In this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jill Peterson, Founder and Chief Growth Strategist at Clover Insights LLC. We discuss how to improve your mental fitness and build positive intelligence, and she explains the differences between your “survival brain” and your “sage brain.” Jill shares why improving your mental fitness leads to greater happiness, increased productivity, and improved mental resilience.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How Jill uses the concept of “sage brain” to enhance happiness and productivity in personal and professional settings
• Why understanding and managing mental habits, particularly saboteurs, is crucial for overcoming internal barriers
• What the Positive Intelligence program entails, including practical techniques like PQ reps and how they help develop mental fitness
• Why integrating positive intelligence practices into daily routines can effectively boost mental resilience without requiring additional time
• What the role of the “Judge” is in one’s mental framework, and how recognizing its influence can prevent it from sabotaging growth and happiness

Understanding Mental Fitness

This week, we’ve got a real treat on the #DOTL podcast,  as Jill Peterson Founder and Chief Growth Strategist at Clover Insights LLC. explains how to handle life’s challenges positively.

Jill describes how we can be the best version of ourselves and influence those around us positively. This episode is all about offering you practical strategies to improve your mental fitness for a fresh start as we prepare for a busy holiday season.

The Sage Brain vs. The Survival Brain

Jill introduces the concept of the “sage brain” and the “survival brain.” The “sage brain” encompasses positive emotions, creativity, empathy, and curiosity, which are so important for addressing life’s challenges constructively. On the other hand, the survival brain operates on negativity and judgment, housing nine saboteurs that seriously hinder our potential. Recognizing and managing these two brain modes increases happiness and productivity. By understanding our mental habits and overcoming internal barriers, we can unlock our true potential personally and professionally.

One of our key discussions centered around the concept of “saboteurs.” These negative mental patterns or behaviors act alongside an internal judge, sabotaging our growth and happiness. Jill identifies nine types of saboteurs: Controller, Restless, Stickler, Hyper-vigilant, Hyper-achiever, Pleaser, Victim, Avoider, and Hyper-rational. Each saboteur represents a strength overused. For example, the Controller needs to manage every outcome, while the Hyper-rational dismisses emotions, focusing solely on logical analysis.

Building Mental Muscles

Jill advocates for working out our mental muscles to combat these saboteurs. This involves recognizing saboteurs, using physical sensations to switch brain modes, and tapping into the “sage brain.” Physical sensations act like smaller moments of meditation, helping transition to a more positive mindset.

Jill describes the five tools in the sage brain toolbox: Empathy, Explore, Innovate, Navigate, and Activate. Regularly practicing Positive Intelligence repetitions (PQ reps) can strengthen these mental muscles, making it easier to manage life’s challenges without falling into negative patterns.

Resources:

• Website: www.findyourclover.com
• Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/jill.hendersonpeterson/?_rdr
• Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/cloverinsightsllc
• LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-peterson/
• LinkedIn Business:https://www.linkedin.com/company/clover-insights-llc/
• Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/clover.insights/?hl=en

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