MINDSET ZONE

"We will be procrastinating because of the fear of not being perfect." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the profound wisdom outlined in Don Miguel Ruiz's book, "The Four Agreements." As she explores the final agreement, "Always Do Your Best," Ana emphasizes the importance of interpreting this agreement through a balanced lens. Ana shares how "doing our best" can vary from moment to moment and why striving for perfection can be detrimental rather than beneficial. She relates her personal experiences as a perfectionist and workaholic, highlighting the potential pitfalls of misinterpreting the agreement. Instead of aiming for unattainable perfection, Ana encourages listeners to focus on continuous self-improvement and self-compassion. Through poignant passages from the book, Ana illustrates the necessity of embracing our imperfections, learning from our failures, and the ongoing journey of mastering transformation. This episode serves as a gentle reminder that doing our best is about effort, not flawlessness, and is key to living a healthier, happier life. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:35 Exploring "Always Do Your Best" in "The Four Agreements" 01:53 The definition of "Always Do Your Best" by Don Miguel Ruiz 03:34 The Trap of Perfectionism vs. Striving to Be Our Best 04:44 The Importance of Avoiding Perfectionism 05:43 Reading a Key Passage from "The Four Agreements" 07:00 Self-Compassion and the Journey of Self-Improvement 08:25 Encouragement to Share the Episode with Others 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 Resources: Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Related episodes: Overcoming Assumptions: Third Agreement of the Four Agreements Internal Vs. External: How Attribution Theory Helps Us Apply The Four Agreements Transforming Self-Talk: The Impact of Words on Mindset and Growth How the Four Agreements Can Help Uncover Your Mindset Blind Spots Between stimulus and response, there is this space Courage To Be Imperfect Expand What’s Possible

"The problem is to believe that the assumptions we make are the truth." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, dives into the intricacies of the third agreement from Don Miguel Ruiz's renowned book, "The Four Agreements"—Don't Make Assumptions. Ana illustrates the detrimental effects of holding assumptions as truth and how this mindset limits our potential. Ana emphasizes the importance of finding the courage to ask questions and clearly communicate with others to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and unnecessary drama. She skillfully parallels this agreement with the previous one, “Don't Take Anything Personally,” highlighting how both are rooted in the projection of our internal realities. Using relatable scenarios—like sending an important email and awaiting a response or interpreting social interactions at a conference—Ana demonstrates how easy it is for assumptions to take over and lead to negative mental chatter. She encourages listeners to adopt mindfulness to let go of these assumptions and underscores the value of clear communication as a way to prevent false beliefs from clouding our interactions. For those looking to expand their self-awareness and master the skills of better communication and present-mindedness, this episode is a must-listen. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:53 Brief Recap of Previous Agreement 01:21 Introduction to the Third Agreement: Don't Make Assumptions 02:33 The Natural Tendency to Make Assumptions 04:01 Real-Life Scenario: The Unanswered Email 06:18 Real-Life Scenario: Conference Interaction and Assumptions 08:35 Understanding Assumptions as Thoughts 09:42 The Mindfulness Approach to Letting Go of Assumptions 10:58 Clear Communication: Making Lives Easier 11:57 Preview of Next Episode: Always Do Your Best 12:15 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Related episodes: Internal Vs. External: How Attribution Theory Helps Us Apply The Four Agreements Transforming Self-Talk: The Impact of Words on Mindset and Growth How the Four Agreements Can Help Uncover Your Mindset Blind Spots Between stimulus and response, there is this space Expand What’s Possible

"What others say and do is a projection of their own reality." - Ana Melikian In this episode, Ana Melikian delves into "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, focusing this time on the second agreement, "Don't Take Anything Personally." Ana breaks down Ruiz's perspective by examining the three core points he presents: nothing others do is because of you, what others say and do is a projection of their own reality, and how becoming immune to others' opinions can save you from unnecessary suffering. Through relatable social media scenarios, Ana explores the significant mental shift that occurs when we stop taking things personally. She also introduces the attribution theory from social psychology and dissects how our interpretation of successes and failures can influence our emotional responses. By providing concrete examples of negative and positive experiences, Ana emphasizes the powerful choice we have in how we perceive and respond to the actions of others. Ana encourages listeners to reflect on their tendencies to take things personally and to consider the balance required to achieve a more nuanced approach. She leaves us with an important question: Are you taking things too personally, or have you found a balanced application of this principle in your life? Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:50 Overview of "The Four Agreements" 02:20 Focus on the Second Agreement: "Don't Take Anything Personally" 03:38 Exploring Real-life Scenarios on Social Media 05:20 Projection of Others' Reality 07:45 Immunity to Opinions: Path to Freedom 09:20 The Complexity of "Don't Take Anything Personally" 11:20 Attribution Theory in Social Psychology 15:07 Applying Attribution Theory to Negative Situations 17:16 Positive Situations and Balance 19:43 Conclusion and Invitation for Comments 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 Resources: Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Related episodes: Transforming Self-Talk: The Impact of Words on Mindset and Growth How the Four Agreements Can Help Uncover Your Mindset Blind Spots Between stimulus and response, there is this space Expand What’s Possible

"Use words with care and attention." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the timeless wisdom of "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, focusing particularly on the power of words. Ana uncovers the concept of “self-limiting beliefs” or “mindset blind spots” and speaks about how to overcoming these obstacles with the Four Agreements: Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best. Highlighting the first agreement, “Be impeccable with your word,” Ana discusses the profound impact of words and how they shape our reality. Drawing from various sources, including Ruiz’s book and Dr. Carol Dweck’s research on mindset, Ana illustrates how our language and self-talk can either empower or limit us. Ana shares insights from Dr. Dweck’s work on the dangers of labeling children based on intelligence rather than effort. She emphasizes the importance of praising effort to foster a growth mindset. This shift in perspective can have significant implications on personal and professional development. Join Ana as she explores the intersection of language, mindset, and possibilities, providing actionable insights to help you embrace a growth-oriented approach to life. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Concept of Self-Limiting Beliefs/Mindset Blind Spots 02:38 Overview of The Four Agreements 03:47 Focus on the First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word 06:16 The Power of Words and Quotes from Don Miguel Ruiz 09:14 Insights from Dr. Carol Dweck's Research on Mindset 10:46 Study by Carol Dweck on the Impact of Praise 13:19 Implications of Praising Effort Over Intelligence 14:52 Reflecting on Self-Talk and Personal Self-Image 18:23 Encouragement to Share Comments and Experiences 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 Resources: Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck Blind Spots – We All Have Them Related episodes: How the Four Agreements Can Help Uncover Your Mindset Blind Spots Expand What’s Possible

"I don't have to react. I can choose how to respond." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into the powerful concepts presented in "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and how they relate to mindset blind spots. Ana discusses the importance of recognizing these self-limiting beliefs, which she calls "mindset blind spots," and how they shape our reactions and perceptions. Ana explores the profound idea that these beliefs are learned and can be unlearned, much like visual blind spots can be identified. She introduces an "A-B-C" process to help listeners become aware of these blind spots: Awareness, Breathe out, and Create your response. Ana emphasizes the significance of creating spaces for self-awareness to discover these subconscious rules that govern our lives. She also challenges listeners to a seven-day awareness practice, aimed at focusing on becoming aware of self-limiting beliefs without trying to change them immediately. This lays the groundwork for future discussions on the four transformative agreements proposed by Don Miguel Ruiz: "Be impeccable with your word," "Don't take anything personally," "Don't make assumptions," and "Always do your best." Join Ana as she embarks on this journey of self-discovery and growth, offering practical steps to expand what is possible in our personal and professional lives. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:18 The Purpose of the Podcast 00:51 Introducing The Four Agreements 02:09 Understanding Mindset Blind Spots 03:21 The Power of Awareness in Changing Self-Limiting Beliefs 04:33 The Domestication of Humans and Learning Rules Subconsciously 06:08 The Importance of Challenging Unwritten Rules 08:07 Introducing the A-B-C Process: Awareness, Breathe Out, Create your response 09:08 The Space Between Stimulus and Response 10:15 Seven-Day Awareness Challenge 13:11 Invitation to Next Week's Topic 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 Resources: Book: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz Blind Spots – We All Have Them React or Create – Your Choice Between stimulus and response, there is this space Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"We create these virtual lions that are chasing us all the time and keeping the stress up." - Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves deep into the often-overlooked power of breathing. She brings to light how specific breathing practices can significantly increase our well-being and mental fitness. Ana starts by providing a compelling case for why breathing holds such prominence in various meditation traditions. She also draws from her background in psychology, recounting her journey, which included writing an ebook and conducting workshops about the transformative potential of conscious breathing. Ana outlines how breathing is uniquely positioned as both an involuntary and voluntary function. This duality allows it to serve as a bridge between our psychological and physiological states. She describes how modern life's chronic stress can keep us in a heightened state of alert, likening it to having our foot stuck on the accelerator of a sports car due to the over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system. In contrast, by intentionally slowing down our breath, we can engage our parasympathetic nervous system, leading to greater relaxation and recovery. Ana provides practical advice on how to measure and adjust your breathing rhythm, introducing simple exercises such as belly breathing and Dr. Weil's 4-7-8 technique. Ana closes the episode by encouraging listeners to experiment with these breathing exercises and attune to their natural rhythm, as these small adjustments can unlock profound benefits. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:06 Introduction and Welcome 01:03 Exploring the Significance of Breathing 02:04 Ana's Journey into Breathing Practices 03:13 Involuntary and Voluntary Nature of Breathing 04:04 The Bridge Between Psychology and Physiology 06:09 Modern Life's Chronic Stress and Sympathetic Nervous System 07:19 Understanding the Nervous System and Stress Responses 09:41 Conscious Breathing to Engage the Parasympathetic System 10:38 Practical Advice on Measuring and Adjusting Breathing Rhythm 12:26 Experimenting with Breathing Exercises 14:03 Encouragement to Share and Continue Exploring Breathing Techniques 14:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 Resources: Dr. Weil explains how to do his 4-7-8 breathing technique. Relaxing Breathing Exercise 2012 eBook: Breathing: The Power Within Dr. Weil Audiobook: Breathing: The Master Key to Self-Healing Dr. Weil explains how to do his 4-7-8 breathing technique. Relaxing Breathing Exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8fjYPC-k2k Related episodes: Evening Rituals: Finish Every Day Expand What’s Possible

"Finish every day and be done with it… You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. To-morrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely, and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." -Ralph Waldo Emerson In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, delves into a practical evening ritual aimed at helping you restart your days with renewed energy and focus. Ana introduces listeners to the concept that a successful day actually begins the night before. Drawing from her own experiences, Ana shares a simple yet effective bedtime practice. She explains how incorporating a consistent, short ritual before going to bed can significantly improve the quality of your sleep and overall morning mindset. Ana walks listeners through a breathing exercise from Dr. Andrew Weil, known as the 4-7-8 breathing, which she finds particularly effective. Alongside this, Ana incorporates a wisdom-filled quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, providing a powerful reminder to let go of the day’s troubles and embrace each new day with positivity. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:00 Welcome to the Mindset Zone 00:41 Introducing a New Practice 01:14 The Importance of a Night Routine 03:25 Breathing Exercise for Better Sleep 04:48 Inspirational Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson 06:39 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! Connect with: Ana on LinkedIn Resources: Dr. Weil explains how to do his 4-7-8 breathing technique. Relaxing Breathing Exercise Quoteinvestigator.com - Finish Every Day and Be Done With It Related episodes: The Power of Restart with Ana Melikian Expand What’s Possible

"The Zone of Proximal Growth, that zone just outside our comfort zone, but not too far out to paralyze us, yet enough to stretch us and to expand us a little." -Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, shares an insightful story from her vacation in Portugal that dives deep into the nuances of cultural perceptions and stereotypes. Drawing from an experience at a "typical" Portuguese restaurant, Ana reflects on how stereotypes can often boxing us in ways that don't align with our own perceptions. Ana recounts a vibrant evening spent at a local eatery and the mixed emotions it stirred within her, offering a candid look at how these feelings led to personal growth and greater self-awareness. She uses this experience as a springboard to discuss the human tendency to categorize and label, and the discomfort that arises when these labels don't fit. By examining her reactions and thoughts, Ana sheds light on the importance of looking beyond surface-level categorizations and embracing the complexity of cultural identity. She also ties this back to her own experiences and broader societal trends, making connections to how we can understand and respect the diversity within communities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community. Ana prompts listeners to reflect on their own experiences with stereotypes and cultural perceptions, encouraging a mindset of growth and self-awareness. She underscores the value of stepping out of our comfort zones into the "zone of proximal growth," where meaningful personal development happens. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:06 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks 01:26 Setting the Scene: A Vacation in Portugal 02:32 The Vibrant Evening at a Local Eatery 03:38 Navigating Language Barriers and Cultural Differences 05:12 Mixed Feelings and Reflections on Stereotypes 08:33 The Discomfort of Being Put in a Box 09:06 Parallels with the LGBTQIA+ Community 10:30 Embracing Dialogue and Personal Growth 14:11 Insights into Human Nature and Cultural Identity 16:37 Practical Takeaways and Journal Prompts 18:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 Resources: BOOK: MINDSET ZONE: Actualize Your Human Potential Ana's Musings on Medium.com - A Taste of Stereotypes: Reflections on a “Typical” Portuguese Restaurant Related episodes: Exploring the Zone of Proximal Growth Expand What’s Possible

"How can we transform something obsolete into something new that honors the past and brings innovation and joy?" -Ana Melikian In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, takes us on an intriguing journey through the streets of London, where she discovers a reinvented red telephone booth that serves as an inspiring metaphor for innovation and adaptability. Ana emphasizes the significance of transforming the obsolete into something meaningful and useful in today's fast-paced world. Leveraging the experience of the red telephone booth turned coffee stand, she delves into the broader implications of change and creativity, urging listeners to rethink and repurpose old beliefs and objects. She shares her thoughts on how this transformation process mirrors our own ability to adapt, innovate, and find new opportunities. Ana shares her PIE Method exercise—Pause, Increase Self-Awareness, and Embrace Experimentation—highlighting its potential to foster continuous growth and a resilient mindset. Ana concludes by inviting listeners to challenge themselves to find new ways to thrive amidst change and to share this insightful episode with others who might benefit from it. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 00:07 Introduction and Welcome 01:12 The Story of the Red Telephone Booth 02:07 Discovering the Innovative Coffee Stand 03:33 Reflecting on the Power of Transformation 05:06 Applying the Concept to Our Own Lives 07:10 Introduction to the PIE Method Exercise 08:16 Final Thoughts and Invitation to Share 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 Resources: BOOK: MINDSET ZONE: Actualize Your Human Potential Ana's Musings on Medium.com Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible

"We live in what I call today, a phygital world, physical and digital." -Giles Crouch In this episode, the host, Ana Melikian, dives into the intricate relationship between humanity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with special guest, digital anthropologist Giles Crouch. Ana shares her experience of using an AI avatar as an introduction for her talks, sparking a rich dialogue on the human side of AI and the emotional responses it provokes. Giles Crouch provides a compelling breakdown of how the concept of identity has evolved over time and articulates why AI presents unique challenges. Together, they explore the duality of AI's potential—its ability to bring positive advancements while also posing significant risks. Giles highlights the necessity of integrating experts from the humanities into AI discussions, suggesting that we are on the brink of a resurgence in fields such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. The talk underscores the importance of balancing technological innovation with cultural and humanistic considerations to ensure that advancements in AI technology serve the greater good of humanity. Let's dive in! This week on The Mindset Zone: 01:09 Meet Giles Crouch: Digital Anthropologist 02:06 Understanding Digital Anthropology 05:29 The Evolution of Technology and Culture 11:46 The Acceleration of Technological Change 16:21 AI and Human Identity 23:32 The Future of AI and Society 28:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Meet Our Guest: Giles Crouch is a digital anthropologist with over 25 years of experience in the technology sector. He applies cultural anthropology principles to understand human interactions with digital technologies, spanning areas such as blockchain, social media, AI, and robotics. Crouch helps organizations develop human-centric digital products and services. His work includes bringing tech products to global markets, conducting UX research, and developing digital strategies. He has also collaborated with governments and non-profits to analyze the societal impacts of digital technologies worldwide. His international experience includes projects for the UN, Freedom House, and Médecins Sans Frontières in various countries. Since 2009, Crouch has delivered over 80 public speaking engagements and has been interviewed by major news outlets like CBC, Wired Magazine, and BBC Channel 4. Through his work, Giles Crouch bridges the gap between technology and human behavior, helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of digital anthropology in our increasingly connected world. Connect with: Linkedin.com/in/gileswcrouch/ Resources: Medium.com/@gilescrouch Related episodes: Expand What’s Possible