You Should Be Taking More Risks. Here’s How To Get Over Your Fear And Do It. | Sue Ashford

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Mar 17, 2025

Sue Ashford, an award-winning scholar at the University of Michigan, shares her insights on overcoming fear and perfectionism. She emphasizes the importance of developing a learning mindset over a performance mindset. Listeners will learn about 'flexing' as a strategy for personal growth, and practical tools for asking for and embracing feedback. Ashford also discusses the concept of re-storying to shift negative perspectives and the importance of savoring successes to enhance interpersonal effectiveness. Her advice helps pave the way for calculated risks and self-improvement.

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ADVICE

Flexing for Growth

Approach personal and professional growth with flexibility.
"Flex" by picking up growth efforts when convenient and experimenting with different approaches.

ANECDOTE

Flexing for Patience

Sue Ashford used "flexing" to improve her patience during family visits.
She experimented with breaks, enlisting help, and lowering expectations.

INSIGHT

Risks of Growth

Growth involves risks, especially to ego and relationships.
People avoid growth to avoid these risks and maintain the status quo.

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The Power of Flexing

How to Use Small Daily Experiments to Create Big Life-Changing Growth

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In 'The Power of Flexing', Susan Ashford introduces a technique that empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to learn and grow by setting 'flex goals', running experiments, soliciting feedback, and adapting to change. This approach helps develop vital skills such as time management, communication, and problem-solving, fostering a growth mindset for continuous improvement.

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