63. Optimize Your Performance and Mental Health With Dr. Hillary Cauthen
Dec 30, 2024
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Dr. Hillary Cauthen, a clinical sports psychologist with a wealth of experience helping elite athletes, joins the conversation to tackle the often-overlooked connection between trauma and performance. She introduces a seven-step model to optimize performance while enhancing mental health, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness and emotional authenticity. The discussion highlights the importance of a supportive environment and coping mechanisms in overcoming trauma, along with practical advice on maintaining focus and resilience in both personal and professional arenas.
Dr. Hillary Cauthen emphasizes that understanding trauma is essential for improving performance in both real estate and high-pressure professions.
The podcast outlines a structured seven-step model to address trauma, focusing on empathy, effective communication, and actionable planning.
Authentic emotional expression is crucial for top performers, as suppressing feelings can negatively impact both mental health and performance outcomes.
Deep dives
Reflections on the Past Year
As 2024 comes to a close, there is an emphasis on self-reflection regarding achievements and goals for the upcoming year. Key questions arise concerning personal accomplishments, regrets, and intended changes for 2025. The focus shifts towards mentally preparing for the next year, highlighting the significance of mental health in achieving optimal performance in both personal and professional spheres. This introspective approach is crucial for high achievers seeking to enhance their overall well-being.
The Impact of Trauma on High Performers
Trauma is a universal experience, affecting a significant majority of individuals, including top athletes and business professionals. The conversation reveals that even the highest achievers often grapple with fears surrounding performance and the anxiety of not meeting expectations. Strategies to combat these challenges highlight the importance of adopting a growth mindset and focusing on actionable goals instead of potential failures. Acknowledging this emotional toll is essential for anyone striving to reach their maximum potential.
The Role of Emotions in Performance
Effective emotional expression is identified as a crucial component for peak performance, yet many high performers struggle with this aspect. Athletes and professionals must learn to engage with their emotions authentically, as suppressing them can hinder success. The discussion suggests that feelings are powerful motivators that fuel performance and should not be ignored or dismissed. Addressing emotional health is portrayed as essential to optimizing performance, both on and off the field.
Understanding Trauma: Phases of Recovery
The stages of dealing with trauma are highlighted, pointing out the minimizer, enabler, and moral authority phases. Individuals experiencing trauma often begin by minimizing their feelings, making it hard for them to acknowledge the impact of their experiences. As they move through these phases, they work towards understanding and processing their emotions, ultimately reaching a state where they can express their authentic selves. This framework for understanding trauma is critical for fostering emotional resilience in both personal and professional contexts.
Implementing a Trauma-Informed Action Plan
A structured seven-step model is proposed for addressing trauma within organizations and personal networks, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. The first step involves acknowledging the traumatic event, followed by seeking expert feedback and creating an actionable plan together. The importance of regular check-ins and open communication is underscored to ensure a supportive environment for those affected. This model is presented as a practical approach for fostering mental wellness and healing across various domains, emphasizing that effective support can lead to transformative healing and growth.
What does dealing with trauma have to do with performance in real estate—or any profession, for that matter?
Dr. Hillary Cauthen is a hugely successful clinical sports psychologist who has worked with elite athletes in the NFL, NHL, NBA, etc. She joins us today to teach us how to optimize our performance as real estate agents and improve our mental health as humans.
In true MREA form, Hillary outlines a seven-step model and specific tactics we can immediately implement in our lives.
No matter where you’re at with your trauma or mental health journey, you’re going to find something helpful in this conversation.
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not to be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action. Information in this podcast does not replace consultation with a qualified health or medical professional who sees you in person, for your health and your medical needs. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guests represent those of the guests and not KWRI and its affiliates and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax or other advice.