How to stay optimistic

Last week I delivered two workshops to women's groups. The first was at Comcast in Philadelphia for Women in Cable Television (WICT). The second took place in my home, where I hosted a local organization to talk about the science of happiness. I love engaging with audiences because something beautiful always emerges in conversation. I wanted to share what came up "off script" with you.   

In the first group, we talked about strategies for how to stay optimistic when it feels like no matter what happens...things just won't change. One woman raised her hand and said, "Sometimes I just can't talk myself out of a funk. I need to call a friend."

Yes! Togetherness is probably the most supreme of all strategies! If you're having a hard time, it becomes less hard with a friend by your side.

If you can't summon a fresh perspective or believe it, borrow optimism from someone else. Call up a friend and say, "I have a lot on my mind and heart. Would you be open to listening?" If you want their input or another perspective, ask for that, too. "Would you help me see this from another angle?" If you just want a container to share, be explicit that you want their presence but aren't ready for their thoughts. Having a chance to label your emotions and describe aloud what's happening alone can shift your experience. It helps you metabolize emotion and moves your brain's activity from its fight or flight center to its planning and executive function.

When asking the latter group about what was on their mind, a common theme of inner conflict rose up:

"I struggle to be happy. There's not enough time in the day for me and my own joy. And when I do get moments of happiness I feel guilty about it because so much of the world is suffering." Many of us are in the same boat. How do you appreciate the light when it seems so dark? For how to deal with that, watch this video for the response that came up: 

If you'd like more support to feel sane, focused, and optimistic in this holiday season, join me on December 14th for a special virtual training. Let's see what emerges for us. I'll take you through a series of simple evidence based techniques to help you experience deeper connection, more calm, and hope. But I'll also leave time for us to talk. 

If you pre-order my book, you can join for FREE.
1. Pre-order at any major retailer here.
2. Register for the training here.  

Best,
Stella

Looking for a speaker in 2024?

If you're planning events to support the happiness, wellbeing, and engagement of your team, ERG, or organization, let's set up time to explore how I can help. Now that I'm done writing my book, I'm opening up space to provide even more keynotes, training series, and webinars.

Let's talk! Here's a link to my calendar: www.workwithstella.com.

Some of the popular topics I've been speaking on include:

• New Year, New You: The Science of Motivation, How to Prioritize and Stick With Your Goals
• The Science of Happiness at Work: Three Keys to Staying Engaged, Well, and On Purpose 
• How to Stay Sane, Resilient, and Optimistic During Change (and Turbulent Times)
• How to Prevent Burnout and Build Healthy Boundaries (Even When There's No Time in the Day)
• Organic Confidence: How to Show Up With Authentic Power and Stop Feeling Like an Imposter
• How to Master Difficult Conversations (Even if You're Non-Confrontational)

For a full list of speaking topics take a look at my speaking packet here:

Stella's Speaker Information

Did I mention I have some exciting specials that I'm offering to teams that pre-order my book? Give me a call! 

Here's that link to my calendar

Pre-order The Work Happiness Method today!

Do you want to experience more fulfillment at work? Do you want to feel like each day really matters?  Are you looking for clarity on what's next? Do you want to quiet that inner critic and show up with authentic confidence?

Pre-order my book. It won't arrive until March, but in the meanwhile, you'll have access to exclusive bonuses. December 14th's virtual training being the first one. 

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