
Step 1: Create an Outline
In developing my speech, the first thing I did was create a storyboard for my TEDx script. (see below) I set it up like scenes in a movie. 5 scenes. 3-4 minutes per idea. 🎥
The purpose of my TEDx Talk is to help people thrive on their journey from stress to strength.
Step 2: Let Your Ideas Flow
This is where you let your imagination run free. Luckily inspiration flowed in from everywhere! So much so that while at the movies last month, I was struck by an idea with only a movie napkin nearby. So I did what all writers do, I wrote on whatever material I could find. Hoping to capture one fleeting burst of insight.
TEDX Napkin Edition
TEDx Ideas in the Making
Step 3: Edit TEDx Script
In case you’re wondering, there are approximately 2500 words in an 18 minute TEDx speech. Thus I have been equally busy downsizing, condensing, and editing my script. Focus is the goal. Less is more!
Step 4: Rehearse Rehearse Rehearse
Practice your TEDx speech as often as you can. In the mirror. On your run. In the car. At the mall. In front of anyone who is willing to listen. Stay open to feedback. As much as you can. Record yourself and listen back. This is especially important for hitting the 18 minute time limit. I used an audio to text dictation iPhone app called TEMI that helped tremendously.
Step 5: Take a TEDx Break
Now complete, it’s time to rest and enjoy some”Breathing Space“. As unrelenting work rarely fosters positive energy. Best to gear down before gearing up for the big TEDx day. Sign me up for a movie night, a kickboxing session, and a homemade dinner. Doctor’s orders. ♥
Step 6: Test out TEDx Red Carpet
TEDx Diamonds from Pressure is just 10 days away. The outline, the structure, and the body of TEDx complete. The stories worked out. The edits made. Just one last dress rehearsal on the TEDx stage!
Hope to see you all January 28 2018!
TEDx Tickets + Information
Website: TedxUniversityofWindsor.com
Twitter twitter.com/TEDxUWindsor
Instagram instagram.com/tedxuniversityofwindsor
Facebook: facebook.com/TEDxUniversityofWindsor
In March, I will post the official TEDx Video! 🎥
Reigniting Motivation.
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 students.
Reminding students why they started nursing school is energizing. Staying inspired during final exams is galvanizing. Not giving up is the ultimate test.
Thoughts ⇔ Motivation ⇔ Action
Transforming thought patterns is critical for student motivation and success. As what happens behind our eyes is as powerful as what happens in front of our eyes.
Reframe your thoughts. Reignite your motivation.
Instead of thinking of nursing school as an obstacle to overcome. Reframe it as superhero training. Heros save lives. And so do nurses. Every single day.
Will it be easy? No ↑ Will it be worth it? Yes!
Related Post: Staying Motivated During a Challenge.
How do you reframe to reignite motivation?
Work hard. Rest. Repeat.
To All Nursing Students, including my own:
If I were to assign any homework this weekend it would be to take a break.
10 minutes at a time.
5 times a day.
Because you have all worked exceptionally hard the past two weeks.
And a good rest is half the work.
Although things may not have gone your way.
Not exactly as you had planned.
You are still here.
This is something to celebrate.
Because showing up and being fully present is the essence of being a spectacular nurse.
And training to be a nurse is as much about the journey as the knowledge itself.
Take a breath.
Take a rest.
Give yourself credit.
For ALL that brought you here.
Focus on the ENTIRE process.
Not just one paper. Or one test.
Because the only way to finish a marathon is to take the water from the sidelines, eat the food along the way, and most importantly celebrate every step in the journey.
No matter how small.
No matter how challenging.
And if you need motivation to take a break, see this post:
https://drandreadinardo.com/2016/12/03/give-yourself-a-break/
I am sending you all good vibes.
All day long.
Every step of the way.
YOU GOT THIS !!
Dr. D. 😊
Better to bend than break.
Flexibility is essential for resilience.
When life changes direction, are you able to change with it?
Are you flexible and open to new experiences?
Are you able to break free from old patterns and habits?
Or do you struggle to adapt to anything new and different?
In this video clip, I describe how the flexibility of palm trees helps them adapt and ultimately be strengthened by hurricanes.
Applying this Post in Everyday Life
“Do the opposite of what you normally do.”
- Wake up one hour earlier to enjoy some unexpected quiet time.
- Exercise at night instead of in the morning.
- Try gluten-free or vegan to support a dear friend.
- Swap your favourite hobby for something brand new.
- Sit in a different spot in the classroom than you’re used to.
- Drive a different, more scenic way home tonight.
- Meet three new people in your community this week.
- Trade television for library books for one month straight.
- Go to sleep on the opposite side of the bed.
- Spend the weekend silent and completely word free.
