Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor Mojo Monday - The Pull To Belong With Carly Taylor
Nov 16, 2025
Carly Taylor delves into the deep-rooted need for belonging among teenagers, sharing her insights from working closely with them. She highlights a personal experience of exclusion that resonates widely. Historically, belonging meant survival, and today, teens often feel immense pressure to fit in. Carly discusses the dangers of compromising authenticity and offers support strategies for struggling adolescents. Small acts of inclusion can make a significant difference, and she urges listeners to reach out to those who might be feeling left out.
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Personal Memory Of Being Ghosted
- Carly Taylor recounts a clear memory from year 10 when she walked into a common area and was completely ghosted by her friends.
- She describes the exclusion as cruel, painful, and a sting that lingered for years.
Belonging Has Evolutionary Roots
- Carly explains belonging is evolutionary because survival historically depended on being part of a group or tribe.
- She links exclusion to real losses like safety, food, and protection, explaining why belonging matters deeply.
Adolescent Brains Prioritize Peers
- Carly highlights the adolescent brain's heightened focus on peers as teens pull away from parents and orient toward groups.
- This shift makes fitting in a central developmental focus during teenage years.