From health problems to challenging interpersonal relationships, we all experience crises of varying degrees throughout our lives. While a common pitfall is to adopt a “victim” mentality, a more empowering approach is to search for the lessons amidst these crises and use them to ignite our growth and evolution.  From the time she was a young child, Lynn Balter has navigated an array of personal crises, including family trauma, sexual assault, breast cancer, addiction, divorce, and more. However, she developed the mindset that these challenges were perfectly intended for her growth – a growth that would continue to align her personality to her soul, or what she calls her “true self.” After earning her business administration degree from Western Michigan University, Lynn moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she began her career as a property manager and real estate broker before becoming a highly successful entrepreneur in the vacation rental industry. Following her son’s autism diagnosis, Lynn has helped raise millions of dollars for Autism Speaks and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. She is also the author of the book, “Walking Through Pain to Purpose.” In Episode 192 of The MINDset Game® podcast, Lynn shares more of her inspiring story, as well as the following insights:  Why it’s important to examine the patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that have repeatedly surfaced throughout your life – particularly in response to difficult circumstances – and strive to shift those that may no longer be serving you  The power of going inward when faced with challenges and trying to identify the lessons they may be trying to teach you, as well as the parts of yourself that may need healing How using the lessons you’ve learned from your challenges as a way to help others who may be facing similar situations can help fuel further transformation and joy in your life To learn more about Lynn and her book, visit https://lynnbalter.com.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.   

Creativity is often associated with artistic talent, which can cause many of us to identify ourselves as either creative or not creative. In reality, however, we all engage in creative acts numerous times each day – and by enhancing our innate capacities for creativity, we can build resilience and improve our overall well-being. As a researcher and instructor at Harvard University, Dr. Shelley Carson has been a consultant and expert on the topics of psychopathology, creativity, and resilience. She serves as Director of Education and Research at the Brain Health Initiative, and has also served as a subject matter expert for the Department of Defense and a scientific consultant for corporations, mental health groups, and individuals. Dr. Carson is the author of the award-winning book, “Your Creative Brain: Seven Steps to Maximize Imagination, Productivity, and Innovation in Your Life,” and she's the co-author of the critically acclaimed book, “Almost Depressed.” She has won multiple teaching awards at Harvard, and her research has been widely published in both national and international scientific journals. Join us in Episode 191 of The MINDset Game® podcast as Dr. Carson shares the following: Different definitions of creativity and how they may manifest in activities you perform on a day-to-day basis Why creativity is necessary for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, particularly in today’s rapidly changing world, and how making time for creativity can reduce stress, increase positive emotions, and ultimately boost resilience Why divergent thinking – which involves considering multiple potential solutions to a problem or prompt – is integral to creativity, as well as fun exercises to help you practice divergent thinking How to transform negative emotions, such as sadness or anxiety, through creativity  To learn more about Dr. Shelley Carson, visit www.shelleycarson.com, or https://extension.harvard.edu to explore her courses and others from Harvard Extension School. To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.

In the quest for optimum health and healing, many people find it beneficial to combine a variety of practices, ranging from Western medicine to energetic and spiritual techniques. One approach that encompasses several of these practices is known as biofield science, which is playing an increasingly vital role given the challenges and discord facing our world today.  A psychologist, scientist, and social entrepreneur, Dr. Shamini Jain is the founder and CEO of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative (CHI), a nonprofit collaborative accelerator that connects scientists, health practitioners, educators, and artists to help lead humanity to heal ourselves. Shamini has received numerous awards for her pioneering research in meditation, biofield healing, and psychoneuroimmunology, and she’s the author of the two-time award-winning book, “Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health.” Shamini and her team at CHI are currently working on a documentary called “The Energy that Heals,” which explores healing practices in the living intelligence of the biofield and interface connecting us to Universal Life Force and consciousness. As our guest in Episode 188 of The MINDset Game® podcast, Shamini discusses the following:  The concept of the biofield – which encompasses a set of fields of energy and information that guide our health – and how gaining an understanding of the biofield perspective can promote greater healing and well-being  Steps you can take every day to increase your vitality and foster the healing process in yourself and others  Insights from biofield science that may be particularly valuable for leaders  Tips for encouraging healing in a loved one, as well as some of the research that explains how we may be able to affect the physiology of others To learn more about the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, visit https://www.chi.is. For more information on CHI’s upcoming documentary, visit https://www.theenergythatheals.com.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.   

In today’s world, there’s a growing sense that change is happening at an unprecedented pace, and the ways that things have been done in the past may no longer serve us in the future. Successfully navigating this evolving, increasingly complex reality will require a new level of leadership, which some experts have referred to as “integral leadership.”  In Episode 187 of The MINDset Game® podcast, we dive into the concept of integral leadership with our guest, Bob Anderson. As the founder and Chief Knowledge Officer of The Leadership Circle and co-author of the books, “Mastering Leadership” and “Scaling Leadership,” Bob has been a pacesetter in the field of leadership development for over 30 years. He created The Leadership Circle Profile™, a 360-degree assessment used by organizations worldwide to measure the effectiveness of their leaders (both individually and collectively), chart a pathway for their development, and assess their progress along the way. In this week’s episode, Bob discusses the following: Different stages of leadership development, beginning with reactive leadership, in which we’re authored by those around us, then progressing to creative leadership, in which we shift to an internal locus of control and self-authoring process, and finally culminating in integral leadership, in which we’re authored by an emergent future Characteristics that define integral leadership, and techniques that can help leaders reach this level Scientific insights that support the concept of integral leadership and the capacity to tune into a new emergent paradigm How embracing Eastern practices, including intuition and expanded consciousness, can help leaders at any level achieve higher states of awareness To learn more about Bob and access assessments and other resources, visit https://leadershipcircle.com. If you'd like to learn more about the Unity Academy, visit https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-coach-certifications/unity-academy/ To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.    

In a world that feels increasingly divided, it’s common to find ourselves in conversations that may result in conflict, misunderstanding, or a general lack of connection. However, by becoming more conscious of the words we use when speaking with others and shifting our mindsets towards cooperation and harmony, we can have more effective conversations and build stronger relationships – even with those whose viewpoints may differ starkly from our own.  As a communication strategist and the founder and CEO of the Intrigue Agency and the Tongue Fu!® Training Institute, Sam Horn helps people design and deliver one-of-a-kind presentations, pitches, books, businesses, and brands that scale their impact for good. She is an in-demand keynoter and trainer for organizations like Intel, Oracle and Accenture, and her three incredible TEDx talks and numerous books – including "Talking on Eggshells," "Tongue Fu!: How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal Conflict” and “Someday is Not a Day in the Week” – have been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, and Forbes. As our guest in Episode 186 of The MINDset Game® podcast, Sam discusses the following:  Specific examples of words to use and words to lose in order to have more effective, harmonious conversations The power of compassion and how to practice it – while also standing up for yourself – in a range of circumstances, including when the other party is reacting with anger, blame, or hostility  How adopting a clarity mindset can transform potential conflicts and preserve relationships Why it’s important to establish rules when navigating challenging conversations and relationship dynamics, as well as six steps to take to hold someone accountable if they are breaking the rules To learn more about Sam Horn and access her TEDx talks and other resources, visit https://samhorn.com.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.    

From minor setbacks to life-altering tragedies, a resilient mindset can help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges. Whether you’re a parent seeking to nurture resilience in your kids, a leader trying to build stronger, higher-performing teams, or you’d like to enhance your own capacity for resilience, tapping into the power of your mindset can have a transformative impact on those around you.  As a clinical psychologist on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and former director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in the Boston area, Dr. Robert Brooks has lectured nationally and internationally and written extensively about topics such as resilience across our lifespans, parenting and family issues, motivation, and creating positive school and work environments. He is the author or co-author of 21 books, including “Raising Resilient Children,” “The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life,” and “Reflections on Mortality: Insights into Meaningful Living.” Dr. Brooks has also won numerous awards for his work, including, most recently, the Mental Health Humanitarian Award from William James College for his contributions as a clinician, educator, and author. In Episode 185 of The MINDset Game® podcast, Dr. Brooks shares the following insights:  The power of acknowledging “islands of competence,” or areas of strength and beauty in others – particularly those who may be exhibiting difficult characteristics  Why supportive, encouraging relationships are crucial for everyone – and particularly children – in developing resilience  How cultivating a positive mindset and emotions, as well as practicing compassion for yourself and others, can help improve your relationships and empower those around you to achieve better results Specific tips for parents and leaders seeking to help their kids and/or teams grow and flourish To learn more about Dr. Brooks and to access his articles and other resources, visit https://www.drrobertbrooks.com.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.    

Have you ever sought to change something in your personal or professional life, but found it difficult to sustain the new behaviors needed to successfully implement the change? Often, the keys to creating lasting, meaningful transformation lie in shifting our mindsets and building the courage to step into new ways of being – but how can we do that?  Driven by a passion for neuroscience, persuasion, and human biology, Dr. Mark Young is the founder and CEO of Jekyll + Hyde Labs, which he has built into one of the nation's most successful advertising agencies for challenger and emerging brand consumer products. Jekyll + Hyde has won dozens of national awards and represents consumer products in every major retailer in the U.S., with combined sales in the billions. Considered one of the top 50 influencers in the mental and physical space, Mark is also a frequent speaker and teacher of longevity programs for entrepreneurs and health professionals, as well as the author of the book, “HYPNO-TI$ING: The Secrets and Science of Ads That Sell More...” In Episode 184 of The MINDset Game® podcast, Mark delves into the psychology of change and what drives human behavior as he discusses:  The concept of threshold – a necessary step in achieving lasting change – and how to overcome the fear of change that often stands in our way Why it’s crucial to seek guidance from someone you can trust, such as a coach or therapist, and find community among those who understand your unique challenges Tips for building the courage needed to create meaningful change Insights for developing a 10x mindset, and why it may actually be easier and more sustainable than a 2x mindset  To learn more about Dr. Mark Young, visit https://www.meetmarkyoung.com or look for his books on Amazon, or visit https://jandhlabs.com to learn more about Jekyll + Hyde Labs. To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.    

Have you ever found yourself in the habit of using a certain product, program, or platform when seeking to alleviate an uncomfortable feeling (such as stress or boredom) or access an overall greater sense of satisfaction? Many of the items that we use in our day-to-day lives were intentionally designed to be habit-forming – and understanding the psychology behind what makes these products so catchy can be beneficial for both their developers and consumers alike.  In his award-winning book, “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products,” Nir Eyal examines the factors that drive customer engagement and lead consumers to use certain products again and again. Nir is also the author of “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life” (which he discussed in Episode 164 of The MINDSet Game® podcast), has taught as a lecturer in marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and has sold to technology companies since 2003. Joining us for the second time in Episode 183 of The MINDSet Game, Nir discusses the following:  The 4 steps of the “hook model” behind habit-forming products: external and internal triggers, action, variable rewards, and investment Specific examples of how these factors come into play in commonly used products How the “lean startup methodology” of building, measuring, and learning can work with the hook model to make products more habit-forming, as well as 5 fundamental questions to ask when striving to develop more engaging products Types of products or services to which the hook model does not apply To learn more, read Nir’s book, “Hooked,” or visit NirAndFar.com.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.   

Have you ever contemplated the question, “How can I live a good life?” In ancient times, famous Greek and Roman philosophers, such as Aristotle, Plato, and Epictetus, answered this timeless question with one word: “areté,” which translates to “excellence” or “virtue.” However, the word’s deeper meaning refers to being your best self on a moment-to-moment basis.  In our modern times, how can we each be our best selves moment by moment, particularly when faced with seemingly endless distractions and often negative influences? Brian Johnson, our guest in Episode 182 of The MINDset Game® podcast, seeks to help people achieve their highest potential, with a specific goal of creating a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. Brian is the founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and the author of “Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential.” Defining himself as 50% philosopher and 50% CEO, he’s built and sold two social platforms, helped millions of people from around the world, trained 10,000+ Heroic Coaches from 100+ countries, and created a protocol that science says changes lives. In this week’s episode, Brian discusses the following:  How leaders and changemakers can apply the concept of areté in their daily lives – and tips for pursuing the best version of yourself even when you’re feeling depleted  The concept of anti-fragile resilience, which can help you become even stronger when faced with challenges, and how to develop the protocol that is integral to this type of resilience  How to balance self-compassion with the discipline to hold yourself to higher standards  Why focusing on your own consciousness and factors you can control is particularly important for leaders seeking to create positive change within their organizations, communities, and the world at large  To learn more about Brian and the Heroic Public Benefit Corporation, visit https://www.heroic.us or look for “Heroic: The Training Platform” in the iOS or Android app stores.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com. 

Whether you’re seeking to forgive someone in your life, tap into your highest self, or simply access a greater sense of harmony and well-being, a set of practices known as Huna offers a path to living your best and most fulfilled life. Originating from the wisdom of the ancient Hawaiians, Huna can help you work with the power of your energy and eliminate any mental, emotional, or spiritual baggage that may be holding you back. Dr. Jane Lewis, our guest in Episode 181 of The MINDset Game® podcast, has been teaching Huna in Hawaii and the UK since 2005. She is also a certified neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer and has an academic PhD focused on spirituality and leadership, with a particular emphasis on Huna. With a specialty in coaching and teaching people to let go of the blocks that hold them back from living their most fulfilled lives, one of Jane’s superpowers is channeling profound meditations and visualizations for groups and individuals, such as moon meditations, wind meditations, peace meditations and more. In this week’s episode, Jane shares the following: An overview of the origins, practices, and benefits of Huna The different qualities of the four key elements – fire, earth, water, and air – and how we can work with them energetically to achieve a greater sense of balance The importance of forgiveness, and why fostering a culture of forgiveness can be particularly powerful for business leaders  Jane then guides us through a meditative practice focused on finding forgiveness and releasing baggage in order to access greater peace.  To learn more about Dr. Jane Lewis and to access her trainings, meditations, and visualizations, visit https://drjanelewis.com or https://secretartofhuna.com, or search for her YouTube channel.  To subscribe to The MINDset Game podcast, visit www.TheMINDsetGame.com.