Contact Form: Click HereArticles & Speeches: Click Here https://youtu.be/y3bWmoKule8?feature=shared https://youtu.be/6zlJDM58-a0?feature=shared Background and Overview: Dr. Andrea Dinardo is a positive psychology expert, keynote speaker, and leadership trainer who helps people thrive under pressure, build resilience, and cultivate mental health daily. She is passionate about applying positive psychology to facilitate personal growth and transformational change in individuals... Continue Reading →
Delaying Gratification Doubles The Reward
https://youtube.com/shorts/Bvo0FXfS7t4?feature=shared When faced with a choice, ask yourself: Do I need to slow down? Am I being impulsive? Will I have regrets? Do I have all the information? Is it worth the wait? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXZvf2_UHJ0 Reflection Questions 1. Do you consider yourself a patient person, an impatient person, an impulsive person? Does your answer depend on... Continue Reading →
WHAT’S IN MY CONTROL?
Locus of Control is a key ingredient in resilience. Assessing what is within your control and sphere of influence is crucial. Decide what to let go of and what to surrender. This exercise should be practiced daily for optimal mental health and energy. https://youtu.be/W7dz0FvnkxY?si=WhAFJHR53EIV9q_p PSYCHOLOGY TEST Locus of Control TestDownload PSYCHOLOGY REFLECTION Whatโs within your... Continue Reading →
Donโt be pushed by your problems โ Be led by your dreams
https://youtu.be/YbMOOGW_A2Y Back on Campus In this psychology video I share one way I engage students at the start of a semester, including this past week when we were back on campus for the first time, in a very long time! Transcript of Psychology Video Read Here Show Them You Care Connecting with students from a... Continue Reading →
Lighten Up in 2022 โ Positive Emotions & Problem Solving
โYour heart is the light of this world. Donโt cover it with your mind.โ Lighten Up in 2022 The solution to a problem is rarely found in the source of the problem. This is why itโs important to lighten up before tackling difficulty. Problem Solving from a Higher Place Positive emotions heighten our awareness and open our minds to... Continue Reading →
New Virtual Experiences
Staying Hopeful I wanted to share how I have been keeping hope alive in my heart and soul during 2020. 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. 1. F45 Live Event: Community Resilience... Continue Reading →
Failure as Feedback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810whIFASFI&feature=emb_title "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." 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 →
Rethink Time in COVID-19
I find the perception of time fascinating.Everyone experiences time differently. Because time truly is relative. Changing from situation to situation.For example: Work Week vs. Vacation Week COVID vs. Pre-COVID Bored versus in Flow Time perception also varies from person to person. For example: Teenager vs. Baby Boomer Good Health vs. Poor Health Type A Personality... Continue Reading →
Student Resilience and Success (YouTube Video)
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 โBe Fearless in Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire.โ There will always be obstacles. The question is โ do you see them as roadblocks or stepping... Continue Reading →
What has COVID-19 awakened in you?
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 →
Signs are everywhere
Signs pointing us in the direction of our dreams are everywhere. Everywhere! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3fD-8aSF8 But we have to look UP to see it. OPEN our minds to BELIEVE it. Visualization Exercise Look for the signs The next time you see a 40 km, 50 km, or 100 km sign โ take it as an opportunity to... Continue Reading →
Celebrate how far youโve come.
Today letโs celebrate all the dreams that came true. Merely an idea 5 years ago. It is so easy to get lost in our hopes and motivations for the future. Without realizing how many of aspirations we have already achieved. Together letโs honour how far weโve come. Only then will we have the fuel and... Continue Reading →
3 Cโs of Thriving Under Pressure
https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY A map for transforming stress into strength In my TEDx Talk and leadership training, I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress resilience tools: dr.-andrea-dinardo-thriving-under-pressure-training-and-speaking-servicesDownload 1. Commitment Envisioning a higher purpose above and beyond the immediate stressor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjxCsK2qudw 2. Challenge Reframing stressful challenges as opportunities for growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7TFtJHASn8 3. Control Focusing on the things... Continue Reading →
Focus on what’s within your control in life & leadership.
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 →
Strengths-Based Leadership Training and Development
โThe strength of any organization is a direct result of the strength of its leaders.โ โ John C. Maxwell The best part is that strengths-based leadership skills can be learned, developed, mentored, and coached. https://youtu.be/pjxCsK2qudw?si=xHsV_IBAKQq47am2 Student Leaders Training and Development Strengths- based leadership is the cornerstone of my work with Ontario student leaders. Including St.... Continue Reading →
Have you experienced stage fright or performance anxiety?
PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP How to Turn Fear into Excitement Neuroscience Solutions & Insights Did you know that fear and excitement share the same set of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. Opposite emotions. Identical neurotransmitters. Same neural activity. Different Cognitive Appraisal. And the best way to shift from performance anxiety to excitement is to say... Continue Reading →
PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP Practice the Pause
Stop saying โUm,โ or โAh,โ during speeches with this one simple tip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpr9HR-Ur2I&feature=youtu.be The next time you have a speech to give, try taking a pause between thoughts. In doing so, you allow your message to sink in. Giving yourself and the audience a much needed break. Allowing time for everyone to digest the information.... Continue Reading →
Thriving Teams. Thriving Leaders.
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 →
TEDX MOTIVATION FOR NEW SPEAKERS – WHAT’S YOUR WHY? WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?
Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the new roster of TEDX Windsor speakers at Beachgrove Golf and Country Club in Windsor Ontario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URKcpc0rEVQ In the 4 min video I advise new TEDX Speakers on how to stay motivated during the extensive and lengthy TEDX preparation process. Reminding speakers HOW THEY DREAMED... Continue Reading →
The Shadow Effect
Psychology Class The Shadow Effect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aECfb8QNp0 One of the things I love to do is share whatโs happening on campus in my psychology class. Todayโs Topic: The Shadow Effect Watch this short video and consider the following questions: What is your shadow?How does it serve you?Where does it come from?How do I bring it into... Continue Reading →
The power of beliefs.
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKimTCawJls In this 5 minute training video, I... Continue Reading →
Failure as Feedback – The Drive Magazine
There are two ways of looking at failure. Failure as FEEDBACK. Failure as PUNISHMENT. โโโโโ One energizes. The other paralyzes. WHY FAILURE IS NECESSARY I believe that failure is essential for success, at work and in our personal lives. Failure lights our way to what weโre ultimately meant to do. Especially when we embrace it... Continue Reading →
Growth Moment Meditation
Reframe stressful moments as growth moments. Opportunities moving you one step, one breath, one moment closer to your dreams. One thought debilitates. The other levitates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ucdU7URx5g
TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY During my TEDx Talk I discuss how to thrive under pressure using three stress resilience techniques: challenge, commitment, and control. The purpose of this talk is to help students develop coping skills in empowering, educational, and uplifting ways. Additional Information Blog: Click Here YouTube:ย Click Here Twitter: Click Here Contact Form: Click Here Interviews: Click Here Articles: Click Here Speaking Services: Click Here
Claim Your Prize
Inspiration is everywhere. Today's post is brought to you from my psychology classroom. I hope it inspires you to claim the joy in your life. Good vibes, after all, start on the inside. We spend so much time creating future opportunities that we often forget to claim the magic weโve manifested - right in front... Continue Reading →
Biology of Stress
Resilience Training & Education During my psychology speech at the โYou Can Do College Eventโ I share the biological origins of stress and anxiety with 600 grade 10 high school students during a 2 day event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY&t=25s Stress & Anxiety Management I also demonstrate simple strategies for coping with stressful, anxiety-provoking situations. Including: deep breathing... Continue Reading →
Authenticity empowers you.
โYou only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.โ Mae West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucq3BluxGw&t=5s โย In this video clip from my โPitch with Passionโ seminar with student and communityย entrepreneurs, I discuss the importance of being authentic and true to oneself.ย โ Not everyone is going to like who you are. Not everyone is... Continue Reading →
Shifting from anxiety to excitement
PSYCHOLOGY THOUGHTS They say we only use 5-10% of our brainโs full potential. A statement I agree with. Psychology Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwisq9hn8q0 Know thyself Understanding ourselves better, including our brains, is always the first step in tapping into whatโs possible, within, and all around us. Hacking the brain Did you know that fear and excitement share the same... Continue Reading →
Positivity first
My job description as a psychology professor includes this quote: Because first you foster peace and positivity. Then you teach. ๐ Related Post: Let peace begin with me
Psychology 101: Ask Dr. D.
Getting to know my students is one of my favourite parts being a professor. ย Accordingly, I ask students a lot of questions. So itโs only fair that students get to ask me questions too! Why did you become a psychologist? ๐ฅ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJDKR07hDw Whatโs most interesting about being a college professor? ๐ฅ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NieGvwEkkEI I would love... Continue Reading →
5 Steps to Thriving based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
In this psychology video and article I share 5 Steps to Thriving and Growth using Maslowโs Hierarchy of Needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyGHeBzGwUU&feature=youtu.be Read the article and watch the video, then try out the reflection questions below. https://issuu.com/sabooster/docs/thedrive_143_issuu/72 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Reflection Questions Which deficiency needs (physiological, safety) are currently met vs. unmet? Which growth needs (love... Continue Reading →
Empowering Students Through Positive Psychology
I love sharing ideas with students. I canโt imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young. Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada.The most recent opportunity being a conference called: โYou Can Do College.โ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY... Continue Reading →
Face It – You are 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... Continue Reading →
Work hard. Rest. Repeat.
TO ALL NURSING STUDENTS If I were to assign homework this week it would be to take a break. 10 minutes at a time. 5 times a day. Because you have worked exceptionally hard. And a good rest is half the work. Although things may not have gone your way. Not exactly as you had... Continue Reading →
Study Tip: Stay Focused
This post was inspired by the one question students ask year after year: "Why Can't I Remember Anything?" More often than not, it's a focusing and attention issue, not a memory problem. AtkinsonโShiffrin Memory Model An important distinction between attention and memory described in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVLM9VWCkeU Stay Focused You Can't Do Big Things... Continue Reading →
Who motivates you?
Students, past and present, motivate me!"The future of the world is in my classroom today." One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week. She said that an encouraging note and a picture... Continue Reading →
PODCAST Respecting the Process
Do you trust the process / evolution of your life? Do you stir the pot before it boils? Do you open the oven before it bakes? Or do you relax on the sofa trusting the recipe and the time it takes? Not long ago, I was interviewed by Adam Rochon on the topic of transformational... Continue Reading →
Who are you?
Emotional intelligence is the starting point for personal success. Until you know who you are, how will you know what intrinsically motivates you? Reawaken your passion for life and enhance your self-esteem by reflecting on โWho you areโ. A daily practice in self-discovery and personal responsibility. How would you describe yourself in one word? What... Continue Reading →
YOU HOLD THE KEY
POWER OF LIGHT Even though we often have little control over the โoutside forcesโ in our lives, we can always make a positive difference -ย from the inside out. Start here. Right here. Right now. Be still. Breathe in gratitude. Be thankful for this very moment. Start small. Notice your passing thoughts. Let go. Awareness empowers.... Continue Reading →
There will always be critics
ย Their will always be critics. Use their words as motivation. Prove them wrong. Focus on your dreams. Not their doubts. https://youtu.be/xwHAgC7AAak Use their words as fuel for inner strength andย drive. The world needs your unique kind of wonderful. So don't let the critics get you down. Endurance is not just the ability to bear... Continue Reading →
10 Tips to Help you Focus Better
https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU?si=QefaAWPnhAh9oWb3 How to focus better when you study Preparation is half the victory. 1. REIGNITE your motivation. Revisit why you are studying in the first place. To one day save someone's life as a nurse. To protect vulnerable children from abuse. To create a business that will employ displaced workers. Your future self will thank... Continue Reading →
Give yourself a break.
I work hard. Too hard sometimes. And I bet you do too. On one hand, that's fantastic. You wouldn't be where you are without steadfastness and sacrifice. On the other hand, having a singular focus on work ultimately shortchanges your potential. Rest is part of the equation. Rest is critical for success. At life and... Continue Reading →
7 Ways to Feel Strong in the Midst of Failure
Take a long deep breath. Be still. Don't Rush. Find a safe place to challenge your fears and beliefs. Take a long walk. Eat a nourishing meal. Learnย something new. Have Fun!ย Self-Discover. Imagine. Envision. Explore and Begin Again! Sometimes good things fall apart so great things can fall together.
Focus is everything
100 Hurdles 1 Goal FOCUS ON THE INTENTION Not the distractions Ignore the noise https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU
What’s your why?
Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation We live in a world that rewards frivolous behaviour with fame and fortune, so it is no wonder that some students expect their motivation to come from the outside, in the same way that reality show contestants expect to win a million dollars, simply by โshowing upโ. How can... Continue Reading →

