Media to Inspire

A practical approach when feeling overwhelmed by goals:

In this brief clip from a recorded talk on workplace stress, I share a simple yet powerful method for managing goal-related stress, whether those goals are set by management, yourself, or circumstances.

The key? Start by listing ALL factors related to your goal. Then, sort them into three categories:

·       What's within your immediate control

·       What you can influence

·       What's outside your control entirely

Here's the crucial shift: Focus your energy on what you can control or influence, rather than fixating on external factors beyond your reach. Most of us do the opposite, spending valuable mental energy on circumstances we can't change.

In this episode of The Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, we're joined by the brilliant and insightful Dr Zachary Ginder, co-founder of Pine Siskin Consulting. Dr Zachary is a long-time entrepreneur himself, which helps him go deep into discussing the many challenges and moments of uncertainty that all entrepreneurs face, including how to enable our inner champion to become the voice that drowns out our inner critic. During this episode we'll go deep into the concept of "automatic thoughts" and how they shape our behavioral patterns, and importantly you'll gain insights and strategies into how you can start taking control of those patterns by intentionally seeking out stop signs to make sure you're on the path that YOU want in your business and in your life.

ABOUT DR. ZACHARY

Dr. Zachary Ginder comes from a family of entrepreneurs, and is himself a three-time successful solo-preneur / entrepreneur. He is now the co-founder of Pine Siskin Consulting and works as a psychological consultant in the field of applied occupational wellness and stress reduction. At Pine Siskin, he works with individuals to cultivate wellbeing, build resilience, break negative thought and behavioral patterns, and grow as leaders in their industry. He also works with organizations in a training and consulting capacity in areas of program assessment and development, leadership development, and employee wellbeing. He has over 20 years of experience, and has worked and consulted in the non-profit, education, corporate, and healthcare sectors. He speaks nationally on aspects of health and wellbeing, and has provided subject matter expertise to various major media outlets.

Many think of resilience as simply bouncing back, but it's far more dynamic...

As Brian H. Walker (2020) notes, true resilience is about adaptation and reorganization in the face of challenges. It's not about returning to your exact previous state—it's about learning, evolving, and becoming better equipped to handle future obstacles.

Building personal resilience isn't a single action but a holistic, continuous practice.

Here are some elements (far from an exhaustive list) that research suggests can strengthen our adaptive capacity:

-Regular exercise builds both physical and mental strength.

-Meditation, gratitude, and reflection cultivate emotional awareness and stress management.

-Quality nutrition and consistent sleep create the biological foundation for adaptation.

-Social support promotes pro-social behavior and can act as a buffer to life stress.

-Defining purpose and engaging in meaning-making activities help frame challenges as opportunities for growth.

-Developing problem-solving skills and emotional regulation strengthens cognitive flexibility.

-Building a growth mindset helps us view setbacks as temporary and manageable.

Each of these elements work in concert to enhance our capacity for positive change. Resilience isn't about remaining unchanged, it is about changing intentionally so external forces don't change us in ways we don't choose.

What are your thoughts on resilience?

How do you cultivate it in your life?

#PersonalDevelopment #mentalhealth #Adaptation #WellBeing #leadership #resiliency #selfcompassion #empathy

Most of us have been there: Someone asks for your advice, then does the complete opposite. Sound familiar?

"Why even bother asking, if you don't plan on using my advice?"

This is something I hear frequently from those in this situation. The truth is that there are many reasons why someone may not accept advice, even when directly solicited:

• The advice might not be the right fit

• There could be psychological resistance, or a need for autonomy

• They may already have a formed opinion

• They have felt socially obligated to ask, even if they already had a plan Once given, advice becomes a tool, not a mandate.

Even if not followed, your input might help others clarify their own thinking. Remember: our role is to empower others to make informed decisions, not to make decisions for them. What are your thoughts?

Have you ever had a moment when you're about to speak up in a meeting, and suddenly you're transported back to that time years ago when your boss called you out for being unprepared? That racing heart, sweaty palms, and the urge to shrink into your chair? Welcome to the world of "Zombie Emotions" - those feelings we thought were long gone, but come lurching back to life when we least expect them.

In this brief video, "Zombie Emotions: When Past Feelings Come Back to Life," Dr. Zachary Ginder explores:

• What Zombie Emotions are and how they affect us

• Common triggers in our work lives

• A step-by-step process for managing these resurfacing feelings

• Techniques for building emotional resilience Whether you're a professional looking to boost your confidence or just curious about managing tricky emotions, this quick talk offers insights and practical strategies for turning these moments into opportunities for growth. Just in time for Halloween, learn how to put those undead feelings to rest! #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentalHealth #emotions

Decoding Frustration: The Hidden Message Behind the Emotion
In this video, Dr. Zachary Ginder explores the fascinating psychology of frustration - an emotion we all experience but rarely examine closely.

Key insights:
1. Frustration as a Signal: It's our internal alarm system, alerting us that something needs attention.

2. Common Triggers:
• Blocked Goals: When obstacles appear on our path
• Unmet Expectations: Reality vs. Anticipation mismatch
• Lack of Control: Feeling powerless in a situation
• Delayed Gratification: The challenge of waiting in our fast-paced world

3. The Positive Side: Frustration isn't all bad!
It can:
• Motivate creative problem-solving
• Encourage us to reassess our approaches
• Drive personal growth

4. Coping Strategies: Understanding frustration's roots helps us respond more effectively and develop better coping mechanisms.

Reflection Question: What's the most recent source of frustration in your life, and how did you handle it?

Flip the Script on Employee Feedback!
Have you ever asked an employee or direct report how they would like to receive feedback?
Alternately, have you ever told your boss how you prefer to receive feedback?
Below is a novel and employee-friendly method of 'Flipping the Script' on traditional feedback methods that may be worth considering.
Here's how it works:
1. Ask, don't assume: Instead of guessing how employees want to receive feedback, just ask them!
2. Tailor your approach: Use this insight to package feedback in a way that resonates with each individual. Some might prefer written comments, others face-to-face discussions, or even visual presentations.
3. Empower your team: By respecting individual preferences, you're showing employees that their opinions matter, fostering a culture of trust and open communication.
4. Boost receptivity and action: When feedback is delivered in a preferred format, it's more likely to be fully received, understood, and acted upon.
The upside potential?
✅ Improved employee engagement ✅ Higher retention rates ✅ Increased overall success and productivity
What have you got to lose?
This simple shift in approach can lead to meaningful changes in your organization's feedback culture, driving better performance and creating a more positive work environment.

Check out the mini-case study for a real world example how this method can be effective.

Back to school nights, school schedules, supplies and clothes, extracurriculars, homework, packed lunches, transportation, rushed dinners, and the list goes on...
Parents probably recognize this as the back-to-school time of year.

This is also a time of high stress for parents/caregivers. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care, especially during peak stress times of the year, is absolutely essential.

With this in mind, I encourage you to double down on self-care. This will look different for everyone, but may include:

Quality sleep,
Scheduled personal time devoted to yourself,
Proper nutrition,
Leaning into social support systems,
Meditation, prayer, hobbies, and fun social engagement,
A good book, movie, or podcast,
Breathing, yoga, exercise, or time in nature,
Anything that nourishes your soul and reduces stress.

This isn’t selfish behavior, this is necessary for being able to meet the demands of family and life.

A gentle reminder that your kids don't need perfection; they need you at your best. So, I encourage you to take care of yourself as you take on this school year.

Be well!

Why do we often feel stuck in our thoughts and behaviors? In this video, Dr. Zachary Ginder, PsyD, explores a fascinating metaphor of the mind as an ocean of knowledge, explaining how our experiences and perceptions shape our thinking patterns over time.

Discover how these mental "canals" can sometimes trap us in rigid ways of thinking, and learn why breaking free from these patterns can be challenging. We'll delve into the concept of schemas and how they influence our interpretation of new information.

This simple yet powerful explanation offers insights into why we get stuck and provides a fresh perspective on personal growth and cognitive flexibility. Remember, this is just one way to look at a complex topic - our minds are intricate and multifaceted!

Disclaimer: This video provides a simplified model for educational purposes and is not intended as mental health advice. If you're experiencing persistent difficulties, please consult a qualified mental health professional.

Is self-care selfish?
Nope, but a lot of folks disagree. In this brief video, I walk through why self-care is self preservation, preventative medicine, and necessary for every human to flourish. While there is likely a threshold that a small number of people cross that bleeds into self absorption or even feeding narcissistic leanings, the vast majority of people are light years away from that threshold, and most people simply want a better version of themselves…a healthier version with more balance and harmony.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the self-care.

#selfcare #wellness #workplacewellbeing #workplacewellness #happiness #resilience #leadership #psychologicalsafety #thriving #stressreduction #stressmanagement #PersonalPower

From Avant Media:

Dive into the insightful world of workplace wellness with Dr. Zachary Ginder, co-founder of Pine Siskin Consulting, a boutique psychological consulting firm.

In this enlightening interview, he discusses the issue of burnout, a critical concern in today's professional landscape. Dr. Ginder presents his expert perspective on recognizing and managing burnout on an individual level and within organizations.

Dr. Ginder also highlights the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on workplace stress levels and burnout rates, and he acknowledges the role that specific industries, like healthcare, play in this complex issue.

Join us as we explore the ramifications of burnout, learn about its implications on different sectors, and acquire actionable strategies to foster healthier workplaces.

This video is a must-watch for professionals, employers, HR specialists, and anyone interested in improving workplace wellness and productivity.

In this brief video, Dr. Zachary Ginder draws on the experience of visiting an old bookstore from his youth as an analogy for how we can begin to take advantage of the special things in our lives when we become too accustomed to what these things offer. He reminds us that using the lens of a “beginners mind” can provide a renewed sense of awe and inspiration, and subsequently bring about renewed interest and enjoyment.

#mindfulness #beginnersmind #selfcompassion #compassion #perspectives

[Sound On for Best Results]
In this very brief thought exercise, Dr. Zachary Ginder discusses how moving from judgement to compassion, with a genuine interest in learning, can bring radical change. This is especially important during “crucial conversations,” where there may be a difference of opinion.

Providing somewhat of a contrarian view, in this brief video Dr. Zachary Ginder explores the relationship that many have with their work, and how one’s pre-occupation with work can easily become a second, full-time occupation. Dr. Ginder ends with the poignant and thought provoking question of who is in charge of your personal life, you or your work?
#worklifebalance #WorkLifeHarmony #workplacewellness #workplacewellbeing #mentalhealth #PersonalPower #personalmastery #leadership #leader #leadershipcoaching #thoughtleadership #stressmanagement

Quitting is often perceived as negative in context, and rarely is it viewed as a potential liberating mechanism that one can utilize when situations are no longer serving their best interests. This short video offers a counter narrative to mainstream views of quitting. Remember, when you walk away from something negative in your life, you have the opportunity to walk towards something positive.
#PersonalPower #QuietQuitting #WorkLifeHarmony #workplacewellbeing #workplacewellness #resilience #leadership #quitting #stressreduction #happiness

In this short video, Dr. Zachary Ginder shares thoughts on leadership and attempting to control situational circumstances using the analogy of water in your hands.

The topic of this brief talk can be difficult for some, yet it can be transformational when applied in daily practice. My hope is that this message is received by those that need it most. When I have spoken to individuals about this practice, it often brings up a world of emotions about what these three words mean to them, the last time they have heard these words expressed towards them, and the last time they have expressed them towards themselves. It is indeed a loaded phrase for many, but this isn’t about narcissism, being self absorbed, or having “too much Vitamin I.” It is about loving the imperfect, yet perfect beings that we all are.
In loving kindness, Zachary

Sharing a message of positivity and affirmation that “You Are Enough, Just as You Are.” Challenges with self-worth and value as a person have been bubbling up in conversation lately with a lot of folks who are really struggling. Although a single affirmation generally won’t resolve these challenges, the power of positive self talk is undeniable. I encourage you to listen to the mental scripts that are playing in your head, and challenge any that aren’t serving you. Remember, your value is never based on external factors. In this present moment, with these current circumstances, you are enough, and you always will be enough.