Janet Fouts's Blog, page 3
April 20, 2024
Positive Psychology: Deepen Communication, Collaboration, and Happiness
Positive psychology is sometimes dismissed as “merely happiness science,” focusing on the pursuit of joy. Those who say that are overlooking the amazing impact positive psychology brings to every aspect of our lives. It not only contributes to our personal well-being by promoting self-awareness, purpose, and living life with meaning but also to our abilities as leaders, communicators, and collaborators.
More than “just” happiness
In the late 1990s, psychology researcher Martin Seligman shifted the focus from psychological research and practice based on mental illness to mental well-being. He coined the term Positive psychology, which looks at a wide range of human actions that contribute to flourishing.
Barbara Fredrickson’s work on the broaden-and-build theory is a cornerstone in this field. According to Fredrickson, positive emotions broaden our awareness and encourage fresh ways of acting and being curious about other ways of achieving our goals. With practice, this leads to building skills, resources, and resilience.
Core Elements of Positive Psychology
1. Self-awareness: Recognizing our own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses is the first step towards personal growth. It enables us to navigate our emotional landscape and better manage our reactions to experiences.
2. Positive Emotions: Feeling good does more than just put a smile on our faces; it also increases our resilience and opens us up to new possibilities and experiences.
3. Purpose and Meaning: Engaging in activities that align with our values and goals provides a sense of fulfillment and guides us to use our energies constructively.
4. Mindfulness: By being present and fully engaging with the current moment, we can lessen the impact of stress and enhance our capacity for gratitude, appreciation and joy.
5. Positive Relationships: Building strong, supportive relationships is crucial for emotional well-being, helps us feel connected and valued and for those we engage with to gain these benefits too.
Positive psychology tools
The elements of positive psychology in our daily lives can significantly enhance our communication skills and collaborative efforts with tools I use in corporate and private coaching every day:
Mindfulness is simply understanding and managing our emotions and those of others, promoting clearer and more effective communication. Emotional intelligence allows us to express ourselves authentically and respond to the emotions of others with sensitivity and understanding.Growth Mindset
A growth mindset, the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work, is core to positive psychology. It encourages resilience and a willingness to learn from mistakes, crucial traits in getting along with others and collaborating. Teams that embrace a growth mindset are likely to be more innovative, as they are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas.Positive Emotions
Feeling positive emotions can significantly improve work with your team, too. They lead to more cooperative behaviors, increase shared enthusiasm, and promote a more supportive team atmosphere. This boosts productivity, and team members will likely be more engaged and satisfied with their work.The Broaden-and-Build Theory
Barbara Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory explains how positive emotions lead to new ways of thinking and getting things done. In a team setting, this theory suggests that a positive outlook can help widen one’s perspective and so be more likely to explore options that might be overlooked otherwise. This broader range of ideas and behaviors can lead to more effective problem-solving and innovative outcomes.
So, you wanna be more satisfied with life?
Positive psychology is about nourishing an environment within ourselves and in our interactions with others that encourages growth, resilience, and well-being. By learning its principles, we can enhance communication skills and collaboration and just plain be happier—not through the pursuit of happiness itself but with a deeper understanding and practice of what makes life most worth living.
Making positive psychology part of our day-to-day lives doesn’t just make us better humans—it makes us better partners, colleagues, leaders, and community members. How cool is that? If you want to hear more about how this can help you, let’s talk!
April 15, 2024
Monday Burnout?
I had a call this morning with a client who told me “It’s Monday, and I’m already feeling burned out and depleted!”.
I get it. Can you relate too? Mondays can be overwhelming. This is in part because people tend to think about things that need to be done as soon as they get back to work and suddenly we’re overwhelmed.
What to do?
Pause and reassess to recognize the signals your body and mind are sending.Are you feeling unusually tired, irritable, or detached?Is there anything else that is taking space in your thoughts right now? Whose sense of urgency is this really?Does this have to be addressed immediately or is it just that they need to know the issue has been seen and will be fitted into the workflow?Where does each task fall in the priority list?Your well-being is important not just for you, but for the rest of the team too. Try these Microdosed Mindfulness® exercises to help center your thoughts, making it easier to tackle tasks with a clear mind.
Notice
When we are stressed or even just busy we can put blinders on, not really experiencing what’s going on around us. For one minute notice what’s around you without having to do anything about it. What can you hear? What can you see? What can you feel? What can you smell or taste? This is key to being fully present in your environment, and can help you to get grounded in the space you are in.
4 Breaths
Get comfortable wherever you are. Sitting, standing, it doesn’t matter, this can be done anywhere, and simply close your eyes.
Take a 4 deep slow breaths to stimulate the body’s natural relaxation response.Count 1,2,3,4 for the length of each inhale and exhale. This type of breathing naturally activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress hormones and shifts your focus away from the stressors you were experiencing.
Just look
Pick something in your immediate surroundings and focus on seeing it as if for the first time. It can be anything really, a rock, a paperclip, anything. Observe its color, texture, any particular qualities. Allow it to take up all of your focus for 15-30 seconds. This focus time allows the distractions to fade away, even if just for a moment and be present with what is right in front of you.
Calgon moment
Where would you like to be right now? Sitting by the beach and listening to the seagulls? Floating on a tranquil pond drenched in the warm sun? Walking in a lush forest? Allow yourself to go there in your mind for a moment. Feel the feels, smell the smells and the sights. Live the experience as though you were right there. This not only diverts your mind for a moment it engages your senses in a calming and restorative way.
Remember, self-compassion is key. Acknowledge your efforts and remind yourself that it’s human to feel overwhelmed. Look for support from friends, family, or a professional can also provide relief and perspective. You’re not alone in this journey.
Want more? Let’s talk. I’m here for you.
February 28, 2024
Scott Shute on Mindful Social
If you’ve considered bringing conscious business practices to your workplace, you’ve probably heard of Scott Shute. His work is well-known in leadership, entrepreneurship, operations as well as sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator and author of the award-winning book “The Full Body Yes“. He blends his experience as a Silicon Valley executive with his lifelong practice and passion as a wisdom seeker and teacher.
In his most recent role at LinkedIn, Scott was the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion programs. He has been a pioneer in creating workplace mindfulness programs and advancing the discussion around compassion in the work context.
Listen to Mindful Social on:
Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Castbox Overcast Podbean Radio Public Spotify Audible
Changing Work
Scott co-founded Changing Work, which seeks to curate the best practices of conscious business and make them more widely available.
The collective brings solopreneurs and organizations together to create heart-centered and conscious businesses. And that friends, is better for all stakeholders.
Solopreneur?
Join me and many others who bring a heart-centered approach to life and work. Join the collective here and use the code PODCAST24 to get your first month free and 2 more months at 50%.
Connect with Scott
January 26, 2024
Micro-steps to Personal Growth
In our personal and professional search for success, sometimes we glide right over small victories. In my practice as a coach and CEO, I’ve witnessed firsthand how appreciation for these minor achievements is not just a step toward our goals but a crucial exercise in mindfulness, self-care, and resilience.
Celebrating Small Successes
Our lives are a mosaic of moments and achievements, with each tiny fragment vital to the big picture. We don’t always see it when we are in the moment, though, do we?
For example, I once started a project that seemed technically over my head. At first, I felt overwhelmed and doubted I could do it at all. But I’m pretty stubborn, so I decided to take small steps forward, knowing I’d probably make mistakes along the way. Little by little, I felt more confident in my abilities and pushed through the challenges. When I finally did it, I really felt I’d climbed a mountain!
Building on that success, I decided to take on a more challenging task. I felt more confident in my ability to learn and grow, and I jumped into it. In the end, I was rewarded by learning something new and being offered a new contract with that client that developed into more challenges–and rewards.
This experience taught me the value of celebrating small successes and how they can contribute to new achievements.
Celebrating these moments is crucial because it reinforces our path and purpose. It’s about being present and mindfully aware of progress, no matter how incremental it may seem. In this way, we have a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, recognizing our capability for resilience in the face of challenges.
Take Action
Try some of these simple micro-practices and see how, over time, they make a difference, not just in your progress, but in awareness of your awesomeness!
1: At the start of your day, write 2-3 goals, and in the evening, write 2-3 things you achieved, no matter how small. It’s not about “Did I achieve my goals entirely?” But about “Did I take steps forward?” Capturing these moments can create a powerful narrative of your journey, reminding you of your progress.
2: Break down your goals into achievable micro-goals, making them more manageable and allowing you to celebrate victories regularly. When we celebrate, we learn to keep going with confidence. Each micro-goal achieved is a testament to your commitment and a step toward your objectives
3: Surround yourself with people who recognize your strengths and celebrate with you. Sharing with others boosts your sense of accomplishment, and you can do the same for them, creating a circle of support and encouragement. Recognizing each other’s potential can result in shared Eudaimonic happiness for all involved.
4. Reward yourself for every small win. It could be something as simple as a smile, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or something more significant. These rewards are acts of self-compassion and self-awareness.
It All Adds Up
Every micro-success contributes to increasing change over time. We often don’t notice the cumulative effect of the daily grind, but it is humongous when viewed in hindsight. Did you ever look back at a surprising achievement and then see the small actions that made it happen?
When we celebrate these moments with mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional intelligence, we move closer to our goals and enhance our overall well-being. As we learn to appreciate the small steps, we find they are not just steps; they’re the essence of our life.
January 24, 2024
The Resilience Plan – Mindful Social Podcast
This week on the Mindful Social podcast my guest is Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier (MH) MBA, PhD. In her book The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health she offers real-world and actionable steps to be more resilient in a turbulent world and to optimize how you take care of your wellbeing at home and at work.
Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded a dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and workplace health. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, governance and public sectors, she brings national and international perspectives and expertise on mental health and resilience as a key pillar of overall health.
She is a bilingual practicing psychologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and advisory workplace psychology and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia.
Marie-Helene is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented, authored and co-authored a number of industry and academic publications and has won numerous academic and industry awards.
Connect with M H.
Join the Book Launch Team: https://drmarie-helene.com/join-the-book-launch-team/Pre-Order the Book: https://theresilienceplan.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmhpelletier/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmhpelletierYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ryCJz3vUfYZOxegc41DZQ Website: https://drmarie-helene.com/January 8, 2024
Reflections on burnout, changing times, and gratitude
As we step into the fresh beginnings of 2024, it’s a perfect time to reflect with gratitude on the year gone by. At first, we see all the negatives, but if we look closely we can see that each year brings its blend of joys and challenges, successes and lessons. Even tough days and setbacks are valuable – they’re lessons that teach us to continue to grow and build resilience.
Last year was tough for many of us. The emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress has been a common refrain with clients and friends alike. Rather than get caught up in rehashing all that, how about we take a few moments for gratitude and celebration, not just of the big achievements but the small triumphs too?
Yes, gratitude
Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a practice, a mindset that can radically impact our well-being and perspective. When we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, even the tough stuff, we foster a sense of contentment and peace. I’m not saying to ignore the challenges but recognize them and see what we can be thankful for despite them.
At work this could mean being thankful for the skills you’ve gained, the relationships you’ve built, and even the small daily tasks you do. Every email sent, project completed, and each constructive meeting are steps toward progress. Acknowledging ALL of it can shift our focus from what’s draining to what’s fulfilling. Heck, I bet you got a lot more done than you realized at the time, right?
Just one step
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Celebrating small victories is a powerful way to build confidence and combat feelings of being undervalued. When we see that step by step we are moving forward and celebrate that, it helps us take the next step, and see the destination getting closer.
Did you manage to clear your inbox today? Did you start that task you’ve been procrastinating about? Enjoy a conversation with someone you want to know better? These might seem ordinary tasks, but in reality, they’re small wins. Recognizing and celebrating these can help rebuild the confidence that burnout often erodes.
Recognition of others
Creating a culture of gratitude and recognition in the workplace can change everything for the whole team. Whether as a leader or colleague make a difference by simply noticing and acknowledging those around you. A simple ‘thank you’, a note of appreciation, or public mention of a job well done can lift spirits and create cohesion among the team.
Encourage team members to share successes and learnings in meetings and to offer appreciation for others. Not in a gamification sort of way, but personally!
Gratitude grows on us
This growth-oriented mindset is crucial for thriving in the ever-changing landscape of the modern workplace. It helps us adapt, evolve, and find joy in our professional journeys.
When we practice gratitude we’re more open to learning and trying new things. We’re resilient in the face of challenges and more creative in our problem-solving.
Gratitude as a buffer
By being grateful we cultivate an environment that nurtures well-being and satisfaction. It doesn’t eliminate stress, but it helps us manage it by recognizing that things really aren’t all bad.
Gratitude practices
How do we practically incorporate gratitude into our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
Looking forward with a grateful heart
As we look forward to the coming year, carry this mindset of gratitude and celebration of small victories. Let’s set an intention to not only achieve our goals but to enjoy the journey towards them, appreciating each step and learning from every stumble.
With a heart open to embracing gratitude we can look forward to a new year with enthusiasm and optimism. We can transform our workplace into a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Don’t forget that gratitude isn’t just for the good times; it’s a tool for navigating the challenging ones too. It’s about finding light even in the darkest moments and recognizing that every experience, good or bad, contributes to our growth.
December 28, 2023
Welcoming Change and Growth in the New Year
As we say goodbye to the old year and ready ourselves for the new one, let’s take some time to think about growth and change for the year ahead. Almost immediately you might notice it’s easy to get trapped in overthinking – getting stuck in thoughts about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. The new year is a perfect chance to leave this habit behind and open up to new possibilities.
Understanding Overthinking and Its Impact
Overthinking so often holds us back. We can get caught in a loop of thoughts “not again”, or “what if” scenarios which stop us from enjoying the present moment. For this shiny bauble of a new year, let’s try to break free from the overthinking mindset.
Start with noticing you’re stuck in your thoughts, going down the rabbit hole. Take a breath and gently bring your focus back to what’s happening right now. Be in the present, it’s actually the only place you can be anyway!
Setting Intentions for a Positive Future
Instead of making lofty New Year’s resolutions that usually fall flat in the first week and leave you disappointed and judgmental, try intentions. Setting intentions can be a kinder and more effective way to approach change.
Intentions focus on how we want to live and feel, rather than just on what we want to achieve. Think about the qualities you want to bring into your life this year, like being more open or resilient, and let these guide your actions.
Mindfully Welcome Change
Mindfulness is a great tool for dealing with change. It teaches us to experience new things with curiosity and without judgment. We look at things from a fresh perspective and observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Curiosity helps us look from different angles and without judgment to shut us down we can experiment with new ideas.
Cultivate a Mindful Mindset
Meditation: You don’t have to do anything silly here, simply taking a few minutes to sit quietly each day can help you stay focused on the present and open without overthinking. Use this time to connect with your intentions for the year.
Journal It: Writing down your thoughts and feelings regularly can help you understand your goals and what you want from the new year. Writing about what goes well and what you’d like to change about your life gives you a perspective that you just might miss in the rush of the day.
Practicing Gratitude: Being thankful for what you have can shift your focus from what you lack to the good things in your life. Try to think of things you’re grateful for each day. Write them down, or better yet, say them aloud.
Learning from the Past, Living in the Present: It’s okay to learn from past experiences, but it’s the past! You can’t actually go there, so dwelling on them too much isn’t helpful. Try to acknowledge your past and then bring your focus back to the present.
Trying New Things: Challenge yourself to do something different this year, like a new hobby or meeting new people. New experiences enrich life and opens new doors. Say yes!
Embracing a Year of Mindful Living
Yes, I’m a mindfulness coach, but just like you, life throws curve balls in my direction. I can see I have a choice; overthinking or remembering my training and experience and moving through life with resilience, an open mindset, and joy! Here’s to a year of learning and growth!
November 19, 2023
Understanding Emotions – Guilt and Shame
Life is a roller coaster ride full of different feelings. Two feelings that we often hear about are guilt and shame. They might seem similar, but they’re actually quite different. Understanding these feelings can really help us feel better about ourselves and make better choices.
Which is it, Guilt and Shame?
Guilt is like that little voice inside you that says, “Oops, I made a mistake.” It’s about doing something wrong and knowing you can fix it. When you feel guilty, you’re thinking about a specific thing you did that you wish you hadn’t.
Shame is a bit tougher. It’s when you start thinking you’re not a good person because of something you did. It’s like a heavy feeling that makes you want to hide away. Imagine feeling bad not just for something you did, but for who you are – that’s shame.
How to Tell the Difference
When you’re feeling down take a moment to look into the emotions you are feeling and ask yourself reflective questions to help you better understand which of these emotions you are experiencing.
For example:
(Guilt is often mostly about actions, shame is about how you feel about your whole self.)Did I do something specific, or do I just feel bad overall?
(Guilt is for specific things, shame is more general.)Do I want to fix a mistake, or do I feel bad about myself?
(Guilt makes you want to repair the issue, shame feels personal and can make you want to hide.)How do I see myself because of this feeling?
(Guilt can be overcome with time, shame makes you doubt yourself.)Am I okay talking about it, or do I want to keep it secret?
(We may talk to a friend about our guilt, but hide the shame from others.)
Why These Feelings Matter
Guilt can actually be helpful. It’s like a nudge to make things right. But shame is trickier; it can make you feel stuck and really bad about yourself. As though you are worthless or a bad human being.
Being Kind to Yourself
The best way to deal with these feelings is to be kind to yourself. When you make a mistake, cut yourself some slack. You are human and humans make mistakes. Learning from mistakes, correcting if possible, and moving on is part of growth.
Where These Feelings Come From
Sometimes, what we learn from others–including family or friends–can make us feel shame even when it’s not warranted. Pay attention to your core beliefs and knowledge of what is right and true.
Blaming Others
When we feel shame, sometimes we blame others instead of admitting we made a mistake. It’s easier, but it doesn’t help us grow or learn.
Breaking Free from Guilt and Shame
Asking yourself those reflective questions helps us see more clearly what we are feeling. Understanding why you feel a certain way can really help in making things better. Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we’re bad people.
Moving Foward
In life, we need to balance being honest about our mistakes and being kind to ourselves. When we understand if we’re feeling guilty or ashamed, we can deal with it in the best way. We can learn from what we did without feeling that we are bad at our very core. Through self-awareness, we can be better people and help others do the same.
In short, guilt and shame are part of life, but they don’t have to control us. Knowing the differences and how to handle them can make us stronger and happier. Remember, it’s not about the mistakes we make, but how we handle them that really matters.
November 13, 2023
Kick the cycle of burnout with a coach!
Burnout – it’s a word that resonates with many of us, especially in today’s fast-paced corporate world. We often don’t realize we’re burned out until we’re “crispy around the edges,” and by then, it may already be too late. Why wait until someone on the team, a boss, or a client calls you out on it? Taking action sooner can help you accomplish your tasks with far less agony.
Recognizing Burnout
Burnout can sneak up on all of us, even the most dedicated and passionate professionals. When we’re sure we’ve got a handle on everything we miss the subtle signs – increased irritability, fatigue, a sense of disillusionment with your work, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms can escalate until they impact not only your professional life but your personal well-being. The reality is that many of us push through these early warning signs, thinking it’s just part of the job. Recognizing burnout is the first step to reclaiming your life and career.
Why do I need a coach?
Working with a coach can offer a lifeline to awareness of the sources and opportunities to squelch burnout. It can be your key to a happier, more resilient life and work, using tools like resilience, self-compassion, and mindful awareness for long-term success.
Your coach is a powerful ally who helps you identify and address burnout in a supportive and constructive way. It’s like having a trusted friend by your side, guiding you towards a happier and more balanced life. What if you could get a fresh eye on what’s going on and insight into the cause and effect of burnout on your life? Wouldn’t that help you deal with the issues more rationally?
Uncovering the Source
We don’t always see the real source of burnout because we’re just too deep in it. Is it unrealistic work expectations, poor work-life boundaries, or a lack of fulfillment in your role? Together, we navigate these questions, shining a light on the root causes. This process alone can be incredibly liberating, as it provides clarity and empowers you to take control of your circumstances.
Building Resilience
Getting off the burnout train empowers you to have more resilience – the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Resilience is not just about enduring difficulties; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. You really can develop the resilience you need to navigate the corporate world without getting trapped in burnout. Stuff like setting realistic goals, creating boundaries, and learning how to manage stress effectively.
Are you your harshest critic?
When we’re under pressure to perform we may see that we are pushing ourselves relentlessly to meet unrealistic standards. A little self-compassion teaches you to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. To see what is actually realistic, and what needs a bit of tweaking to break the cycle of self-criticism and burnout.
Mindful Awareness
Mindful awareness is the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment. It’s a skill that can help you recognize the early signs of burnout and take proactive steps to prevent it. Coaching with me will introduce you to simple mindfulness techniques that enhance your self-awareness and reduce stress. You’ll be better at making conscious choices about your work and life, ensuring that you don’t fall into the burnout trap.
Long-Term Success
Beating burnout through coaching isn’t a quick fix; it’s about securing long-term success and happiness. Coaching equips you with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in your career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s an investment in your well-being that pays dividends over the years.
Here’s the thing
Burnout is a pervasive issue and we don’t always see it in ourselves until it’s too late. Working with a good coach can help you get perspective and take proactive steps to uncover its source, and build resilience. When we can bring self-compassion and mindful awareness to the game we are better prepared!
Don’t wait until burnout takes its toll on your life and work. Let’s talk about how we can work together to reduce the effects of burnout and feel good about feeling good about your life and work!
November 6, 2023
Meet Yourself – Antoine Eid on Mindful Social
We humans are complex beings. From the time we are children to in the working world, and much later in life, there are many factors shaping who we are and what we do. One of the many challenges of leadership is understanding the capabilities, talents, and potentials of each individual on our team so we can help them reach their full potential, which of course translates to the success of the company and the leader!
We can take strength tests and personality tests, but these often don’t get the full picture. For example, are we analytical thinkers, rational thinkers, social thinkers, or a combination of all these?
What behaviors did we bring with us from childhood and which did we learn as we journeyed through life and were trained in certain ways of doing things? But is that the way you want to express yourself?
Speaking for myself, sometimes we come to a point in life where we realize what we thought was who we are is only part of the story, and we begin to explore that a little. Diving into self-discovery and understanding has opened my eyes to new potential and opportunities I had been ignoring because it didn’t fit the mold I thought I should be in. WHEW!
Say hello to my guest this week, Dr. Antoine Eid, founder of Meet Yourself a unique approach to understanding ourselves through the triad of genetic DNA, neuroscience, and psychology. I have participated in the Meet Yourself program and the insights I learned from these tests have opened my eyes to a better understanding of my own potential and attributes.
After having taken all 3 tests and gone over the results with Dr. Eid I can certainly see how this is a boon to teams and aligning us all with our best selves. For managers, it’s a crucial tool to better understand team dynamics, engagement, and happiness at work. I could go on and on here but really, listen to the podcast and take the tests to meet yourself.
About Dr. Eid
Cr. Antoine Eid is a recognized leadership development consultant with a background in neuroscience. He has spent his career studying, teaching, and consulting in leadership and management across the globe. He is today a Senior Associate of the University of Cambridge and the CEO of the Leadership Consultants Group.
Connect with Dr. Eid
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