The Paul Taylor Podcast | Expert in Hardiness and Mental Fitness

This week on Mojo Monday, Carly talks about commitment - what it really means, and why it matters more than motivation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part Two of my conversation with  Dr. Alia Bojilova as we delve into the intricacies of resilience, offering valuable insights into the psychological and physiological aspects that contribute to personal and collective growth in challenging times. Our discussion covers a range of topics including belonging, curiosity, purpose, and drive as critical components of resilience. Through this engaging dialogue, we explore the dynamic interplay between self-awareness, community, and purpose, providing practical strategies to harness resilience effectively. What You'll Learn: Understanding Resilience: Dr. Bojilova and Dr. Taylor discuss how resilience is fuelled by a sense of belonging and purpose. They highlight the importance of being part of something bigger, with clear positive intent and shared values that sustain and enhance our capacity for life. Belonging and Identity: The conversation explores the profound impact of belonging not just to groups, but also to oneself. They emphasize the magic of defining personal values and purpose, which serve as a foundation for resilience. The Role of Curiosity: Curiosity is spotlighted as a vital component of resilience, offering a pathway to see seemingly insurmountable challenges as opportunities for exploration and growth. Purpose and Drive: Their dialogue underscores the significance of clear purpose as a precursor to drive, with motivation naturally following purposeful action towards meaningful goals. Physiological Resilience: Dr. Taylor stresses the importance of physical recovery and self-care as foundational elements of resilience, cautioning against the misconception of relaxation as genuine recuperation.   Key Takeaways: Stay Purpose-Driven: Purpose precedes drive, making it crucial to align your actions and goals with your core values and sense of meaning. Integrate Curiosity: Cultivate curiosity about yourself, others, and the world to keep your mind open and adaptable. Prioritise Recovery: Ensure that rest and rejuvenation are integral parts of your routine to sustain long-term resilience. Embrace Belonging: Develop a deep sense of belonging within yourself and your community to foster a supportive environment for personal growth.   Resources For more on resilience and to purchase Dr. Bojilova's book, "The Resilience Toolkit," check your favourite local bookstore. Connect with Dr. Alia Bojilova on LinkedIn for updates and potential speaking engagements. Corporate inquiries can be directed to Between Two Beers, a speaking bureau in New Zealand. Support the Podcast If you found this episode inspiring and informative, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners with meaningful discussions like this one. Share this episode with friends or colleagues who might benefit from understanding resilience and its transformative impact on life and work. For more resources and discussions on resilience, stay connected with us and never miss an episode of this invaluable series on personal and professional growth. 00:32 The Psychology of Tribalism and Community 02:04 Tools for Deepening Belonging 03:13 The Role of Awareness in Resilience 06:12 Curiosity as a Key to Resilience 10:29 The Power of Awe and Gratitude 13:52 Effort and Procrastination in Achieving Goals 20:11 Labels and Responsibility in Mental Health 22:24 The Problem with Labels in Psychology 23:27 Understanding Drive vs. Motivation 23:59 Purpose Precedes Drive 27:23 Discovering Your Purpose and Values 34:53 Resilience in Different Contexts 39:23 The Importance of RecoverySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly talks about fear as an example of finding emotional balance. There is always a message in our emotions, but we often aren't listening. When we do listen, we find that even our most intense emotions are pointing us to what we deeply care about. From there, we have a compass to point us to the path to take and how we can show up fully, even when we feel like running the other way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is the link for more information and to sign up for the exclusive Hardiness workshop and 6-week program - and here is a link to the research paper on the details and benefits of the program..   In today's episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alia Bojilova, a renowned psychologist and resilience expert, as we explore the complex and multifaceted nature of resilience. Drawing from her extensive experience wotking with the SAS in New Zealand and her new book, "The Resilience Toolkit," Dr. Bojilova shares her profound insights on resilience as a dynamic, necessary process rather than a fixed trait. We delve into the critical concepts of awareness, belonging, curiosity, and drive, while recounting gripping personal anecdotes, including Dr. Bojilova's intense experience of being taken hostage during her service in Syria. This discussion offers practical tools and rich perspectives on cultivating resilience in everyday life. What You'll Learn: Understanding Resilience: Dr. Bojilova debunks the notion that resilience is a fixed trait, describing it instead as an essential, ever-evolving process that must be nurtured. Awareness and Attention: Discover the importance of being grounded in the present moment and having a clear direction. Learn to differentiate between alertness and awareness and how mindful attention can enhance resilience. Belonging and Community: Understand the pivotal role of belonging, both to oneself and a larger community, in fostering resilience. Explore how shared values and connections with a tribe strengthen our ability to cope with stress. Facing Challenges: Hear about Dr. Bojilova’s life-defining experience in Syria, which underscores the significance of staying composed and responsive under pressure. Responding vs. Reacting: Learn strategies for developing the ability to respond to life’s challenges with intentionality rather than merely reacting.   Key Takeaways: Resilience is a Process: It's essential to view resilience as an ongoing journey that involves nurturing and developing through life experiences. Awareness is Key: Being present and clear about our goals is crucial. It requires intentionality in our responses to the challenges we face. Belonging Matters: A strong sense of belonging and shared purpose can significantly impact our ability to handle stress and adversity. Engage with Challenges: Embrace life's difficulties as opportunities for growth and development. Practical Tools for Resilience: Developing awareness and attention control, understanding your triggers, and building community connections are all practical steps toward resilience.   Resources For more on resilience and to purchase Dr. Bojilova's book, "The Resilience Toolkit," check your favourite local bookstore. Connect with Dr. Alia Bojilova on LinkedIn for updates and potential speaking engagements. Corporate inquiries can be directed to B2B Speakers, a speaking bureau in New Zealand. Support the Podcast By changing the narrative around resilience from a static attribute to a dynamic process, this conversation aims to empower listeners to better navigate their personal and professional lives. Share this episode with those who might benefit from a renewed perspective on resilience. Your engagement could inspire and spark meaningful change.   00:50 Parallels in Our Journeys 01:19 Growing Up in Eastern Europe 02:45 Discovering Viktor Frankl 03:33 Defining Resilience 07:34 A Life-Changing Experience in Syria 08:33 Surviving Hostage Situation 22:12 Lessons from the Ordeal 23:37 Writing the Resilience Toolkit 26:06 Veteran Mental Health and Debriefing 28:13 Reflecting on a Shared Experience 31:37 The Importance of Awareness 35:54 Mindful Attention and Cognitive Fitness 40:51 Responding vs. Reacting 45:52 Embracing Challenges and Building Resilience 51:09 The Role of Belonging in Resilience    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this week's Mojo Monday, Carly Taylor introduces the concept of 'be where your feet are' to help manage feelings of overwhelm and stress. Want to know more about Carly? Visit her website: carlytaylorcoaching.com.au or follow her on Insta: carly_taylor_coaching. Loving the podcast? Please consider leaving a review on your favourite platform. We not only love hearing from our listeners, but it also helps us to keep the podcast going. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this captivating podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick Porter, a pioneering figure in brainwave entrainment and neuroplasticity. Dr. Porter shares his extensive experience and groundbreaking work with BrainTap, a device that utilises light and sound to enhance cognitive function, improve sleep, and boost overall brain performance. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of brainwaves, the impact of external stimuli on neuroplasticity, and how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the way we approach mental and physical health.   What You'll Learn: Understanding Brainwaves: Gain insights into the different brainwave states—alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma—and their effects on our daily functioning. Neuroplasticity Unveiled: Discover how the brain can rewire itself at any age, especially when exposed to new stimuli like sound and light. The Potential of BrainTap: Explore how this innovative tool can improve mental acuity, physical health, and emotional resilience, making it a game-changer for all users. Scientific Living: Learn how the integration of light, sound, and modern technology can elevate your lifestyle and health regime. Key Takeaways: Brainwaves are crucial for various cognitive functions, and maintaining a balance among them can lead to optimal mental health and performance. Light and sound therapies offer non-invasive ways to enhance brain activity and promote well-being. BrainTap is accessible for a wide range of uses, from boosting workplace productivity to enhancing athletic performance and aiding in cognitive therapy. A holistic approach combining technology, nutrition, and exercise can maximize brain health and prevent neurological decline.   For those interested in diving deeper into the world of brain fitness and discovering how you can integrate these cutting-edge techniques into your life, check out Dr. Porter's work with BrainTap and his latest book, "Brain Fitness Blueprint."   Resources  Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter Website: BrainTap Instagram Facebook Website: Dr. Patrick Porter  Instagram Facebook Books: Available on Amazon and other retailers/ Brain Fitness Blueprint   Support the Podcast If you found this episode insightful, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review to help us reach more listeners with discussions that inspire and inform. Share this episode with someone who might benefit from it, as understanding and optimising brain function is more vital than ever in our fast-paced world.   00:22 Dr. Porter's Background and Early Career 00:54 Invention of the MC Square and Brainwave Synchronisation 02:27 Understanding Brainwave Patterns 02:50 The Role of Neurotransmitters and Brain Health 05:51 The Importance of Sleep and Brainwave Cycles 06:57 The Science of Brain Frequencies and Neuroplasticity 23:40 The Impact of Light and Sound on the Brain 33:38 Understanding the Monkey Mind 34:26 The Role of Light in Meditation 35:49 The Science Behind Light Therapy 38:13 Brain Synchronisation and Pain Management 49:40 The Importance of Sleep and Brain Detox 59:14 Applications and Benefits of BrainTap        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Carly Taylor will help you discover how shifting from threat mode to challenge mode can change the way you handle stress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.