Dr. Andrea Dinardo, Psychology Professor
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... Continue Reading →
Staying Hopeful I wanted to share how I have been keeping hope alive in my heart and soul during COVID-19. Specifically, by expanding my reach with new virtual experiences. Beginning in the spring with my first "live" recorded internet event with Sam Piercell, a fitness entrepreneur, from Windsor, Ontario. F45 "Live" Event: Community Resilience with... Continue Reading →
"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810whIFASFI&feature=emb_title With time, I have come to realize that failure has always been my greatest teacher. Each failure pointed me in a better direction and helped me to develop strength and authenticity, ultimately unveiling who I was and... Continue Reading →
Resilience & Success In this 8 minute video, I describe three resilience tips for student success: 1. CONNECT 2. CREATE 3. THRIVE https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3OXADYU-pQs&app=m&persist_app=1 Hold On STAY STRONG “Be Fearless in Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire.” There will always be obstacles. The question is — do you see them as roadblocks or stepping... Continue Reading →
How is everyone doing? How are you coping with our universal global event? How has your perception of yourself and the world evolved? How has COVID-19 transformed you? What is the higher purpose in all of this? I Am Waking Up After socially distancing and working full-time from home as a psychology professor (now online),... Continue Reading →
When things go wrong, what do you focus on first? The world outside you or the world within you? The following is a video and activity overview from Part 2 of the 2020 SRC Leadership Development Workshop. Click Here for Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEjYGl9c0k Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control... Continue Reading →
Leadership Training and Development I had the opportunity to work with the student leadership team at St. Clair College in Windsor Ontario. The goal was to strengthen the bonds between SRC team members and harness the power of their mission to 1) support, 2) lead, and 3) advocate for students at St. Clair College. We talked... Continue Reading →
In this psychology article, published in The Drive Magazine, I share simple ways to cultivate mental health daily. Instead of thinking of mental health as a burden you must shoulder, imagine it as an opportunity to experience peace and joy. In the same way that we make time for our physical needs, we must devote... Continue Reading →
LESSONS LEARNED In this post, I share the lessons learned at a thriving teams thriving leaders board retreat. It was a true team effort! With the team-building and leadership exercises equally led by the student leaders and myself. Please join in and explore the reflection questions, interactive activities, and workshop videos with the teams... Continue Reading →
Hope everyone’s having a great day! I wanted take a moment and share some good news with you. In June I was interviewed by THE DRIVE magazine for an article on mental health and thriving under pressure. The creative director saw my TEDx Talk and reached out for input into their next issue. How cool is that! Consequently,... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” C. S. Lewis When was the last time you had to start over?This was a big week back at St. College College — and all colleges across Ontario. Students were returning to school after a 5 week province-wide strike. An arduous situation that was well beyond student... Continue Reading →
How can two people experience the same stressful event and react in incredibly different ways? What explains the difference between stress thrivers and non-thrivers? Research shows that some individuals possess a set of resilience skills and traits that allows them to flourish in response to stress. https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk "Resilience is what gives people the... Continue Reading →
Some lessons happen over a lifetime. Others happen in an instant. Either way, the paradox of strength is that it develops though pain. Each misfortune cultivates a renewed appreciation. Each obstacle fosters a new level of perseverance. Each sadness teaches a greater depth of compassion. Each challenge harvests a new field of possibilities. We must... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 