MINDSET ZONE

Kevin Surace, a Silicon Valley innovator and CEO, shares his groundbreaking insights on the "Joy-Success Cycle." He explains how integrating joy into daily routines can prevent burnout and enhance productivity. Surace encourages listeners to adopt a positive mindset, reframing challenges as opportunities, while also discussing the potential of AI to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. With practical tips on reducing negativity and embracing joy, he highlights the profound impact mindset shifts can have on both personal and professional success.

What you do not wanna do is just copy and paste AI's outputs." - Andy O'Bryan In this episode, host Ana Melikian welcomes Andy O'Bryan, a pioneer in AI-enhanced copywriting, to explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in the business world. Andy shares his initial apprehensions and eventual embrace of AI technologies like ChatGPT, offering listeners insights into leveraging these tools while maintaining authenticity and humanity in content creation. Ana and Andy delve into the "humanizers movement," highlighting the importance of showcasing vulnerability and personal stories to stand out in a marketplace saturated with AI-generated content. They emphasize the need for balance, urging creators to avoid over-reliance on AI, thereby ensuring their unique creative voices remain vibrant and influential. The discussion also covers how AI can serve as a powerful ally in brainstorming and enhancing productivity, providing a nuanced approach to incorporating AI into daily workflows. By engaging and iterating with AI, content creators can develop more resonant and meaningful messages. Listen in to discover how you can ride the AI wave effectively, enrich your messaging, and use AI as a force for good in your business endeavors. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction: Navigating the AI Era 01:07 Meet Andy O'Brien: AI Copywriting Pioneer 01:54 Embracing AI: From Fear to Flourishing 03:39 The Humanizers Movement: A New Approach 04:56 Riding the AI Wave: Strategies for Success 06:47 The Power of Human Connection in AI 09:55 Creative Collaboration with AI 15:48 Avoiding AI Dependence: Staying Creative 24:03 The Humanizers Book: Breathing Life Into AI Content 27:23 Conclusion: Embrace and Humanize AI About The Guest Andy O’Bryan is a pioneer in the field of AI-enhanced copywriting and the driving force behind The Humanizers movement. With a writing career spanning over two decades, Andy has helped thousands of solopreneurs, coaches, and marketers transform their content through a unique approach that blends empathy, creativity, and cutting-edge AI tools. As the author of the acclaimed, bestselling book The Humanizers and the co-founder of the AI Success Club, Andy empowers businesses to unlock AI’s potential while staying authentically human. Before diving into AI-driven content strategies, Andy built a thriving career in copywriting, specializing in making high-converting sales copy feel personal and relatable. He’s since evolved into an author and trainer, showcasing how humanization in marketing can not only increase conversions but also build deeper connections with audiences. Passionate about creativity and personal development, Andy O’Bryan believes that AI, when used thoughtfully, can amplify human ingenuity rather than replace it. When he’s not crafting content or developing new frameworks, Andy enjoys inspiring others through his Substack newsletter, YouTube channel, and live workshops. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/andyobryan andyobryan.com Resources: Book: The Humanizers: Breathing Life Into AI-Generated Content by Andy O'Bryan Substack: thehumanizers.substack.com Related Content: Expand What’s Possible

Clutter is Postponed Decisions®" - Barbara Hamphill In this episode of Mindset Zone, Ana Melikian dives into the art of organizing with two special guests, Barbara Hemphill and Andrea Anderson, from the Productive Environment Institute. Barbara, a pioneer in the organizing industry, shares insights from her extensive experience in helping individuals and businesses clear the clutter for over forty years. Together, they unravel the common misconceptions about getting organized and emphasize the importance of having a clear vision to drive productivity. Ana and her guests discuss the intriguing philosophy that "clutter is postponed decisions®," unveiling how our physical, digital, and mental environments are interconnected. Barbara and Andrea introduce their SOAR methodology (Systemize, Organize by Action or Reference), a flexible system designed to meet people where they are in their journey toward a clutter-free life. Explore the balance of structure and flexibility within the organizing process, and learn how transformative decluttering can be for personal development. The conversation highlights the role of decision making, emotional attachment to clutter, and how even mental clutter can hinder our progress. Join Ana, Barbara, and Andrea as they share their wisdom on how to embrace an experimental mindset, clear the chaos, and create a productive environment that supports both work and life. dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Big Why 00:23 Meet the Hosts and Guests 01:26 Common Misconceptions About Organization 03:22 The Importance of Environment 04:38 Mental Clutter and Vision Clarity 09:08 Systemizing and Organizing Information 11:07 The SOAR Method Explained 13:48 Practical Applications and Client Stories 21:01 Comparing Organizational Systems 24:55 The Power of Community and Accountability 28:47 Conclusion and Resources About The Guests Barbara Hemphill is a pioneer in the organizing & productivity industry. She is passionate about helping leaders organize their time, space and information so they can accomplish their work, enjoy their life, and leave a legacy that matters.  Barbara started her career in 1978 with a $7 ad in a New York City newspaper. Today, her expertise is delivered by a team of Certified Productive Environment Specialists™ around the world.She has authored multiple bestselling books including Taming the Paper Tiger, Less Clutter More Life, and Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. Andrea Anderson, CEO of Productive Environment Institute, began her career as an in-home family counselor. While counseling was fulfilling, Andrea noticed a recurring challenge: families (and colleagues!) struggled with managing their time, space, and information. This realization sparked her passion for creating organizational systems that simplify life and work. In 2008, Andrea partnered with Barbara Hemphill to co-found Productive Environment Institute. Together, they train, certify, and mentor Productive Environment Specialists™ worldwide, equipping them to help clients organize their time, space, and information so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/barbarahemphill Linkedin.com/in/andreaganderson/ Resources: Youtube.com/@productiveenvironment Productive Environment Institute WEBINAR Get Your Productive Environment Score™ HERE Related Content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ByD1Pdyuc Expand What’s Possible

The function of mindfulness is to expose your own reactivity so that it's no longer unconscious so that you see it." - Stephen Schettini In this episode, Ana Melikian sits down with former Buddhist monk turned author, coach, and teacher, Stephen Schettini, to delve deep into the practice of mindfulness. Stephen, who spent eight years as a Buddhist monk, shares his journey and insights on how mindfulness is not about adopting Eastern traditions but recognizing it as a natural human function. Ana and Stephen explore how cultivating a mindfulness practice can introduce critical pauses between stimulus and response, allowing us to choose more intentional responses. They discuss the idea that every small step and consistent practice contribute to a greater transformative experience, much like gradually heating water until it boils. Stephen also talks about his approach to teaching mindfulness, emphasizing the need for regular practice and the invaluable micro moments of mindfulness in our daily lives. Join Ana and Stephen as they unpack the many layers of mindfulness and its profound impact on self-awareness and personal growth. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness 00:31 Meet Our Host and Guest 01:49 The Concept of Wishful Thinking 03:00 Imagination and Ego 05:51 The Journey to Mindfulness 13:28 Hope and Expectations 17:30 The Practice of Mindfulness 23:59 Forgiveness and Persistence 28:38 Mindfulness Live Program 32:35 Conclusion and Resources Guest Stephen Schettini (pronounced skettini), known as “The Inner Monk,” is a former Buddhist monk and present-day mindfulness teacher. For Stephen, stress-reduction is just the beginning. His greater interest lies in the integration of traditional Buddhist insights with modern mindfulness practices. His goals are enhanced self-awareness, greater emotional intelligence and deep commitment to personal growth. Stephen’s memoir is, "The Novice: How I Became a Buddhist Monk, Why I Quit and What I Learned," and his guide to mindful reflection is entitled “It Begins with Silence.” Currently residing outside Montreal with his wife, step-daughter, and two cats, Stephen continues to share his expertise and his stories with anyone who is committed to exploring and enhancing their inner self and their place in the world. Connect with Stephen Schettini: Schettini.com LInkedIn Profile Resources: Mindfulnesslive.ca Finding Your Inner Monk | Stephen Schettini | TEDx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHh6BsBtVTQ Related Content: Decluttering Your Mind with Harriet Stein Expand What’s Possible

No man ever steps in the same river twice for it's not the same river and it's not the same man." - Heraclitus In this episode, Ana Melikian takes us on a philosophical journey through the concept of change and how it shapes our mindsets and our world. Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the MINDSET ZONE, Ana delves into ancient Greek philosophy to explore varying perspectives on change. Is change an illusion, as some philosophers argue, or is it a constant flow, as suggested by others? Ana introduces us to fascinating philosophical debates involving figures like Perimenides and Heraclitus—the former believing nothing truly changes and the latter asserting that everything is in constant flux. However, Ana doesn't stop there. She highlights the intriguing middle ground proposed by philosopher Empedocles, who suggested that both perspectives are valid. Drawing from this idea, Ana inspires listeners to transcend seeming contradictions in their own lives. By creatively mixing our strengths and weaknesses like an artist blends colors, we can transform our mindsets and achieve our desired outcomes. Gain fresh insights into the nature of change and discover practical ways to apply these age-old philosophies to your modern life. It's a thought-provoking episode that promises to expand what's possible for you. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 The Philosophy of Change 02:32 Ancient Philosophers on Change 04:54 Heraclitus and the Concept of Constant Change 07:30 Empedocles' Third Option 09:49 Applying Philosophical Ideas to Personal Change 11:34 Conclusion and Resources Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Original show notes. Related Episodes: Why Change is So Hard: Practical Steps for Lasting Transformation Embracing Relapse: Lessons on Change and Growth Expand What’s Possible!

Knowing that relapse is common and even a part of the change process helps you move forward." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the complexities of learning and change, especially how we can learn from our mistakes and missteps. Ana highlights an error she made on the show regarding the stages of change as conceptualized by psychologists Prochaska, Norcross, and DiClemente, and uses it as a teaching moment to underline the importance of embracing imperfection. Ana revisits the six stages of change: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and recycling (learning from relapse), clarifying the sixth stage. She emphasizes that relapse is a natural part of change and can be a powerful learning opportunity. Through personal anecdotes and references to past episodes, Ana encourages listeners to build resilience to failure. She discusses the importance of seeing relapse as an inevitable part of the journey towards lasting change and urges everyone to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. Ana concludes with a call to action for listeners to reflect on how these concepts can be applied in their lives to foster personal growth and positive transformation. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Celebrating 10 Years of Mindset Zone 01:20 Learning from Mistakes 03:42 The Six Stages of Change 06:13 Lessons from Relapse 08:14 Building Failure Resilience 10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively by James O. Prochaska, John Norcross, Carlo DiClemente Original show notes. Related Episodes: Why Change is So Hard: Practical Steps for Lasting Transformation Stop Changing – Start Shifting (with Whitney Hutten) Getting a NO can be your best goal (with Andrea Waltz) Courage To Be Imperfect Expand What’s Possible!

Starting to understand why it's so difficult to change and maybe understanding how the change process works really can help you achieve your goals." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into the complexities of the change process and why achieving personal change can be so challenging. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the MINDSET ZONE® podcast, Ana revisits an enlightening episode recorded in 2015 that remains as relevant as ever. Ana discusses how the intricacies of change are often misunderstood, causing many to give up on their goals prematurely. She introduces a psychological model from the 1990s developed by Prochaska, Norcross, and DiClemente that outlines a process for successful change. Highlighting that this process is far from linear, Ana underscores the importance of persistence and the inevitable setbacks that are part of the journey. She also emphasizes the value of a supportive community to make the change process smoother and even enjoyable. Whether you're aiming to break a bad habit or adopt a new, healthier one, understanding this change model can provide the roadmap you need for sustainable success. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Motivation for Change 01:05 Celebrating 10 Years of Mindset Zone Podcast 01:46 Reflecting on New Year Resolutions 03:43 Understanding the Change Process 05:41 The Five Stages of Change 10:00 Applying the Change Model to Real Life 11:31 Maintaining New Habits 16:10 Changing Mindsets 18:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Resources: Changing for Good: A Revolutionary Six-Stage Program for Overcoming Bad Habits and Moving Your Life Positively by James O. Prochaska, John Norcross, Carlo DiClemente Original show notes. Related Episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

When we are banging our head against the wall, one of the best strategies is just going for a walk." - Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, Andrea Anderson and Barbara Hemphill interview Ana Melikian about strategies for achieving lasting change. Drawing from her 10-year experience with the Mindset Zone podcast, Ana emphasizes that while mindset shifts are crucial, they are just one piece of the transformation puzzle. To truly transform, Ana introduces a triangle framework that encompasses thoughts, feelings, and actions, all interlinked. She emphasizes self-awareness through exploration, encouraging simple practices like paying attention to one's breath. Ana, with her background in psychology, shares her journey and unveils her PIE Method®, which involves creating intentional pauses to foster thoughtful responses over knee-jerk reactions. Ana advocates for the power of pausing and categorizes this into macro, scheduled, and micro pauses, each serving a strategic purpose in fostering intentional and meaningful responses. The episode concludes with a compelling discussion on embracing experimentation and celebrating small wins, emphasizing that failures are stepping stones to success. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation that promises to enhance your approach to personal growth and reduce burnout. Let's dive in! ***This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with consent from Andrea Anderson and Barbara Hemphill, the hosts of the PEP Talk! Productivity Environment Podcast. The Power of Pause This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 09:49 The PIE Method: Pause, Increase Self-Awareness, Embrace Experimentation 14:11 Practical Applications and Examples 27:51 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible!

Every day is a new restart, and that sleep before that can help us rest and reset and restore." -Ana Melikian, Ph.D. In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the concept of restarting and the importance of embracing new beginnings. She discusses how each New Year represents a fresh start, but emphasizes that we shouldn't wait for calendar milestones to hit the restart button in our lives. Ana touches on various cultural and personal markers of restarts, such as significant life events like moving to a new country or a major health diagnosis, and even daily routines. She highlights the importance of taking moments to pause, reflect, and reset often. Ana encourages listeners to use these moments to clear clutter—both physical, mental, and digital—and to focus on what's truly important, including setting intentions and pursuing lifelong learning. She shares her personal examples and perspectives, aiming to inspire others to create their moments of pause and intentionally restart whenever necessary. Ana advocates for daily resets and how essential rest is for personal and professional growth. The episode wraps up with an invitation to leverage these restarts to enrich our lives. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:43 The Concept of Restart 01:53 Collective and Personal Restarts 03:08 Macro Restarts in Life 03:56 Embracing Regular Restarts 05:12 Creating Moments to Pause and Reflect 06:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 07:30 Closing Remarks and Resources Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

Technology is like the great disruptor or the great amplifier." -Nick Potkalitsky In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, is joined by Nick Potkalitsky to delve into the multifaceted world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. They discuss the current challenges students face with AI, often due to a lack of proper mental frameworks and critical evaluation skills. Nick underscores the necessity for a shift in educational curricula to help students develop new mental frameworks to effectively work with AI. He discusses the works of experts like Ethan Mollik and how AI interaction requires an understanding of creative and conversational nuances. The discussion highlights the significance of AI literacy and ethical considerations, exploring how human expertise remains essential even as AI plays a larger role in educational settings. They also mention practical tools like Khan Academy's Khanmigo, which offers personalized tutoring, potentially revolutionizing student learning experiences. Ana and Nick dive deep into the concept of human-AI collaboration, emphasizing that high-quality AI-generated outputs require substantial human input. They discuss the importance of maintaining the relevance of traditional skills such as writing, and the challenges of integrating AI into educational systems without leading to burnout for educators. Let's dive in! This week on the MINDSET ZONE: 00:59 Guest Introduction: Nick Pokalitzky 01:58 Initial Reactions to ChatGPT in Education 04:17 Adapting Teaching Methods for AI 05:57 The Role of Writing in Learning 07:56 AI as an Augmentation Tool 09:59 Challenges and Opportunities with AI in Education 14:19 Future of AI in Education 19:03 Balancing Technology and Humanity 27:06 Environmental Impact of AI 28:17 Conclusion and Resources Guest Nick Potkalitsky, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of Pragmatic AI Solutions and author of AI in Education: A Roadmap for a Teacher-Led Transformation. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he is a scholar of media, communications, and rhetoric. He is author and editor of the Substack Educating AI and the LinkedIn newsletter Pragmatic AI Educator. An impactful keynote speaker and innovative instructional designer, Nick specializes in AI training for K–16 educators and is the creator of Pragmatic AI online courses. Reach out for a free consultation. Nick partners with school districts and companies to develop customized AI implementation strategies that align with their unique goals and needs. Connect with Nick Potkalitsky: Pragmatic AI Solutions: https://pragmaticaisolutions.com/ Pragmatic AI Online Courses: https://pragmaticaicommunity.sutra.co Educating AI Substack: https://nickpotkalitsky.substack.com/ Pragmatic AI Educator Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7152688575652765697/ LInkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-potkalitsky-phd-0313ba126/ Other Resources Mentioned: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Salman Khan Related Content: Expand What’s Possible