Mindset Development Tips

In 2008, Michael Phelps won Olympic GOLD - completely blind. The moment he dove in, his goggles filled with water. But he kept swimming. Most swimmers would’ve fallen apart. Phelps didn’t - because he had trained for chaos, hundreds of times. His coach, Bob Bowman, would break his goggles, remove clocks, exhaust him deliberately. Why? Because when you train under stress, performance becomes instinct. Psychologists call this stress inoculation. When you expose yourself to small, manageable stress: - Your amygdala (fear centre) becomes less reactive. - Your prefrontal cortex (logic centre) stays calmer under pressure. Phelps had rehearsed swimming blind so often that it felt normal. He knew the stroke count. He hit the wall without seeing it. And won GOLD by 0.01 seconds. The same science is why: - Navy SEALs tie their hands and practice underwater survival. - Astronauts simulate system failures in zero gravity. - Emergency responders train inside burning buildings. And you can build it too. Here’s how: ✅ Expose yourself to small discomforts. Take cold showers. Wake up 30 minutes earlier. Speak up in meetings. The goal is to build confidence that you can handle hard things. ✅ Use quick stress resets. Try cyclic sighing: Inhale deeply through your nose. Take a second small inhale. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat 3-5 times to calm your system fast. ✅ Strengthen emotional endurance. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, hard tasks, or feedback - lean into them. Facing small emotional challenges trains you for bigger ones later. ✅ Celebrate small victories. Every time you stay calm, adapt, or keep going under pressure - recognise it. These tiny wins are building your mental "muscle memory" for resilience. As a new parent, I know my son Krish will face his own "goggles-filled-with-water" moments someday. So the best I can do is model resilience myself. Because resilience isn’t gifted - it’s trained. And when you train your brain for chaos, you can survive anything. So I hope you do the same. If this made you pause, feel free to repost and share the thought. #healthandwellness #mentalhealth #stress

How do you reset at work after a break or quieter summer period? My tips are: don’t try to dive into everything at once – best to start with smaller tasks to regain momentum, and gradually work up to more complex projects. This will help to prevent feeling overwhelmed. After a break, take some time to reassess your priorities. Review your to-do list and deadlines and create a plan of action. Focus on what needs immediate attention and set realistic goals for the coming weeks. Use the return from a quieter period to reconnect with your team and wider colleagues. Catching up on what they’ve been working on can provide context for where you left off and help reintegrate you back into the work environment. Think about what you enjoyed during your holiday and how you can incorporate elements of inspiration into your work routine. This could include scheduling regular breaks or finding time for activities that give you energy. The post-summer period is a great time to set fresh goals. Whether it’s professional development or tackling a new project, this can provide motivation. A tidy workspace can help clear your mind and set a positive tone for getting back into the swing of things. Take some time to declutter and organise your desk and/or digital files. Transitioning back to work can be challenging, so be mindful of your energy levels. Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing or going on a short walk to maintain your wellbeing. Recognise and celebrate small achievements as you ease back into work; this can build momentum and keep your motivation high as you transition back to a busier pace. Polly Dennison 10Eighty #HolidayMode #LinkedInNewsEurope

How do you reset at work after a break or quieter summer period? #HolidayMode #LinkedInNewsEurope 💣 For the past 35 years, I have found that resetting at work after the holidays can be a challenge. I follow the below steps, it helps me transition back smoothly and productively. I hope you will find this helpful: 💥 Plan Your Return – you should not go on vacation without planning your first week after holidays: Do not think that coming back you will hit the ground running. Accept that the first few days back might be slower as you get back into your rhythm. I always leave with my desk clean and ready for when I come back. So before you get back into your major projects, ensure your digital workspace is ready for it. 💥 Review and Prioritize Tasks – I call it the ABC of resetting – the Always Be Coordinated tasks: If you are like me, when you come back you have hundreds (maybe thousands) of emails waiting for you. Scan through your inbox for any urgent messages, but don’t try to respond to everything at once. Focus on those that need immediate attention. I write down (or use apps) to list out tasks that need to be tackled, prioritizing them based on deadlines and importance. Regularly I use post its and delete items once they have been done (it feels very good!). 💥 Set Realistic Goals – as mentioned in the first point, do not hit the ground running, be prepared: Instead of diving into big projects, break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Set Short-Term Goals: Set a few achievable goals for your first week back to build momentum, get your confidence back and your head screwed on properly. 💥 Re-establish Your Routine: Get back into your regular work routine, but be flexible as you readjust. Allow yourself short breaks to ease back into work, especially after periods of intense focus. Tell your team(s) about your vacation, feel the good it has done to you! 💥 Reconnect with Colleagues: Spend some time reconnecting with colleagues, catching up on what happened while you were away. Engage in collaborative work or meetings early on to re-establish a sense of teamwork. 💥 Focus on Well-being: I maintain good habits, such as eating well and staying hydrated, to support my energy levels. Have a read at the work I did with the Harvard Business Review: https://lnkd.in/d2Bq4PHX I take moments to breathe deeply, meditate, or simply reflect to manage any stress associated with returning to work. It would be too bad that after 2,3 or 4 weeks away you have not taken any good out of it. 💥 Reflect and Adjust: At the end of your first week back, evaluate how you’ve managed the transition & adjust your strategies as needed. This will make you feel great as you will notice that you are more productive because you have taken that time off. I hope my experience has helped. This is something that I put in place as in Europe we have longer vacation time and coming back is a challenge.

How do you win when everything feels off on the court? I have an answer for you. It has been given to me by the greatest of the sport. On your worst days, the mindset makes the champion. The difference between champions and the rest lies in their ability to win even when they’re playing their worst tennis. They don’t chase the feeling of playing great—that’s a mistake most players make. Instead, they focus on what’s in their control. My number one advice: stop focusing on yourself and your struggles. Shift your attention to the strategy needed to win points with the game you have today. The moment you dwell on your own problems, you lose focus on your opponent. Winning isn't about feeling good—it's about staying tactical and precise with what you have in the moment. Second, the way you talk to yourself, your body language and attitude are everything. The way you carry yourself comes directly from your internal dialogue. Champions find ways to talk to themselves in a way that fuels positive body language, which keeps their mindset sharp and focused. By mastering these two things—strategy and inner talk—they rise above the bad days and find ways to win. Control what you can, and let go of what you can’t. That’s how champions prevail, no matter how they feel on the court. #PatrickMouratoglou #TennisMindset #tennis #sports

Long weekend is over, back to work now! Resetting at work after a long break can be challenging. On a humorous note, you might say to drink as much coffee as possible and have a good cry about life's unfairness. But if you're seriously looking for advice, here's how I manage returning from PTO: I usually allow myself some buffer time before diving back into work. For instance, if I'm starting tomorrow, I dedicate this evening to doing something I genuinely enjoy, helping me feel satisfied and ready. Once I'm back at work, I know there will be a ton of tasks demanding my attention. To handle this, I make a list of all the tasks and use a priority matrix to sort them—tackling the high-priority ones first and saving the lower-priority tasks for later in the day. In addition to managing tasks, I make a point to reconnect with my colleagues, catch up on updates, and share stories from my trip to lighten the mood. I also ensure I’m fully up to speed by reviewing all the emails I missed. While returning to the usual corporate grind after a holiday can be frustrating, I try to view it as a chance to refresh my mind and recharge after a well-deserved break. To further ease the transition, I sometimes start by setting small, achievable goals for the first few days back, which helps build momentum without feeling overwhelmed. I also like to review my calendar to identify any upcoming meetings or deadlines, so I can plan accordingly. If possible, I try to leave a little flexibility in my schedule to deal with any unexpected tasks that might arise as I settle back in. Lastly, I find that reflecting on the highlights of my break and thinking about how I can bring some of that energy into my work helps maintain a positive mindset as I readjust. #HolidayMode #LinkedInNewsEurope

Feeling a little off-focus after your holiday? Here are some simple ways to ease back into work mode. I just got back from a holiday in Europe—lazy mornings, breathtaking views, and zero deadlines. It was bliss. But stepping back into work? Let’s just say the struggle was real. If you’ve ever felt the same post-holiday brain fog, you’re not alone. Here’s what I’ve learned (and tested) to shake off the slump and get back into the groove: 1️⃣ Take it easy on Day 1: Don’t dive headfirst into the chaos. Block time to clear your inbox, prioritize tasks, and get caught up. It’s okay to ease in. 2️⃣ Brain dump your to-do list: Write everything down, then sort it into what needs attention now and what can wait. Seeing it all laid out is oddly calming. 3️⃣ Your inbox isn’t your boss: Most emails aren’t urgent. Skim, pick the top 20 that need you, and tackle them in chunks. Deep breaths—it’s manageable. 4️⃣ Bring back your routine: Holidays are all about breaking free, but getting back into habits like journaling, yoga, workouts, or a consistent sleep schedule works wonders. 5️⃣ Set tiny goals: No need to climb a mountain on Day 1. Decide on a couple of small wins—like clearing your inbox or ticking off one lingering task. Momentum builds quickly. 6️⃣ Treat yourself: Yes, you just got back from a trip, but a little reward—a fancy coffee, a walk in the park, or even a new playlist—keeps the post-holiday blues at bay. 7️⃣ Clear your desk, clear your mind: A tidy workspace = a fresh start. It’s science (or at least, it feels that way). 8️⃣ One thing at a time: Multitasking is a lie. Focus on one task, finish it, and move on. It’s less stressful and way more productive. 9️⃣ Music is magic: Try binaural beats or white noise. I’ve been loving playlists designed for focus—they really help. 🔟 Look ahead: Use that post-holiday clarity to plan what you want to achieve in the months ahead. New projects? Learning a skill? Dream big. The first week back is always the hardest, but with a little strategy (and a lot of coffee), it gets better. What’s your go-to trick for bouncing back after time off? Let me know—I’d love to hear it!

I recently coached a team leader who had hit a wall. Great instincts, strong vision—but every mistake felt personal. Every critique, a threat. Every missed target, a question of worth. He didn’t need more strategy. He needed to step away from some unexamined narratives stuck on repeat, and... He needed a new "Mantra Playlist" with greatest hits like: -I am not finished. I am forming. -Growth begins where comfort ends. -Struggle is the work. -I choose formation over perfection. -Failure is not final, it's formative. -Curiosity keeps me moving. -Effort shapes what talent cannot. -Progress is slower (and deeper) than it looks. -Who I’m becoming matters more than what I achieve. -Resilience is built, not born. That’s the core of a Growth Mindset. It’s not about faking positivity. It’s not about glossing over failure. It IS about rewiring your perspective (and brain) toward curiosity, learning, and development. And science spells out the payoff: -Teams that adopt growth mindset cultures see higher innovation rates and adaptability (Dweck, Harvard Business Review) -Leaders who model learning over perfection build psychological safety—the #1 predictor of high-performing teams (Google Project Aristotle) Growth Mindset isn’t a posture. It’s a system of belief that shapes resilience. The leaders and teams that endure? They don’t just chase wins. They rewire for formation: "always be learning." 📌 Where are you (or your team) being invited to grow—without needing to get it right the first time? #growthmindset #leadershipdevelopment #groundedandgrowing #formation #learningculture #resilience #leadershiphabits

Top Self-Care Tips for Busy Professionals: Prioritize Your Mental Health May is #MentalHealth Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on how we can maintain our mental well-being amidst a hectic professional life. As an ER physician and AI futurist, I've learned the importance of self-care. Here are some of the best strategies I've found: 1️⃣ **Mindful Breaks:** Take short, mindful breaks throughout the day. Even 5 minutes of deep breathing or a quick walk can reduce stress significantly. 2️⃣ **#Exercise Regularly:** Physical activity is a proven mood booster. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. This can include anything from running to yoga. 3️⃣ **Stay Connected:** Maintaining strong relationships with family and friends provides essential emotional support. Schedule regular catch-ups, even if they’re virtual. 4️⃣ **Seek Professional Help:** Don’t hesitate to seek therapy or counseling. It’s a powerful tool for managing stress and maintaining mental health. 5️⃣ **Healthy Diet:** Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Proper nutrition impacts both physical and mental health. 6️⃣ **Adequate #Sleep:** Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep hygiene is critical for overall well-being. 7️⃣ **Set Boundaries:** Learn to say no and set boundaries to prevent burnout. Protect your personal time and prioritize tasks effectively. Prioritize your mental health and inspire others to do the same. What self-care tips work best for you? Share in the comments! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SelfCareTips #MentalWellBeing #DrGPT #HealthyLiving #ProfessionalLife

I’ve lost count of how many high-achieving physicians I’ve coached who hit a wall before ever saying, “I need help.” One story stands out. A talented hospitalist—brilliant, organized, respected by colleagues. Everyone assumed she had it all together. But under the surface, she was drowning. She worked double shifts, volunteered for every committee, and made sure every patient got her full attention. No one saw the exhaustion. She thought asking for help meant letting down her team. By the time she reached out, she was burned out, missing family moments, and questioning whether medicine was even the right field. This pattern is so common in medicine. The hidden cost? It’s not just burnout. ✅ It’s missing time with family and friends. ✅ It’s losing the spark that brought you to medicine in the first place. ✅ It’s feeling isolated—when the job already gets lonely enough. Here’s what I’ve learned coaching physicians through this: 1. Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s leadership. It shows you know your limits and value your work enough to protect it. 2. Start small. Ask a colleague to trade call shifts. Delegate a single task. See how it feels. 3. Notice the warning signs early—irritability, skipped meals, trouble sleeping. These are not badges of honor. 4. Open up about the experience. You’re almost guaranteed to find someone quietly wrestling with the same thing. Nobody gets through the marathon of medicine alone—and you don’t have to. If you’ve ever felt like asking for help would make you less of a doctor, believe me, it’s the opposite. What’s one way you can lighten your own load this week? 🔔 Follow me, Dr. Heath Jolliff, for more tips ♻️ Share with your network to help them

Carol Dweck’s growth mindset is a helpful concept, but it is often oversimplified in ways that are problematic. Growth mindset is the idea that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. It can be empowering: when we treat challenges as opportunities to grow, rather than proof of our limitations, we become more adaptable, persistent, and open to learning. At Hudson Institute of Coaching we have seen great value in this idea with coaches-in-training, who are often more accustomed to performing than learning. But like many big ideas, the way it’s been popularized often oversimplifies the message. Dr. Richard Claydon has pointed out that the concept is heavily based on mid-20th-century achievement psychology, which assumed a level of personal control that doesn’t always match today’s more complex realities. The systemic perspective matters too. A thoughtful review of the research by Jill Barshay suggests that the link between mindset and outcomes like academic achievement may not be as strong as believed. Researchers found that how we define intelligence can influence mindset scores, which points to a more complicated relationship between mindset and results than many realize. It’s also clear that context matters. Sharp thinkers like Dave Snowden (and Dr. Richard Claydon, again) have pointed out that growth mindset can be overplayed as a one-size-fits-all solution. In cultures that punish mistakes or prioritize short-term results, encouraging a growth mindset is a dead end. The idea can be used to shift blame to individuals for not growing while ignoring systemic problems like lack of resources or toxic cultures that make growth impossible, no matter how hard someone tries. I think that growth mindset has an important place — if we believe that people can grow and develop, the door is open to better ways of working together, and that is a big deal. But we can apply it more thoughtfully. Growth happens when people are supported by systems that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and learning from failure. Without this support, growth mindset falls flat. Source: Barshay, J. (2019, November 25). Does growth mindset matter? The debate heats up with dueling meta-analyses. The Hechinger Report. https://lnkd.in/g-S-dEE5