Category: Personal Growth
5 Steps to Thriving.
Note: This is my very first Vlog post. I supplemented an earlier post with a new 3 minute video presentation. I have lots to learn for sure. But it sure feels good to jump outside my comfort zone!
Thriving Steps based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Step 1
– Energy of Thriving
- A good night’s sleep.
- Healthy food.
- Clean air to breathe.
Step 2
– Foundation of Thriving
- Freedom.
- Survival Skills.
- Safe place to live.
Step 3
– Nourishment of Thriving
- Supportive relationships.
- Loving family and friends.
- Encouraging coworkers.
Step 4
– Enrichment of Thriving
- Education and learning.
- Goals and ambition.
- Stretching outside comfort zone.
Step 5
– Ultimate Thriving
- Purpose and Vision.
- Achievement of Life Mission.
- Self Actualization of Dreams.
How will you thrive today?
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. 💫
Be willing to see failure as feedback.
What does failure mean to you?
With time, I have come to realize that failure has always been my greatest teacher. Each failure pointed me in a better direction. Helped me to develop strength and authenticity. Ultimately unveiling who I was and what I was destined to become.
- The failing grade I received on my first exam in graduate school taught me how to ask for support when I needed it most. No matter how shameful I felt or embarrassed I was.
- The end of a long-term relationship taught me how to value my time alone and make tough decisions for myself. No matter how weak I felt or lonesome I was.
- The lay off from a job I loved taught me how to let go, look forward, and trust in something so much bigger than myself. No matter how scared I was or irrelevant I felt.
What determines our reaction to failure?
Learning from failure is the ultimate goal. That said, not everyone responds to failure in the same way, at the same time.
Our reaction to failure is determined by several factors, including:
- The timing of the failure.
- The magnitude of the failure.
- The attribution attached to the failure.
- The level of support during the failure.
- The self-efficacy and belief in starting over.
Ask someone how they feel about failure in the midst of it; life as they know it is over. Ask someone how they feel about failure one year later; life as they know it has been transformed.
The key to supporting someone experiencing failure is not to rush them through the healing process. Yes, in the long run, the gifts of failure outweigh the costs. But we must be sensitive to how dark it feels in the eye of the storm. Only then can move towards the light.
Is it possible to see failure in a positive light?
Under the right conditions, failure strengthens us, adds to our self-knowledge, and enhances the quality of our lives.
- If it weren’t for failure, I would not have met my husband John.
- If it weren’t for failure, I would not be a psychology professor.
- If it weren’t for failure, I would not have written three textbooks.
- If it weren’t for failure, I would not be the person I am today.
Your turn:
- If it weren’t for failure _______________.
- If it weren’t for failure _______________.
- If it weren’t for failure _______________.
- If it weren’t for failure _______________.
Resilience Exercise
What lessons have you learned from failure?
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.
Face it – You’re Strong!
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 life.
By facing your fears head on.
Remember – you have been here before.
You have more knowledge and experience than you recognize.
You are braver than you realize.
You have faced this fear before.
You have survived this fear before.
And you have thrived because of it.
(You may not realize it – but you have.)
Face it – you’re strong!
And you have the power to kick this fear right to the curb.
Once and for all!
Your final challenge is to embrace your power.
Full on!
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! 🎥
See the light in others and treat them as if that’s all you see.
The field of positive psychology has been a blessing for me, both personally and professionally.
By focusing on strengths first, I buffer myself against the vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue often associated with the practice of psychology. And in turn, my positive approach heightens the resilience and stress hardiness in others. (Boomerang effect!)
Everywhere I go, I’m on the lookout for genius. And I don’t mean genius in the general sense. I mean strengths, assets, gifts, capabilities, multiple intelligences that are unique to each person. (Einstein’s quote below captures it perfectly.)
For not only is strengths finding essential for illuminating the abundance in others, it is essential for harnessing the bounty in ourselves.
As each time we witness the light shining brightly in another, we see their radiance reflected back in ourselves.
Reflection Questions
Identify 2-5 strengths that you witnessed in others today. Describe how seeing the strengths in others brought out the strengths in you.
- Today I discovered my brother’s ___________. This illuminated my:
- Today I noticed my colleague’s ____________. This bolstered my:
- Today I uncovered my neighbour’s __________. This reinforced my:
Related Post: Positive Psychology on Campus.
If you need help with finding the good in others especially the challenging people in your life click on this this link to a great article in Psychology Today.
Compassion heals.
Listening heals more hearts than talking ever will.
In my early thirties I was going through a particularly tough time in my life.
A trifecta of life events where every pillar in my world came tumbling down.
Out of all the sadness, the times that I remember the most were the small joys and simple pleasures with my family and friends.
No matter how complicated and messy life became, it was their unwavering support that pulled me through.
“Just being there” is more powerful than most people realize.
Afternoons with my Dad walking down country roads. Weekends with my Mom at the dollar store. Sundays with my big sister at Tim Hortons.
Surprise phone calls from my two brothers. Relaxing with old friends in their cozy homes — long past the time and energy they initially had for me.
The best kind of love is simple. It creates a safe space to lose yourself and find yourself all over again. No words necessary.
Listening heals more hearts than talking ever will.
Related Post: It’s ok to not be ok.
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.
