Positive Psychology & Stress Resilience
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.
Small steps.
Day by day.
Week by week.
Moving you forward.
Closer to your dreams.
Just show up.
It’s in the middle of a challenge where we need positive energy the most.
So let this be a gentle, encouraging voice reminding you that “You didn’t come this far, to only come this far”.
And that one day it will all make sense.
All the pressure will be worth it.
You are resilient.
You are strong.
You are a diamond in the making.
You sparkle.
You shine.
I see it.
And one day you will too. 💎
TEDx Playlist: Diamonds from Pressure
◊ 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.
What matters most is that you stay true to you.
In business and in life!
Visit my YouTube Channel
FEAR MAKES BAD DECISIONS was the “hot topic” during coffee talk this weekend.
Hot enough to film a new psychology video and 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 always knows what to do.
The key is to get quiet enough to listen.
When it comes to decision-making we might not be able to change the PRESSURE from the OUTSIDE.
But we can always change it from the INSIDE.
Take your time.
Do not be pressured. Do not be rushed.
Take your own sweet time. Literally.
Each decision, each choice, is yours to make.
Big and small equally.
Take a breath.
Take a 48 hour pause.
Decisions made from fear often falter.
Decisions made from love prosper.
Trust that no matter what happens.
Today. Tomorrow. Two years from now.
Believe that what is meant to be will be.
How do you stay brave under pressure?
If you’re anything like me, my first instinct is to fix the problem.
To try and save loved ones from adversity.
Instead of rushing in, we take a step back.
Ask them what they need.
In doing so, we validate the person and their experience.
Helping them stay true to who they are.
What comes – also goes.
Welcome it all.
The idea we have for our life rarely, if ever, matches up with the life we end up with.
Yet something we seldom realize in the thick of difficulty.
Success is not a straight line.
This is the exact time when we need others to hold the light for us. To be an encourager. To show us the way.
Dreams ↔ Failure ↔ Destiny
1. Encourage people by sharing your own stories of difficulty and overcoming.
This helps others understand that no one begins their success journey at the top of the mountain. And that each failure is an opportunity to rise up. Again and again.
2. Hold a safe space for loved ones to ‘not be ok’ when overwhelmed.
Rushing anyone through difficult emotions will prolong feelings of fear, threat, and danger.
Instead, we can flip the switch by leaning into “the overwhelm” and asking: “What are you trying to teach me?”
3. The ultimate encouragement strategy is to believe in someone, especially when they don’t.
This helps shift their mindset from not enough to overflowing. Creating a new heightened vision for life’s unexpected bumps and detours.
Look it directly in the eye.
Fear exaggerates the truth.
Remember who you are.
You have faced this phantom before.
Understanding Fear: Identifying Cognitive Distortions
Overcoming Fear: Fixing Cognitive Distortions
Today I encourage you to notice the little things in everyone you meet. Their smile. What lifts them up. What makes their heart sing. How hard they work. How they get through a day.
Acknowledge them. Notice them. Lean in. Listen completely. Praise their hard work. Compliment their positive attitude. Encourage their dreams. Thank them for their service.
Never forget how good it feels to hear something positive about yourself. Pass the good vibes on.💛💫
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 and freedom.
And so does an open heart. And an open mind.
I believe in my students. In their potential. In their dreams.
I believe in their ability to overcome challenge, adversity, and self-stigma.
Students need my support and encouragement.
And an educational community that truly cares.
Because self-stigma is real.
And often more silencing than social stigma.
Because sharing our story is one of the scariest and most liberating things we’ll ever do.
Be it about mental illness or another vulnerable part of our lives.
Which is why the best place to open up the conversation about mental illness is to meet students where they are.
These are their words.
Ontario student mental health helpline ⇒ Visit Good2Talk.ca
