Changing Minds with Owen Fitzpatrick

In this episode, I talk with two fantastic Psychologists who collaborated on an excellent book called 'Solving Modern Problems with a Stone Age Brain'. Had a really fun chat where we discussed Maslow, the challenges of the modern world, how we evolved to think and much much more... worth a listen!!!

In this episode, we explore how to build your own personal brand and why it matters. Your personal brand is crucial. It establishes how people perceive you and get to know you. Personal and Professional. How do you want to be known? What order are the qualities you want to be perceived as having? How do you want to make people feel? How can you add value to others? What is unique about you? What are you best at? What stories reveal who you are? How can you communicate who you are with your words? How can you communicate who you are with your body language? How can you communicate who you are with your voice?

In this episode, we explore the inner critics and some strategies you can use to handle them! It is not just an inner critic. There are many voices. We just tend to position our critic in an elevated position. The relationship with our inner critic.  Feelings can trigger it. Habitual thought patterns trigger it. Potential vs Performance Whenever you are evaluating yourself. What is your goal? What information is the critic suggesting? How accurate is it?  What is the nuance? How is it helpful? How is it not helpful? What are you going to do moving forward?

In this episode, we talk with Carol Malakasis, the Start-Up Girl, about founder sales, rejection, imposter syndrome, and much, much more!   Carol is a New York City startup veteran. She has ten years of experience in selling. She's part of the founding sales teams for two startups that were acquired. and is quintilingual in nature. Working with early-stage founders has been her passion. Carol believes that everyone can sell if taught the right way. Here are some key takeaways from this interview: Carol's story and how she's able to do what she's doing today What stands out as the most important lessons that she got about sales and persuasion?  It's not a matter of talent, it's a matter of putting in the work  Carol talks about changing perspectives and facing rejection   How does she deal with insecurities and impostor syndrome?  Rejection is never pleasant, even after you have years of experience  Differentiating between external feedback and the way she speaks to herself One thing she believes is critical for founders, or any business owner, is the ability to sell Carol explains what a sales playbook is To find out more about Carol check out https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolmalakasis/  Ramped Solutions http://ramped.co

In this episode, we explore what we need to do to put a plan in action and achieve what we want. What is your goal? How will you know when you've achieved it? What stops you? What can you do to overcome those challenges? What do you need to succeed? What milestones can you set along the way? How can you reward yourself for the progress you're making? What will you do once you have succeeded?

In this episode, I explore the power of goal setting. We explore different models of goal setting and the many benefits of what they allow us to do. Types of goals: Objectives and Key Results Objectives Key Results SMART Goals Specific  Measurable  Achievable  Results-Oriented  Time-Based Well-formed outcome: Positive Specific  Sensory Based Ecological Control The benefits of goals Clarity Focus Calm Confidence Resilient Motivated Excited Enthusiastic

In this episode, we look at how you can be ready for the future by asking a number of key questions. We grew up learning the infamous "when life gives you lemons" metaphor, which we use as a lesson to deal with when fate throws anything in our way. But that is not necessarily true because, most of the time, we're taken aback by how unpredictable the future is. Whether you're currently weathering storms, just got fired from your dream job, or waiting for an acceptance call, here's a simple guide to being ready for anything life throws your way, because living is a bit more tricky than lemons and oranges. In today's episode, we'll be learning how to get prepared for the unknown. Here are some of the tips that you should follow in order to be prepared for the future: 1.Create a vision for the future that you want in sections. 2.Instead of preparing for the worst-case scenario, prepare for the most likely scenario. 3.What are the upcoming challenges that you foresee and potential challenges that might occur? 4.Weight the opportunities that are there for you? 5.Identify all of the different skills, mindsets, and behaviors you need in order for you to be ready for the future. 6.What do you need to do in order to make that vision a reality? 7.What are you going to do to be able to change things if something unexpected happens?

In this episode, on this important week in climbing, I talk to Vivian Rigney, a top executive coach here in New York that has climbed the seven summits of the world including Mount Everest. He has also released a new book called ‘Naked at the Knife Edge' about his incredible Everest adventure. An amazing book, it brings us on the journey as Vivian shares some wonderful wisdom on leadership and high performance along the way. Vivian also happens to be a good friend of mine and, in this episode, we discuss the book, his work with executives and some great wisdom he has learned along the way. Here are some key takeaways from this interview: Vivian's background and how he found himself doing what he's doing today  Admitting that we need help and asking for help is another level of vulnerability that we all need in our business “Beliefs are often feelings rather than facts.” The motivation and drive that made him climb Mt. Everest What was the toughest part of the climb for him? What were the most important lessons in terms of great leadership that Vivian learned along the way? Managing your inner dialogue, thinking efficiently, understanding that vulnerability is a strength, and authenticity will lead to followership.    To find out more about Vivian check out Vivianjamesrigney.com TO GET HIS AMAZING BOOK: HARDBACK VERSION OF NAKED AT THE KNIFE-EDGEhttps://www.amazon.com/Naked-Knife-Edge-Everest-Leadership-Vulnerability/dp/1637630778/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16RXY6V036AQP&keywords=naked+at+the+knife+edge&qid=1649985725&sprefix=naked+at+the+knife+edg%2Caps%2C1136&sr=8-1 AUDIOBOOK VERSION OF NAKED AT THE KNIFE-EDGEhttps://www.amazon.com/Naked-Knife-Edge-Everest-Leadership-Vulnerability/dp/B09VCTGK11/ref=sr_1_2?crid=16RXY6V036AQP&keywords=naked+at+the+knife+edge&qid=1649985762&sprefix=naked+at+the+knife+edg%2Caps%2C1136&sr=8-2

In this episode, we explore the phenomena I first mentioned in my TEDx talk… Inner Propaganda… and explain how it works and how we influence ourselves internally. Propaganda - Information of a misleading nature designed to influence people Attention - we focus on whatever maintains the narrative  Confirmation Bias - we convince ourselves we are correct Beliefs - Ideas with the feeling of certainty attached Mindset - A collection of beliefs that we have about a specific topic  Emotions - Affect that we interpret in a particular way Moods - Emotions that last more than a few minutes Thoughts - Ideas we generate inside our mind consciously or unconsciously Internal multilogue - the conversations that happen inside our head between different voices  Core Beliefs - what we believe no matter what we feel Emotional Beliefs - what we believe when we feel a particular emotion Our Inner narrative - the story we tell ourselves about a situation An Emotion leads to emotional beliefs and an inner narrative that interprets the experience we are having.  From the internal multilogue, the negative voices gain power and use negative thoughts and emotional beliefs and an inner narrative. try and convince us of a negative reality. This reality can keep the emotion alive and lead to a mood and even a mood disorder. To overcome the challenge posed by inner propaganda, we need to take back power in our own minds.  This means understanding the difference between core beliefs and emotional beliefs.  It means changing our inner narratives and choosing where we put our attention.

In this episode, we look at handling trauma and changing how we can react and respond to it effectively to move forward in our lives. Healing from Trauma When we experience trauma, it can be easy to forever suffer from the horrible emotions and memories. In this episode, we explore strategies we can use to help us to heal from it. Disclaimer: Please make sure you seek help from a professional for any trauma that you find overwhelming. 2 Types of Patterning EmotionalHabitual  Strong emotional reaction makes memory solidify Change emotional associationChange the narrativeMindfulness - Get DistanceRun the Movie BackwardsBe gentle with yourselfSelf ClosureForgive yourself and themBe okay with feeling badTalk about it Handling regrets At least vs If only (Dan Pink The Power of Regret)

In this episode, we explore the key questions you need to ask to start being the very best you can be. It is about what you put your attention on and what action you take. Attention: Your focus follows your questions. Start with these 12 questions. What would the very best you look like? What would the very best you sound like? How would the very best you act? How would the very best you feel? How would the very best you take care of yourself? What would the very best you do to feel happy? What would the morning routine of the very best you be like? What would the evening routine of the very best you be like? What would the very best you spend time learning? How would the very best you switch off? What strengths would the very best you leverage? What weaknesses would the very best you work on? Action: What are you going to do to make this happen? When are you going to do it? How are you going to do it? Why are you going to do it? What could stop you? What will you do to overcome what stops you?

In this episode, I talk to my friend and top leadership coach, Mike Goldman, about the work he does in creating breakthrough leadership teams. Mike is a nationally recognized author for his best-selling books revolving around building leadership teams. He walks us through the importance of mastering self-leadership and establishing vulnerability-based trust. If you want to become the leader of a profitable, and growing company that positively impacts the lives of your clients and team members, then listen to today's talk. Some great insights here. About Mike Goldman Mike Goldman is an award-winning leadership team coach and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of two books, Breakthrough Leadership Team and Performance Breakthrough.  He speaks internationally to groups of business leaders, such as the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO). During his 30+ year coaching and consulting career he has worked with clients including Disney, Verizon, CHANEL and Polo Ralph Lauren. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company and Chief Executive Magazine and he is widely regarded by CEO's as the expert on building great leadership teams.  Resources:Mike Goldman's website - https://www.mike-goldman.com/ @mikegoldmancoach on Instagram

In this episode, we explore how emotions work. We examine how they are created and why they matter so much. We also discuss when emotions don't matter and when we should ignore them. HOW THEY WORK Lisa Feldman Barrett ‘How Emotions are Made' Our brains make predictions We experience affect  Valence & Arousal Interroception: What we feel inside Sensory Input: What we sense outside Concepts: What this is like Our brain regulates our body budget Use concept to decide on emotion WHY THEY MATTER Release of chemicals and hormones inside of us Allocate resources to balance body budget Influence us in terms of what we can do Source of information and even wisdom in terms of ‘gut feelings' Guide us in terms of what we like and what we don't When we are taken advantage of we can get angry When our status is in danger, we can get scared When  They make us human. Love. Compassion. Ecstasy.  Birth of a Baby. Laughing with a friend. WHEN THEY DON'T MATTER Our brains aren't optimized for happiness They are optimized for survival in the jungle. Nowadays, huge adrenaline surge isn't as useful as it was. As such, they focus on danger, drama and desire. We become addicted to extreme emotions Our feelings often mask the truth. Feelings vs Facts. Drug Addiction, Anger, Falling in Love - Craziness

In this interview, I talk with one of the top experts in the field of self development Dr John Demartini. We discuss being yourself, breaking through limitations and the different sides to good and bad experiences. Some gems in here. ABOUT DR JOHN DEMARTINI Dr. John Demartini is a world-leading human behavior specialist, researcher, polymath, philosopher, international speaker, best-selling author, educator, and the founder of The Demartini Method. The Demartini Method is a revolutionary tool in modern psychology. He has authored 40 books that have been translated into 39 different languages and presented his insights alongside some of the world's most influential people, including Sir Richard Branson and Deepak Chopra. He has been awarded the IAOTP Top Human Behavior Specialist of the Year as well as the IAOTP Lifetime Achievement Award.    His work is a summation of over 299 different disciplines synthesized from the greatest minds in most fields of study today. His extensive curriculum focuses on helping purpose driven individuals master their lives so that they are able to more extensively serve humanity with their inspired vision and mission.     Harnessing almost five decades of research across multiple disciplines, Dr Demartini shares his life, business, financial, relationship and leadership empowerment strategies with people all over the globe - enabling them to transform their lives according to their highest values. To find out more visit, www.drdemartini.com

In this episode, we explore strategies you can use to make your messages easier for people to remember. Context  Cues  Difference  Emotion  Quantity  Relevant  Repetition  Self-created  Senses  Social

In this episode, we identify the 6 keys you can use to make your content compelling to consume and engage with. The keys are: Wow Exclusive Emotional Practical Clever Entertaining (funny, inspiring, story)

In this episode, we explore the art and science of getting people's attention. Let's explore the depths and analyze how you can get people's attention by exploring 15 different hacks that could be of use in your business, social media platforms, and the like. Here's the list of the 15 HACKERS that you should use to grab everyone's attention:  1. Novelty- the ability to show something that's never been seen before  2. Sexual Desire- one of the in-built impulses that we have as humans  3. Food- showing delicious looking food to attract people  4. Danger- pointing out the potential hazards to grab their attention  5. Relevance- figure out what's important to your audience  6. Drama- exaggerate things by using dramatic effect  7. Hope- provide people something that they can look forward to  8. Memorable- make things easy for you to remember  9. Curiosity- grab attention by asking questions 10. Motivation- motivation towards pain or pleasure 11. Unfinished-starting a story, then finishing it later on 12. Mysterious- need to want to figure things out 13. Surprise-transcending people's expectations 14. Beauty- cute things 15. Polarization-what strong beliefs that we have that people will disagree with? Be sure to tune in for more interesting topics!

In this episode, I explore the area of thought leadership... what it means... what a thought leader is and some of the challenges we face as thought leaders!!

In the final podcast rerun episode, I discuss anxiety. We look at why we feel anxious in the first place and what we can do about it!

In this popular rerun episode, I explore the wonderful approach of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), one of the most effective forms of psychotherapy out there. CBT is used to help people train or condition their minds and behavior so that they can turn their lives around. 

Brene Brown, one of the most important psychological researchers alive today has completed some powerful and fascinating research into the area of vulnerability. In this rerun of one of the most popular episodes in the work of series, I explore her books and work.

Today's RERUN - 'Winning the war in your head' is about taking charge of how you think and feel so that you can learn to change your own mind by applying skills from Psychology, Neurology, CBT, NLP, Mindfulness and much more. You will understand more about how your brain works and how to change the way you think and feel.

In this rerun from season 1, Hypnotic Language is discussed where I explore the Milton Model of NLP based on the work of Milton Erickson. I explain the basics of how the Milton Model works.

Here is a RERUN of the very first interview with Dr. Richard Bandler, co-creator of NLP that I did at the beginning of the Changing Minds Podcast. Some great answers in here from the creative genius himself. Definitely one to check out!!

Rerun from Season 2: In this episode, I speak once again with my mentor, friend and co-author Dr Richard Bandler for the third interview. This time we talk about our new book (out hopefully in 2021) The New Structure of Magic. Warning: Kinda technical NLP stuff so this interview mightn't be possible for everyone to understand everything.

Sometimes (or during times of uncertainty) we just need to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and believe that we can overcome adversity and thrive.  However, our brains are prediction machines. Because of that, we tend to learn from error—from the gap between what we predicted and what actually happens. I've mentioned before but beliefs are ideas that have certainty attached to them. If we bet on ourselves and succeed, that's great, right? The problem is when we interpret negative experiences in a way that confirms the narratives we tell ourselves. Well, I've got good news for you. We can actually choose to believe that we're so much more capable than we think. Here's how you can direct your brain to gamble on you: Look back on all of the things you've accomplished in the past Those memories will give you the conviction that you can succeed If you tried and didn't succeed, redefine what that experience means Imagine what you want to happen and then act as if it's going to happen Start by altering the way you carry yourself or the way you talk Put your commitment where your mind is Expect tough times to be difficult but bet that you can be tougher With 2022 on the horizon, choose new habits, optimize your performance, and get the results that you wanted to achieve! Links/Resources: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!

Rerun from Season 1: NLP or Neuro-Linguistic Programming is an attitude, methodology and technology that helps you to communicate more effectively with yourself and others. In this episode, I give you the lowdown and the fundamental ideas of NLP.

In this episode, we explore exactly what you can do to change your habits… just in time for 2022! The WRITING Process WHYWhy do habits matter? RESULTSWhat results are you not getting?What problems are you having? ISOLATIONWhat habits are not there that you need to be there?What habits are there that you need not to be there?What will you get if you implement these habits? TRIGGERWhen do the old habits happen?What is the trigger for the old habit? When do the new habits need to happen?What will happen just before the new habit? IDENTIFICATION (OF REWARDS AND CHALLENGES) What does the new habit look like being implemented?What reward can you give yourself when you implement it?What challenges may stop you from succeeding?What are you going to do to overcome these challenges? NUDGEWhat do you need to do to make the new habit easier and the old habit harder? What do you need to do to make the new habit more fun and the old habit less fun? GENERATION (OF THE ROUTINE) What do you need to do to make the new habits function well in your life long term? The 30/30 principle (target doing it for 30 days in a row or 30 times in a row) The Discipline Factor

Influence is a skill we all have and need to master if we are to become successful. In this episode, we explore cults, deprogramming, propaganda, brainwashing, persuasion and practical skills of influence so you can learn how to change people minds and impact them more effectively.

Today, we're going to get a little philosophical. But before we can dive into how people transform their beliefs (and how you can transform other people's beliefs), we first need to understand what a belief is. In this episode, I will break down some definitions, correct certain misconceptions about beliefs, and explain the mechanics of what goes on in our heads. I will then weigh in on how beliefs function in relation to other matters such as feelings/emotions, religious faith, identity, and even mental health. I will also share practical tips on convincing others to think differently, drawing from real-life examples. Key Takeaways: A belief is an idea that we have a sense of certainty about People can share an objective belief but that does not make it a fact Our identity is a set of beliefs we have about who we are The different ways we signal to other people The challenge of living in a polarized world How to appeal to people so that they consider changing their beliefs (like those who are pro-vaccination and anti-vax) Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!

This is a RERUN of one of the most popular episodes on the Changing Minds Podcast. Positive Psychology is such an important area of psychology today. In this episode, I explore the basics of the field and what practical strategies we can learn from it!

Many of us are no stranger to procrastination. Hey, maybe you're listening to this podcast instead of doing whatever it is that you need to be doing. Okay, that's fine; but how do we overcome this bad habit? We need to just... Take. Action. In today's episode, I weigh in on the fear of failure and success, overwhelm, and the lack of motivation, prioritization, and knowledge. Have a pen and paper ready because I share some strategies so that you can tackle any challenges coming your way and handle procrastination like a pro. Key Takeaways: The two questions you need to ask yourself so that you can feel more motivated to take action Make it harder to fail by changing your definition of success Plan for success Make each task the most important thing you have Identify what knowledge you need to take action and then go find that information Take any step in the direction of what you want to achieve Quotes: “Failing is something we do as opposed to something we are.” “Stop finding ways to make excuses.” “Build some sort of momentum moving forward. Take the first step.” Links/Resources: The ONE Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Deep Work by Cal Newport Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!

Welcome to part 2 of a session that I did on Clubhouse on the psychology of overwhelm! In this episode, I talk about the remaining Ts that overwhelm us—threats, targets, and thoughts—from a neurological standpoint. I share some mental frame games, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and focusing on what we can control. I also weigh in on what I call an “attention budget” and end the show with tips to help beat feelings of overwhelm. When you start to feel overwhelmed by threats in your environment, you need to remind yourself (with conviction!) that... Everything will be okay. You've got this. What if you want to achieve specific goals? How to avoid feeling overwhelmed? Create a vision of where you want to be. Breakdown large tasks into bite-sized chunks and track your progress. Here are some things you can do to bring more positivity into your life:  Accept the feeling of overwhelm. Ground yourself in your body. Embrace the present. Meditate or do some yoga. Give yourself a creative outlet. Eat healthy. Learn how to delegate and to say “no”. Take breaks regularly. And don't forget to be grateful. Links/Resources: The Psychology of Overwhelm Part One Breath by James Nestor Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!

Buckle up because I'm about to overwhelm you all with strategies... on handling overwhelm! Today, I'm going to talk about the psychology of overwhelm—how it works, how it impacts the brain, and what we can do about it. I will also weigh in on the rise of technology and go over the difference between anxiety, stress, burnout, and overwhelm. This is the first installation of a 2-part excerpt from a presentation that I did on Clubhouse. Overwhelm happens when we feel like we have to do more than what we can do. It's a paradox because we end up trying to make it possible to do more! Well, you need to stop. Stop pushing yourself to try to do everything. Stop getting lost in the need to be perfect. Here are the 6 Ts that overwhelm us: TOO MUCH to do Not enough TIME Problematic TRIGGERS THREATS of incoming consequences Setting TARGETS that are too high Stressful THOUGHTS Identify what's making you overwhelmed. Accept what you can't change. Focus on what you can control. How to deal with too many tasks? Write down everything. Sort them into different categories. Break them into manageable chunks. Analyze each task and then connect it to your overall goal. Finally, prioritize the ones that matter the most. Recognize how arbitrary your deadlines are to you. Learn to be patient and realize that, even if you miss a deadline, you're going to be okay. Links/Resources: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Lisa Feldman Barrett's website Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!

In this episode, we explore what a mood is and key strategies to help you change your mood and do so when you need to. Accept mood- affect physical sensationsFind empowering interpretation for itIdentify ideal moodReappraisal: recategorizing what sensations you mean… different actionReconceptualizing… practice it before in situations. Deadline it and force it SleepExerciseEating HealthyLearning somethingPositive triggersNatureAweMusicGood people Kids worldGratitudeNewness

In this episode, we tackle what stops us from doing what we need to do or making the change we need to make… and how to make it! You don't know what you need to doYou don't believe it needs to be done You don't know how to do itYou don't feel like doing it You don't keep doing it Awareness-Work backwards from results or emotions or goals Values-Pros and cons. Worst case scenario and best case scenario. How it fits in your life Skills-Model someone. Books. Practice. Feedback Motivation-Goals, Progress. Little Steps Discipline-Environment, Ease, Structure, Routines

This episode is all about the dopamine balance, how we become addicted and how to motivate ourselves in a healthy way. Dopamine, also known as chemical messenger, is a neurotransmitter produced by your body that your nervous system uses to deliver signals between nerve cells. Dopamine is necessary to maintain normal brain function. The main purpose of dopamine is to send signals within the brain, but it also acts outside the brain by sending signals to the body. In this episode, I'll go over what Dopamine is and what it does in greater detail. Dopamine balance: the two sides to motivation.Dopamine is: A neurotransmitter A neuromodulator Responsible for motivation and addiction Dopamine is released into two different areas: Dopamine desire circuits Dopamine control circuit What are the negative impacts of addiction in our lives?How do seemingly normal routines become addictive over time?What's the thin line between motivation and addiction?How to recognize and balance our behaviors?What happens when we are motivated and de-motivated?What is a good addiction and a bad addiction?Why do we still want to get things even after becoming less motivated about them?What is the default amount of Dopamine?What happens when we fire certain amounts of Dopamine?Why is Dopamine responsible for addiction? How to handle addiction: Dopamine fasting Push through  Embrace the struggle Do it for the sake of the process Make it a discipline and a routine Give yourself a regular rewards Is this episode useful to you? Get access to more ‘changing minds' episodes on my website: https://owenfitzpatrick.com   

This episode is all about becoming a more strategic person through 3 core strategies. Why we struggle with strategic thinking Present BiasImmediate ResultsSafety in certaintyHate being wrong How we can become more strategic Think in two modes - Present and Future Scenario Planning Strategic Questioning What does the future hold in terms of opportunity?What challenges will the future bring?What are the trends right now?When you solve these problems what new problems will there be?What black swans could happen?What advantage do you have now?What advantages do others have over you?Who do you want to become?What do you want to become known for?What is your plan for that?What resources do you need for that?What skills do you need for that?What habits do you need for that?

In this episode, I explore the challenges we face in trying to become more critical thinkers and how to overcome them. What stops us from being critical thinkers? Emotional factorsBiasesLack of timeLack of energyLack of awarenessOverthinkingLack of knowledgeThe curse of knowledge What questions help you think more critically? What information do you have?What information do you need?How accurate is the information?What does it mean about what is going on now?What does it suggest about the future?How does it impact the big picture?What relationship or political factors impact things?

In this episode, I explore the wonderful world of Neuroscience and Happiness! How the Brain Creates Emotions: Traditional: triune brainConstructivist: our brains predict AFFECTInside body (interception)SensesBody budgetAffective realismPropaganda of emotion UNPLEASANT TO PLEASANTAGITATION TO CALM NeurochemistryDopamineCortisolAdrenalineSerotonin EndorphinsEndocannaboidsOxytocin How to trigger more SerotoninGratitude Sunlight NatureNLPMindfulnessMusicExercisePositive PsychologyPresent AwarenessDietReflection  How to trigger more DopamineGoal settingNew ExperiencesHopeLearningMotivating ourselvesMusicChallenging ourselvesCreativityControlSportsMeditationStories How to trigger more OxytocinHugsSexConversations with friends PetsTouchWatching movies or readingGroup activitiesKaraokeSports

In this episode, we discuss not believing in yourself and not feeling good enough. Hope it helps!

A few days ago, it was international mental health day. Because of this, I wanted to do something a little different. So, if you are struggling with your mental health, listen to this. It's okay to feel it You are not alone It's not true. it's just a story. Solve for Happy: Mo Gawdat Events - Expectations Expectations Interpretations Comparisons Past Pain Present pain Future Pain Change the stories Victim or Villain mentality Tell someone. reach out to a professional Set a Goal. Implement the Strategy. Exercise Sleep Eat Healthy Spend time with a pet Get fresh air Spend time in nature Be around people who make you feel good Stop being around what makes you feel bad Give yourself a break Speak nicer to yourself Reach out and talk to a trained professional Everything will be okay. You will get through this.

In this episode, I explore the habit we have of using hyperbole and exaggerated language to communicate with others and what this means, how to handle it and why it matters. WHY WE SPEAK OVER THE TOPNegative Bias (negativity holds our attention) Salience Effect (emotions hold our attention) Drama Bias (dramatic holds our attention) We need to because:Social Media Competition The Language of the Media Social and Habitual Language How we speak over the top:Exaggeration and Hyperbole Generalizations Labeling Polarizing Language (outsider vs insider language) Loaded or Emotional Language HOW TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT EXAGGERATED LANGUAGEFind a new, meaningful way to say it Find the right time and context to say it Embrace the power of a scarce and deliberately used word Use the power of contrast to emphasize HOW TO HANDLE THE EXAGGERATED WORLDSeparate fact from emotion Separate fact from hyperbole Rephrase in a non-exaggerated way Get them to deliberately add in exaggeration

In this session, we explore how you can stop being manipulated by others and think for yourself. Why we believe people The illusion of certainty The illusion of clarity The illusion of the extremes (polar) The Dunning Kruger effect Uncertainty The rule of the asshole (opinions are like) How people manipulate us Gaslighting (making you believe you're overreacting) Victim taking (making themselves out to be a victim) and Guilt tripping Past blaming (bringing up guilt inducements from the past) Labeling (labeling you in a convenient way) The illusion of balance (I like… but) Finding your vulnerabilities and insecurities Narrative weaving (telling the story to serve their agenda) Bad mouthing (speaking badly of others) How to deal with this Checking the source (how credible are they) Checking the agenda (and how their narrative serves it) Checking the tactics (how are they manipulating you) Checking others perspectives Reclaiming power Setting boundaries Holding your own council Making up your own mind

In this episode, I explore the notion of boundaries, when we need them and how to create them in the relationships of your life. The power dynamic in every relationship We respond to what we become used to When boundaries fail.. villains and victims, resentment and disgust The healthiness of boundaries What relationships need boundaries What boundaries do they need What would those boundaries look like in action How can you communicate boundaries to the other person Challenging when boundaries are breached INFORMATION ON MEMBERSHIP: changingmindsacademy.com/monthly

In this episode, I discuss 18 different ways to show love to yourself. Any of them can help you feel better about you! Be kind to yourself Have your back Compliment yourself Buy yourself stuff Give yourself a break Critique yourself Work on yourself Discipline yourself Enjoy yourself Take care of yourself  Believe in yourself Forgive yourself  Accept yourself Assert yourself Remember how amazing you are Focus on your strengths Give yourself time  Gratitude INFORMATION ON MEMBERSHIP: changingmindsacademy.com/monthly

In this episode, I talk about the most important secret in taking charge of your life. Hint: it begins with P! Purpose based living Thinking on purpose Not automated patterns of thinking or feeling  Create kind of states you want  Make better decisions Thoughts that serve you    Spending money on purpose Where money going.. not going anywhere. You are spending.  What do you want? Is this spending taking you towards this?    Spending time on purpose  Where do you spend your time? What do you want your life to be about? Is this a good use of your time?   Spending attention on purpose  What do you spend your time thinking about? Where does your attention go? What do you want in your life?  Where do you need your attention to go instead?    Purpose based relationships Does this behavior align with what I want in my relationship or who I want to be in it?    Purpose based health and fitness  What kind of health and fitness do you want to enjoy? What kind of who cares do you want to enjoy? How often will you have a who cares moment?   INFORMATION ON MEMBERSHIP: changingmindsacademy.com/monthly

In this episode, I discuss why people believe all kinds of things and how to be better at communicating with people who do so! Reactance Confirmation bias Ego Emotions first justification next Filters Source and in-group bias Consistency and cognitive dissonance The world doesn't always make sense The lure of the conspiracy (you know the secret, life is unfair) How language shapes our beliefs (the mass media, conspiracy theories) The value choice Understand they aren't a villain in their heads Understand the common values Think in the nuances Separate the views Respect their choice Master the clear argument articulation Know the challenging questions Avoid scrolling online

In this episode, I explore the idea that bad things often just happen to us and the unfairness of life.. And how to change this perception!! The law of attention  Negative filter  Victim mentality Confirmation bias Understand the nature of life (is neither good nor bad) Luck and Freewill See the character you play Pronoia Control Search for the positive Future Learn from others

THREE TYPES OF WOW MOMENTS:   INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES Stunning - Beauty, Awe, Greatness Surprising - Magic, Storytelling, Shocking facts Savoring the Moment Sharing with likeminded people   INSPIRING EXAMPLES Show Stoppers - Simone biles  Star gazing Visionaries - musk, besos, jobs female Struggling Underdogs - Tyson fury, greatest underdogs Sacrificers - Great War example and sacrifice example    INGENIOUS INSIGHTS Scientific Discoveries  Solutions  Seeing Clearly: understanding why and how  Spotting Patterns and coincidences    HOW TO TRANSCEND EXPECTATIONS 1. Alert by Epinephrine & Cortisol Focus on Problem and Consequences, Uncertainty, Questions, Normal Marketing & Framing at the beginning Focus by Acytecholine with Relevance Excite them scarcity    2. Set the Expectations Motivate with Expectations by Dopamine Mesolimbic Pathway    Reference Dependence We value objects and experiences relative to an existing reference point. A raise of 10 grand a year is great until you learn everyone else at the company got a raise of 20 grand.   So moments are wow are partly constructed by the relationship between what we expect (our reference point) and what we experience   Expectations vs Experience   Social Proof The reference point and expectations we have for an experience is influenced by what other people think. It will raise and lower the expectation point.   3. Transcend the Expectations Mesolimbic Pathway & Mesocortisol Pathway Medio-orbital frontal cortex and Beauty   Remembering vs Experiencing Self Remembering Self turns experience into a narrative. Remembers CHANGE, SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS & ENDING   Stories The stories we tell ourselves about what is supposed to happen (expectations) The stories we tell ourselves about what is happening (experiences) The stories we tell ourselves about what happened (memories) change, significant moments, ending  

Contrary to what movies and storybooks tell us, our feelings and emotions do not come from the heart. They actually come from the brain.   In this second part of a special outtake of my Clubhouse session, I dig into the neuroscience of love, relationships, and heartbreak. I explain certain terms like synaptic pruning and neurotransmission. I then talk about how specific neurochemicals and hormones work when you meet someone, get into a relationship, or get out of one. I also weigh in on attraction, lust, and ghosting, offering advice so that you can better deal with strong feelings or emotionally-driven situations. Hope you enjoy!   Key Takeaways: Dopamine is the chemical that makes us want something or someone Serotonin stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness Oxytocin plays a role in social bonding, reproduction, and the period after childbirth Phenethylamine acts as a releasing agent for dopamine and other chemicals On pheromones, vasopressin, testosterone and estrogen On takotsubo cardiomyopathy or "broken heart” syndrome Set some rules or guidelines so that you don't just go with your feelings Loving someone and being in a relationship can lead to amazing experiences but it's not always easy so be kind to yourself   Quotes: “Feelings and emotions are largely the produce or the effect of these chemicals going across the brain.” “Oxytocin allows you to empathize more easily with people.” “Being attracted to someone and actually acting on that are two different things.” “As soon as you get heartbroken, you're also having your future broken.” “When you fall in love with someone, your brain is actually blind to the negatives.”   Resources: S03E10: Special Outtake on The Neuroscience of Love Part One Dr. Andrew Huberman's podcast Helen Fisher's books How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett Love Sick by Frank Tallis   Subscribe to the Changing Minds Podcast!