The Self Awareness Journey Podcast: Recent Episodes
theselfawarenessjourney
This little banter is about a ‘car ride’ long and features your hosts JJ Parker and Melissa Albers. JJ owns a tech company and Melissa has been a leadership coach working with Influencers for the last 18 years. Together they share their experiences with self awareness and discuss The Self Awareness Journey Map which Melissa has developed through her coaching experience.
Thank you so very much everyone! After more than five years, we’ve decided to hang up our mics in pursuit of new art. We love you and miss you already! (You may see us around again soon.) 😊
We all expand or shrink to match the environment in which we dwell. But how consciously aware of this are we?
In a world full of hard news and harder realities, let’s reflect back on some of our favorite summer moments!
How to confront conflict - We all have our own relationship with conflict, whether we are starting it, or pulled into it. Does our personality impact how we prepare and move through conflict? Are there ways we can improve our handling of conflict?
Productivity v Progress: Staying busy is a wonderful way to distract ourselves from what we actually should be working on. But is distraction ever a part of our creation process?
In our country, there are few Rites of Passage children experience, and a myriad of social cues that act like a Rite of Passage. Being involved in these milestones varies depending on which role you play in that child’s life.
Creating and keeping personal boundaries is a tough practice. Especially if those boundaries impact important people in our lives. Yet, boundaries can actually improve a relationship rather than make it harder. What are your personal boundaries?
Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to process important feelings and ideas while you’re moving about and talking, rather than sitting still?
Campfires, fresh laundry, lakes, hot cookies, fresh asphalt, burnt toast. Smells evoke strong memories; what are your deepest smell connections?
Are you someone that apologizes at the drop of a hat, or are you someone that has a difficult time saying you’re sorry? How do personality traits impact your relationship with apologies?
We all have them. People that can be mean, unpredictable, unpleasant, and just not fun. Yet, they are in our lives to stay. We can’t dump everyone that causes us suffering. How can we better manage these long term relationships?
Measured in a scale, having too much or not enough adaptability can be tough on a person. How do you know when it’s time to dial yours up or down?
Why do we swear? And where did swearing even come from? Is it helpful, or harmful? And why do some swear words stay in our vernacular while others disappear being replaced by new and updated language?
It’s true that age IS just a number. However sometimes our mental, emotional and physical bodies DO decide how we experience the world. Either in the moment at hand or from here on out. How do you manage your aging process?
Fantasizing is often a healthy escape to mundane or difficult times. Yet it can take some practice to decide how and when to do it. When do you escape to fun thoughts?
Many people think of coaching as a choice made if things aren’t going well. However, there are many times in life when having a coach can help us reach our goals, faster, and more efficiently. Have you ever used a coach?
Planning is a common activity for many of the things we do in our lives. But it doesn’t mean that everyone likes to plan. Which side of the fence are you on?
From the time we are consciously aware of the people we are around, we learn to behave in a way that helps us fit in. But at some point, that doesn’t feel right or good. How can we tell when it’s time to recalibrate?
We all have things in our lives that set us off, maybe even push us to our worst places. So how can we work with, and ultimately release their hold on us?
Being in the flow helps you get a lot more done. It can also help you be comfortable doing nothing but feeling good. So, how do you get there?
What parts of building consensus should you pay attention to? Is building consensus the same thing as winning?
Stories we tell ourselves are often rooted in the need to provide ourselves safety, context and motivation. Yet, sometimes the stories we tell ourselves create blocks or prevent us from growing and changing.
Developing our people skills can either feel like a great party or a dreaded dental appointment depending on your natural personality. Yet, people skill enhancement will serve you in many ways throughout your life. The workplace is one of the biggest so let’s explore there first.
Memory is a funny thing. At times we use it to make decisions, and sometimes we use it to hold us hostage to ideas we have that aren’t representing our greatest good. Is there ever a time we might consider changing our stories?
It’s easy to set goals and forget them a day later. It’s easy to know what is best for yourself, but to just worry about it later. But what does it take to set yourself up for the really great stuff that makes your future life easier?
Do you have heroes today? Are they the same ones you had from long ago? How does longevity, maturity, and perspective change your view of who you aspire to be like?
Did you know that perfectionism, difficulty relaxing and compulsive behavior can all be signs of a workaholic tenancy? Disintegrating personal relationships, and intense fear of failure at work can also aid in a feeling of not being able to take a step back. What’s your relationship with work?
Join us for a stroll down memory lane as JJ and Melissa share the story of how the podcast came to be and what some of their favorite parts of being pod hosts are.
Are you someone who feels guilty when you are sick? Do you use your sick time at work? Why are we so funny about taking much needed time to feel better?
How often do you allow yourself the flexibility to actually change a big decision or direction that you’ve already made? Is it helpful to change our minds sometimes? How do you know when it’s time to keep and time to change?
Too often we feel we can use logic to get away from our emotions and feelings. Is there a balance between over-thinking and under-feeling?
The business world is wrought with employee changes. Older leaders are retiring, Gen X’ers are a significantly smaller population so can’t cover all of the gaps of retirees. Millennials and 20-somethings are on the scene but without the last few years of training or people interaction due to the pandemic’s push into remote work. How do we think about managing and leading today? And how is it different than 20 years ago?
People often pull back during moments when they can advocate for their own strengths and skills at work. Most feel that they are bragging rather than showcasing what needs to be amplified. This amplification of skill offers growth and benefit not just for self, but for the departments and companies they serve. How do we develop this skill of self advocacy?
Listen to our latest discussion on our website or your favorite podcast player: https://theselfawarenessjourney.com/
#SelfAwareness #TheSelfAwarenessJourney #TSAJ
People hang on to things for a number of reasons; physical, emotional and mental. Stuff can create both stress and/or security for a person, depending on how you look at it. What is your connection to stuff?
Listening is an art, it’s a choice, and it’s a skill. What ways are you currently listening to your people, and how can you get better at it?
What are your favorite traditions that help you jump into the holidays season? What ones are important to continue and what ones are ready to be retired?
What kind of hobby supplies are waiting in your closet? Do you have sports gear calling your name from the garage? What do we buy and collect stuff and then not use it?
Like your hobby enough to start a business? Serial entrepreneur looking for your next buck? Just love to start new things but don’t know if that’s normal? Welcome to the side hustle!
Since our infancy, we reach for another. A sibling, friend, relation, colleague, business partner. While this may come rather naturally for most of us, what do we get out of partnerships and what makes us strive for more?
Have you ever found yourself juggling so many responsibilities that you start to wonder if you're truly in control, or if you're just one step away from chaos? Join me on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as we unravel the intricate dynamics of taking on more responsibility in both our professional and personal lives. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, like the time I turned a simple act of baking sourdough into a late-night marathon of obligation, we explore how increased responsibilities can sometimes do more harm than good. We'll dissect the pressure that accompanies leadership roles, particularly in growing organizations, and how we can be mindful of not falling into the trap of the Peter Principle.
In this episode, we're getting real about the fine line between empowerment and exhaustion. Together, we’ll examine scenarios where additional responsibilities blur the boundaries between personal and work life, leading to stress rather than satisfaction. We dive into the misconceptions that more responsibility equals success, illustrated by the story of a top-performing salesperson for whom a managerial role would be more of a hindrance than a help. Through stories and insights, we encourage a reflection on one's own responsibilities while fostering a supportive community. Whether it's at home or in a fast-paced ER, understanding when responsibility becomes a liability is a crucial step in our journey towards self-awareness.
Could a simple act of validation transform your relationships and emotional well-being? Join us as we uncover the profound impact of this human necessity, inspired by insights from Simon Sinek's podcast. We'll explore why validation is more than just seeking approval; it's a fundamental aspect of our survival and desire to belong. Through intriguing discussions, we delve into how childhood experiences shape this pursuit and why we all yearn for connection. Discover how learning to validate ourselves and others can foster genuine connections and enhance emotional resilience, from infancy through to adulthood.
Throughout the episode, we unpack the misconceptions surrounding validation, emphasizing that understanding doesn't always mean agreement. By honing our ability to offer sincere validation, we can significantly improve our emotional development and those around us. Learn how developing these essential human skills is a lifelong journey that enhances our connections with partners, friends, coworkers, and loved ones. We invite you to subscribe, rate, and share this episode, as personal growth is something we can all embark on together. Let's continue nurturing these skills and creating meaningful relationships.
What if fear could be your greatest ally instead of your worst enemy? Join us on this compelling journey into the world of stoicism and fear-setting, inspired by the insightful teachings of Tim Ferriss. We kick off with Ferriss's personal story, a harrowing yet transformative moment when he faced the darkest depths of his psyche and emerged stronger by embracing stoic philosophy. This powerful mindset, likened to a human operating system, empowers us to manage emotions and navigate life’s myriad challenges with wisdom drawn from ancient thinkers like Marcus Aurelius.
In our exploration, we uncover a structured method to confront fear, known as fear-setting. This exercise helps break down fear into manageable parts, providing clarity and actionable steps. From preventing negative outcomes to recognizing unexpected benefits, we discuss how this method can transform fear from a paralyzing force into a catalyst for growth. We also delve into the intriguing concept of "energy units" and debate why defining fears can sometimes be more beneficial than setting traditional goals, especially for those under high stress or anxiety. Tune in to discover how confronting fear head-on can lead you toward happiness and fulfillment.
What if the very principles of democracy and voting you take for granted were put under a magnifying glass? Join us on the Self-Awareness Journey podcast as hosts Melissa Albers and JJ Parker dissect the nuances of American democracy and voter participation. This episode promises to challenge your assumptions about freedom and responsibility, highlighting the unique opportunities and wealth in the U.S. while considering how these factors stack up globally. Melissa and JJ draw parallels between individual rights and the duties they entail, urging listeners to become more engaged and appreciative of their civic responsibilities.
Embark on a fascinating exploration of U.S. presidential history filled with quirky facts and unusual campaign strategies from figures like Jimmy Carter and George Washington. Did you know Carter was the first president born in a hospital or that George Washington spent lavishly on liquor to charm voters? These historical anecdotes, intertwined with discussions on the evolution of voting rights and voter motivation, offer a rich tapestry of insights and entertainment. We cap off our conversation by emphasizing the power of self-awareness and community growth, inviting you to share this journey with friends who might benefit from it. Your engagement and support are what make this journey worthwhile, and we're grateful to have you with us.
Sometimes simply being with someone that similar to you and understands you feels like the coziest of warm blankets. Your tribe may change over your lifetime, but the feeling of belonging stays ever present.
Conversation Cards - Ever need an icebreaker question for family get togethers? Ever want to ask a provocative question in a team building event? Here are some really fun and unique offerings to add to your next dinner or get together.
The small and large routines of life offer support, stability and well sometimes boredom. What’s the line between feeling safe and sorry for our ability to put ourselves on the rails of life?
It seems we can convince ourselves of many things when we are motivated enough to do so. Can I be too self aware? How would I know? Am I thinking about this too much, and if so, is that bad?
EQ which is also called Emotional Intelligence, can be developed at any time in a person’s life. There is a strong and direct relationship between becoming more self aware and the increase of EQ. Hit us up if you’d like your free EQ assessment by dropping a note to melissa@theselfawarenessjourney.com
Most of us have relationships that we can ask for help. Sometimes others ask us to help them along too. How do we build the currency for this give and take? Do we use it for ourself or only on behalf of others?
We seem to have a juxtapose position about which end of the stick we sit in “helping” those around us. Universally we hate when we are told what to do, yet seem to love telling others what to do. Why is that?
Americans have a complex relationship with vacations and our core beliefs about being away from our jobs. Interestingly, this perspective varies greatly depending on what part of the world you live in, and in some countries is even opposite.
We all feel comfort with the safety, pride and security of the various titles we use in our lives. Which ones make you the happiest?
Underlying expectations and beliefs lead to resentment. But how often do we operate with expectations we aren’t even consciously aware of? How do we begin to unwind the resentments we’ve been harboring?
Independence, Dependence, Interdependence. We all have opinions about which is best for us, and often will push against our relationships that are asking us to be different situationally. Can there be such as thing as too independent or too dependent? How can you tell you may too far to one side?
When we reach our limits in life, which part of us gives up first? Does the mind push the body, or does the body inform the mind? How do emotions play into all of this.. are they friendly advisors or sirens to warn us?
We are all wired with a level of sensitivity in which we pick up ours and other’s energy. Do some have a heightened sense of feeling, and how did they get it? There are huge benefits to developing this internal tool that helps both self and others, and it isn’t as hard as you think.
When personal or professional development is on your radar; what is the most effective method for long term growth? Picking topics, and length of focus, and who you’re with are all important to your success. The more intentional you can be, the more growth you will experience with lasting effect. It is REALLY fun to learn so grab a pen and lean into the ideas offered!
Device addiction is through the roof. The Wall Street Journal recently ran a piece on “our epidemic of isolation” (Today 60% of Americans say they are lonely, compared to 46% in 2018.) The Surgeon General wants “warning labels” on social media platforms as they are cited as a major contributor to this problem. Both suggest the solution is more human connection. How addicted are you to YOUR device? And how does that impact your sense of connection?
Couplehood has a lifecycle, just like many other significant things in our lives. As we reach middle age, priorities oftentimes shift, and our overall energy wanes. What markers are present to let us know it is negatively affecting our partnership, and what positive focus could we have to prevent it?
Do you think you can control if you get sick? Is your doctor your frenemy or your Icon? How much of how we feel is physical versus the story we tell ourselves?
Why do we make it so hard to change our minds about things? We create these crazy beliefs about changing our minds, telling ourselves it’s wrong or that we are weak for doing so. But in that real?
As we age, it can be harder to make friends. Do our relationships reflect changing interests and priorities? Or do we hang on to old connections by way of security and safety?
Conversations come in many shapes and sizes ranging from small talk to deep thoughts. Some people willingly go deep right away, while others avoid it at all cost. What is your relationship with communication?
Sometimes when you are in active listening mode, you don’t get a chance to absorb all of the valuable information given. This is certainly true with our conversation with Michael, so JJ and Melissa took some time to unpack last week’s discussion.
Embark on an insightful adventure with Michael Alasso, the self-awareness maestro who has taught us the unforgettable dance between expressing heartfelt gratitude and active listening. As we reminisce about Michael's impact, you'll discover the subtle but profound leadership lessons that resonate deeply within – lessons that demonstrate the power of making others feel truly valued, a sentiment echoing Maya Angelou's timeless wisdom.
Navigating through the complex waters of gender stereotypes and the ongoing quest for self-awareness, we share stories that transcend culture and upbringing, dissecting the challenges that come with being strong-willed spirits in a world quick to judge. From my own transformation from drama teacher to coaching corporate executives, we uncover how embracing your unique traits can morph into a superpower, propelling you towards success. We also dissect the delicate balance between confidence and humility, as we find that these traits are not mutually exclusive, but rather, dance in step to create a well-rounded, effective individual.
Finally, we pull back the curtain on the art of giving and receiving authentic compliments, fostering connections in a world that seems to have grown more disconnected post-COVID. Michael and I invite you to a retreat in Southern Maine, where leaders peel back their own layers in the quest for clarity and self-awareness, discovering the power of vulnerability and the embrace of humility. We leave you with a chapter on gratitude, a heartfelt encouragement to recognize your own light and to freely share it, inspired by the likes of Michelle Obama and the wisdom found in the New Testament. Tune in for an experience that's set to shape your path to a more self-aware, confident, and grateful self.
While our physical body is an obvious age marker for many of us, the mental and emotional markers of age are markedly different. How much do your thoughts impact your age? Do your emotions amplify your age number or make you feel so much younger? And can we reverse our age with activities?
Practicing physical things like exercise, or singing is a choice. What we think about is also a choice, yet we don’t think about what thoughts we are practicing routinely. As we talk about all the time, thoughts become things - so what are you bringing into your world through your practiced thoughts?
Having a hobby is a wonderful way to divert from the stresses of your life. But hobbies also offer a calming, creative and educational opportunity to stay present and in the moment. How do hobbies show up in your life?
Today’s social media would have us believe that nothing is what it seems. Political stories, online relationships and AI… Is our trust ecosystem starting to crumble?
Is being busy a badge of honor for you? Does it mean you are successful and important? Or is being busy simply a marker of procrastination or avoidance?
It’s interesting to learn through friend’s conversations how our couplehood may be similar or different than others. Further, it’s fun to ask our partners if they think the same way we do. What can we learn from these conversations?
The restorative value of vacation can be amplified with pre and post decisions to help us truly relax and enjoy the feeling of complete rejuvenation. Enjoy these fun tips for the next time you get to take some time away!
The internet suggests that our overall attention span has been cut in half over the last 20 years. What’s driving this stat, and is it true?
We all create habits to stay informed or purposefully uninformed about what is happening in the news. Are your current habits serving you or are they beating you down? Perhaps it’s time to evaluate the strategies you’ve put in place to help you navigate.
Learning about our own intuition, and finding ways to cultivate it provides deep and meaningful connection with our inner being. Logic and brainwork has little or nothing to do with supporting our intuition, yet we use it constantly to argue or ignore what our intuition is offering. What can we learn by focusing more on feelings instead of thoughts?
Quitting in most contexts, we consider a bad thing. Yet, quitting is incredibly healthy and self supporting. How do we learn to reframe our beliefs and actions to support more quitting?
Unresolved problems, or challenges we feel unequipped to deal with seems to lead us down the path of rumination. It doesn’t really help much, so why do we do it?
Whether you are a birthday lover or a birthday hater, it’s guaranteed that you are in relation with those that are the opposite. When did you form your opinion about your birthday and has it changed over the years?
As kids, we’re often given tests; they are simply a part of growing up. Yet as adults there are far less formal test opportunities to prove we know what’s what. Feelings of anxiety and worthlessness often replace a sense of knowing and confidence, even when not warranted. Why is that?
How often do you intentionally spend time learning? Being a lifelong learner teaches many things beyond just the topic studied. It creates openness, flexibility and awareness. What can you do today to stretch yourself?
Do you enable or disable your own goals and aspirations? Do you fight for your own limitations, or focus on giving positive thoughts equal time? Habitual ways of thinking can limit us in a myriad of ways. Let’s unpack a few options to change that.
Our beliefs run in the background and drive our life experience. But where do these beliefs come from? Being curious about our beliefs, where they came from, and how they affect us creates tremendous opportunity for personal growth.
While we gather information, view content, enjoy the creative outlets of social media, it’s also a place where people are becoming comfortable judging, wanting popularity, creating false narratives, and mindlessly interacting. Are we as users the customer? Or have we become the cost of goods sold?
Often past experiences or exchanges with others can sit in our emotional body and cause preoccupation. We can also sense when others have something going on, even if they don’t say so. How do we interact with an internal struggle, either ours or others?
Using metrics in a positive way feels really fun and good, yet metrics used to judge or critique ourselves is not as helpful. What are your most important personal metrics, and how is it useful for you to track them?
You can’t have that, you’ll shoot your eye out! Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings! They say that the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes that day. Join us for a jog down Christmas Movie lane as we have a little fun recapping our favorites.
Cultivating deeper relationships is not just an outside job. Our inner beings require many things to connect more deeply including safety, acceptance, love and respect. How do we tune our internal and external antennas to develop stronger awareness of those needs so we can grow?
Does your family gather for multi-generational get togethers? Do your friend groups try to reunite after a long absence? Reunions hold an emotional placeholder for us, whether they are for friends, coworkers or family. How do you feel about reunions?
Ever wondered how improvisation isn't just for laughs, but also a tool to create genuine connections and inspire authentic leadership? This week, we're bringing the playful charm of improv onto the business stage and showing its power to break down barriers, kindle true relationships, and sprinkle a bit of fun into professional spaces. We're not afraid to share how we've used improv in our own leadership development and networking events, and trust us, it's brought us some of the most unforgettable moments in our careers!
But the fun doesn't stop there. We're transforming the way we collaborate by unlocking the magic of co-creation. As we reflect on our own experiences in artistic partnerships, we can't stress enough the essence of openness, acceptance, trust, and optimism in fruitful co-creations. We're saying goodbye to egos and hello to new levels of trust and shared success, all while having a blast! As the saying goes, the aim of improv is to be positive, make your partner look good, and have fun - it's the same for co-creation. So, come join us as we navigate the exciting world of improv and co-creation, where genuine connections and shared successes are just around the corner!
What if you could find the sweet spot between taking emotional responsibility for your child's behavior and letting them learn from their own mistakes? We promise you that this episode is loaded with valuable insights that can offer clear directions on this complex terrain. We effectively unpack the delicate dynamics of parenting, focusing on when to step in and when to back off. We explore how external factors such as societal expectations shape our parenting styles and how they can sometimes lead us astray.
In this lively discussion, we take on tough topics like the comparison game that parents often find themselves playing and the emotional whirlwind that arises when our parenting choices are called into question. We delve deep into our emotional reserves, examining how our reactions to our kids' behavior can affect our self-perception. From grappling with cultural norms to navigating the challenges that come with fostering independence in our children, this episode is an enlightening journey for all parents – whether you're just starting out or have been in the game for years. So, brace yourselves for an episode that's sure to leave you with plenty to ponder.
Have you ever felt the pang of regret? An emotion that you can't shake off, echoing in your mind like a haunting melody? We've all been there. It's the memory of an interaction at the Mall of America 30 years ago that still kindles a sense of regret within me. In this episode, we delve deep into this universal yet seldom spoken about emotion - regret. We explore its various forms, the struggle of trying to live a life devoid of it, and the lasting impression it leaves on us.
As part of our journey, we ponder on the challenge of forgiving our younger selves for past mistakes and the importance of bestowing upon ourselves grace and recognizing personal growth. Taking cues from icons like Jane Fonda, we discuss never forgetting a lesson but forgiving ourselves for it - a crucial step to alleviate the weight of regret. We also explore how to transform regret into positivity, demonstrating how to reframe these experiences to fuel personal growth. It's more than just a conversation; it's a voyage of reflection, growth, and healing. So, strap in and join us as we navigate the intricate labyrinth of regret.
Have you ever wondered how much your body language or tone of voice can change the message you're trying to convey? Welcome to an enlightening exploration of nonverbal communication where we, Melissa and JJ, decode the hidden language of body movements, voice modulation, and the importance of observation. Perfect for introverts, our discussions are also filled with insights on how to glean emotions from others without needing to actively engage in conversation.
JJ tells us a deeply personal story about how empathy and self-awareness became their pillars of strength. We also dive into an intriguing comparison between two different video capturing techniques used at JJ's wedding - one focusing on emotional nuances, the other on the event's proceedings. As we wrap up, we offer valuable strategies to enhance your sense of self-awareness and underscore the significance of self-care. This episode is not just about understanding nonverbal cues, but also about tuning into your emotions to build stronger, meaningful relationships. Trust us, this is one episode that will leave you thinking long after it's over!
Get ready to descend into the delights of Halloween, as we share spine-tingling stories and explore the intriguing interplay of fear, fun, and dress-up traditions. Remember when JJ threw a fit over his cheetah costume? Or ever wondered why adults don’t get to dress up more often? We'll be sharing our childhood Halloween memories, discussing the thrill and fright of trick-or-treat, and tackling important safety tips for the spooky season.
Here's a thought: why do we love the rush of fear in a controlled environment? Is it the adrenaline or the relief of surviving a terrifying experience? Our conversation takes a fascinating twist as we examine our human fascination with the macabre. From haunted houses to scary clowns and vampires, we'll delve into why people are drawn to these frightful encounters. It's not all screams though, we also dive into how humor helps us confront and manage our anxieties.
Our session wouldn’t be complete without discussing the power of laughter. Whether it's the scarecrow comedy or the classic slapstick humor in horror flicks, we uncover how humor serves as a weapon against fear, making us more resilient and connected. So, whether you love Halloween or dread the frights, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of the fear, the fun, and everything in between. Don't miss this Halloween treat!
When is loyalty our greatest strength, and when does it become a liability? Loyalty can be shown to self or other people, ideals, and organizations. Understanding your own emotions can help you understand when it’s time to make an adjustment.
Effective self leadership is impacted by ours and others negative emotions. Our goal is to develop the ability to manage our emotions so they can inform us, instead of define us. How do we do that?
Do you have a COVID hangover? For many, life has changed in areas of relationships, work life, routines, schools, finances. What parts of your life have been irrevocably changed, and what things are back exactly as they were?
Our thoughts become things, and sometimes they are not the things we actually want. How do we use the art of reframing to keep us on the right track?
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Whether using observation to learn about your physical surroundings or be in partnership with people, this life skill holds valuable insight to growth and connection. How observant are you?
Help us get to know you better!
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Have you ever considered your life’s timeline? It’s easy to put things off whether they be important experiences or mundane tasks. But how much time do we really have?
It’s that time of year again! The busyness can overwhelm and cause us great stress. How do we notice and care for ourselves?
Lack of confidence is a highly experienced feeling, and we strive to feel more confident in a myriad of situations. But what happens if we become too confident? Do we know if and when we are overly confident? How do we find our balance?
Often we have an over reaction to something in our current reality, based on a trauma or bad experience from our past. It can be bewildering and stressful. Or perhaps we can use the experience to identify what needs to be released.
Often we have an over reaction to something in our current reality, based on a trauma or bad experience from our past. It can be bewildering and stressful. Or perhaps we can use the experience to identify what needs to be released.
Your personal brand is the energy you use to interact with people around you. It lets people know who you are and what they can expect from you. Are you aware of what your personal brand is?
Our best laid plans go unheeded, and we find ourselves tired and worn out at work. What does it mean to be tired, and it is different than burned out? Here’s a quick inventory to help you decide.
Somehow we have begun to use a narrative that our coworkers are our family. While well meaning, this description has blurred the lines and created some strange internal feelings that don’t add up sometimes.
This generation seldom gets the same press as the ones before or after. Born between the mid 60’s and the early 80’s, this group had the first job insecurity challenges, massive growth in technology and having younger generations as well as aging parents to care for. How does that impact our population as a whole?
You will never outperform your own expectations for yourself. It can't happen. And if you lead and influence others, they will never reach higher levels with you as their lid. How do we raise our expectations?
Sometimes having a 'don't look back' mindset helps us make big decisions and manage risk. But sometimes a 'can't turn back' mentality may be due to fear or the uncertainty of being wrong. Which perspective is right?
There's a lot of conversation about the younger generations and older generations. But there's little discussion about how the fundamental difference of expectations came to be. How can we solve this if we do not seek to understand first?
In this episode JJ and Melissa talk about how The Self Awareness Journey started, exploring how our emotions affect our projects.
Melissa and JJ talk about being stressed out over the holidays, family dynamics, and staying centered.
In this episode Melissa and JJ talk about how our thoughts and emotions coincide with each other.
In this discussion JJ and Melissa talk about a new video segment offered on our website that focuses on learning and growing from a very unique guest speaker.
In this episode Melissa and JJ discuss the difference between striving and thriving and what it means to be in the different stages.
In this episode JJ and Melissa discuss avoidance and the different ways we try to hide from some of the realities of life.
In this episode JJ and Melissa discuss ways to deal with people who are constantly sharing negative thoughts and feelings.
In this discussion Melissa and JJ talk about how being tired affects our work and awareness mentally, emotionally and physically.
In this episode JJ and Melissa discuss how self awareness modifies visions of the world and its people.
In this episode JJ and Melissa discuss how feedback affects the mind. They also share stories of their reactions to various feedback.
In this episode JJ and Melissa discuss seeing your energy and the effects it has between introverts and extroverts.
In this episode Melissa and JJ discuss the first steps to addressing anxiety and the unknown.
In this episode Melissa and JJ talk about internal and external validation and how validation changes from childhood to adulthood.
In this episode JJ shares a story of how a canoe trip gave him one of the scariest moments of his life. Melissa and JJ discuss ways the body reacts to fear and how self awareness plays a role in conquering these feelings.
In this episode Melissa and JJ express intuition and trusting your gut. Knowing that while we might not be taught about this extra built-in superpower, it is very much there and aids you in your own self awareness.
Melissa and JJ discuss how their children and growing up as a child creates self awareness.
In this episode Melissa and JJ discuss what it's like "putting on a uniform" to work from a space that isn't the office.
In this episode JJ and Melissa talk about their children and how through different learning styles and past experiences help guide and teach others to notice how to be more aware of what they say as well as how they come off.
In this episode JJ discusses some of the challenges faced when updating company wide communication systems and how he was able to step back from a situation, assess how it made him feel, then change his attitude and work to come to a solution that would resolve his frustration and make everyone work better.
In this episode Melissa and JJ talk about initial reactions and personality assessments everyone makes the moment you meet someone new. JJ and Melissa talk about their first time meeting and the stories that at first might seem a little bit awkward or hard to share.
In this episode JJ and Melissa talk about struggles amidst the Stay at Home order and how running a business while also being in the presence of family can have its ups and downs.
In this discussion Melissa and JJ talk about the frustrations still arising from working from home while tackling family life and the chaos that seems to be talked about all over media. Finding your centered space and acting in your self interest before others is discussed in hopes of helping others with their everyday issues as well.
In this episode JJ and Melissa share some insight on how feelings that you get from both your mind and body have the ability to impact how one deals with problems and issues faced in multiple aspects of life. From personal stories and examples they share, JJ and Melissa are able to recognize when they are having feelings that give them the ability to step back and assess how to be more prepared to tackle these emotions head on.
JJ and Melissa discuss how triggers can affect anyone both within themselves and their thoughts as well as ways to combat having negative feelings build to a point of no return. Examples both share give insight to personal stresses as well as how they overcome these issues and became more aware so that when it happens again they can attempt to act different and make the best of their problems.
JJ and Melissa share their self awareness stories and talk about the Self Awareness Journey map.