Category: Success

What is within your control?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Psychology, Public Speaking, Resilience, Stress Hardiness, Success, Thriving Under Pressure, Time and Energy Management, Video37 Comments

Locus of Control is a key ingredient in both stress hardiness and mental resilience.

Knowing the difference between what is within your control and sphere of influence and what to let go of and surrender is a daily process and wellness habit.

Locus of Control TestDownload

What is within your control?

This was a question I actively explored over 2 days with 600 high school students in Windsor, Ontario during my thriving under pressure presentation.

PSYCHOLOGY HOMEWORK

Make a list of things that are beyond your control. Areas of your life that drain your energy, motivation, and passion for life.

Next, make a list of moments and situations that lift you up. Areas where you create impact. Focus on those areas of your life today. Surrender the rest.

You Can’t Add More to Your Life Without First Letting Go

Video: What is within your control?

What’s Your Endurance Mantra?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mantra, Motivation, Self Esteem and Empowerment, Strengths, Stress Hardiness, Success, Thriving Under Pressure, Video28 Comments

Transforming our mindset from pain to power and stress to strength is key during uncertain times.

And particularly important for students across Ontario as they complete final college and university exams this semester!

What mantra or affirmation shifts your mindset from stress to strength? From pain to power? I would love to know.

Watch the video below to hear mine during a particularly difficult spinning class at a local gym.

An endurance mantra I use during workouts, in the classroom, and in life!

Simple Words on Repeat

In the video, I share two simple words that kept me going when I hit a wall weeks ago.

And also the words I use to encourage students when they feel like giving up.

These words change daily.

Today mine was “mustard seed”.

Because I often feel like giving up. Like everyone else does.

And then I remember my why.

My “mustard seed” gives me faith to not give up on what’s yet to come.

Do you have a mantra that has kept you going during the pandemic or any other uncertain times in your life?

What endurance phrase is on repeat for you?

Related Post: The Space Between No Longer and Not Yet

Resilience Articles & Speeches

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mental Health Education, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positive Psychology, Public Speaking, Resilience, Resources, Self Esteem and Empowerment, Strengths, Stress Hardiness, Success, The Drive Magazine, Thriving, Video

“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo. Far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.”

Psychology Articles on Resilience

After a two year hiatus, I am excited to share that I have returned to writing the PSYCH DRIVE column for The Drive Magazine.

Topics include mental health, motivation, wellness, stress, resilience, and positive psychology.

You can read my latest PSYCH DRIVE article below.

3 Ways to Bounce Forward

The Drive Magazine, Issue 137, Fall 2021

READ SEPT 2021 PSYCH DRIVE ARTICLE
Click Here

READ ALL PSYCH DRIVE ARTICLES TO DATE
Click Here

Psychology Talks on Resilience

In addition to writing for The Drive Magazine, I also offer virtual and in person keynotes and workshops on stress, resilience, and mental health.

A sampling of these psychology talks are shown below.

Resilience is the ability to use personal strengths and support systems to cope with pressure and difficulty.

Psychological life skills that can be learned and improved upon daily.

THRIVING UNDER PRESSURE TEDx Talk
Click Here

International Women’s Day: Who Inspires You?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn courage, Empowerment, Gratitude, Hope, Inspiration, Optimism, Positive Psychology, Psychology, Resilience, Success43 Comments

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#internationalwomensday #rolemodel

Growing up my Mom, my mentor, and the first psychologist in our family, didn’t talk a lot about women’s empowerment.

— She lived it.

Gracefully. Quietly. Courageously.

Today, and all days, I am grateful for a role model who began her journey from challenge to strength with incredible will and a heart of power.

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A first time mother at 18 years old, the jumping off point for all that would unfold.

“How did you do it?” I ask frequently to this day.

A single mom in her twenties.

One of few women working on our street.

Criticized openly for leaving her kids during the week and going back to graduate school in her 40s.

I lean in often for her wisdom, inquiring:

“How did you rise above all the naysayers and critics?”

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Her response:

When you really, really want something Andrea, you become singularly focused, no time, no energy, for anything else (4 kids keep you busy).

“Sure it hurt, she says.”

”But my mission was always greater than my misery. And this is when I knew what I was truly meant to do.”

Everything else became white noise.

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A teacher, a leader, and a mother who teaches me how to live with equal parts grace, fortitude, and tenderness.

Someone who shows me how to pay my good fortune forward.

Every chance WE get. 💃❤️💃

Who inspires you today?

The power of beliefs.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Inspiration, Intrinsic Motivation, Motivation, Public Speaking, Success, Training and Development, Video

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Belief plays a pivotal role in success.

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.

In this 5 minute training video, I demonstrate how “Locus of Control” contributes to a sense of self-efficacy and belief in oneself. Ultimately resulting in improved well-being and performance. In this video, I also share how easily we can cultivate confidence and positivity in each other. Starting with a smile and a few uplifting words.🥊💥

Link to full training video 

I believe.

Authenticity empowers you.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Empowerment, Inspiration, Motivation, Optimal Performance, Personal Growth, Public Speaking, Self Actualization, Success, Thriving, Video

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West

◊  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 going to like the message you are sharing.

◊ And that’s ok ◊

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What matters most is that you stay true to you.

And the work you believe in.

For authenticity ultimately empowers success.

In business and in life!

Visit my YouTube Channel

Who are you?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Emotional Intelligence, Intrinsic Motivation, Personal Growth, Personality Assessment, Psychology, Self Esteem and Empowerment, Strengths Assessment, Success50 Comments

Self-awareness is the starting point for personal success. Until you know who you are, how will you know what truly motivates you?

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Reawaken your passion for life and enhance your self-esteem by reflecting on “Who you are“. A daily practice in self-discovery and personal responsibility.

  • How would you describe yourself in one word?
  • What are 3 of your strengths?
  • What are 3 of your challenges?
  • When do you feel most alive?
  • What is your favourite movie? Book?
  • What is your dream job?
  • What is your dream place to live?
  • If you could have 5 minutes alone with anyone (dead or alive) who would that be? What would you ask them?
  • Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors?
  • What is (was) your favourite subject in school?
  • If you could own any car, what would it be?
  • What character trait is most important to you?
  • What makes your heart sing?
  • Do you prefer spending time alone or with people?
  • What is your favourite ice cream?
  • Are you a morning or a night person?
  • What is your favourite song? Band?
  • Finally… How do you define yourself at the very core of your existence?

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How to Embrace Change (Interview)

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Change and Transformation, Coping Strategies, Empowerment, Health, Interview, Mental Health Education, Motivation, Optimism, Psychology, Resilience, Self Actualization, Strengths, Success, Video41 Comments

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

Need help embracing change but don’t know where to start? In my interview on CBC-TV I share 5 positive ways to embrace change using the principles of positive psychology.

Celebrating Female Mentors and Visionaries.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Gratitude, Inspiration, Psychology, purpose, Self Actualization, Success, Thriving17 Comments

 

‪Happy International Women’s Day!

I am grateful for all the women in the world who paved the way. Including my mom. The first psychologist in the family. A role model, mentor, and encourager. Today & Always.

Who are grateful for today?