Tag: Locus of Control

What is within your control?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Psychology, Public Speaking, Resilience, Stress Hardiness, Success, Thriving Under Pressure, Time and Energy Management, Video26 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.

Watch Video of Presentation 

Click Here

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

Don’t give up. Great things take time.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Motivation, purpose, Self Actualization, Strengths, Student Motivation, Student Success, Thriving, Video

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Don’t give up.

Great things take time.

Sometimes we have to go through the worst.

To get to the best.

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Fall down 7 times.

Stand up 8.

Today is your day.

Your time to rise up!

Trust and Believe in 2019

This blog post and classroom video above are dedicated to all the students around the world struggling to stay motivated midway through the winter semester. I am cheering you on! Encouraging you to not give up. This post is also meant for you – My Fellow Student of Life. 📕❤️

How do you prepare for work each day?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Motivation, Optimal Performance, Peace, Positive Psychology, Psychology, Psychology Class, Relaxation, Self-Care, Strengths, Student Success, Teaching Effectiveness, Thriving37 Comments

“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?

Reigniting Motivation.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Motivation, purpose, Self Actualization, Strengths, Student Motivation, Student Success, Thriving32 Comments

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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.

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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!

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Related Post: Staying Motivated During a Challenge.

How do you reframe to reignite motivation?

Better to bend than break

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Change and Transformation, Coping Strategies, Flow, Motivation, Personal Growth, Positive Psychology, Resilience44 Comments

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?

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Flexibility and Change

In this interview on CBC-TV, Chris Hyndman and I examine the psychology of change. Including how individual differences (e.g., Type A vs. Type B, Optimist vs. Pessimist) impact how we respond to change. We also share 5 ways to embrace change. Including staying open and receptive to new beginnings and unexpected opportunities.

How to Embrace Change: Watch Here

Flexibility and Resilience

At the beginning of my TEDx: Dr. Andrea Dinardo: Thriving Under Pressure | TED Talk I describe how the flexibility of palm trees helps them adapt and ultimately be strengthened by hurricanes.

How to Thrive Under Pressure: Watch Here

10 Concrete Ways to Become More Open and Flexible in Everyday Life

  1. Wake up one hour earlier to enjoy some unexpected quiet time.
  2. Exercise at night instead of in the morning.
  3. Try gluten-free or vegan to support a dear friend.
  4. Swap your favourite hobby for something brand new.
  5. Sit in a different spot in the classroom than you’re used to.
  6. Drive a different, more scenic way home tonight.
  7. Meet three new people in your community this week.
  8. Trade television for library books for one month straight.
  9. Go to sleep on the opposite side of the bed.
  10. Spend the weekend silent and completely word free.

Do the opposite of what you normally do.

Stay Open to the Possibilities: Watch Here