The element for this episode is "inspiration." In the last two episodes, we dug into some strong myths around change and happiness. These centered around the false beliefs that we're broken; that we need to be fixed; or that we need to change ourselves, our environment, or someone else to feel some happiness. If you haven't listened to those episodes (yet!), just know that those are super sticky myths. They come up a lot. Here at Joy Lab, we work on building ourselves up in powerful ways that quiet that talk.

At the same time, of course we want to make changes in our lives. So, in this episode have five principles that can help you create positive change. The key is that these changes are built from from a foundation of self-acceptance. A place of self-love that fuels change because you care about yourself. And that foundation and fuel inspires changes that are lasting and meaningful.

Key Takeaways:

• Five principles for inspired change:
  • Inspired change is grounded in radical self-acceptance.
  • Inspired change begins deep within.
  • Inspired change embraces even the resistance to change.
  • Inspired change happens in connection.
  • Inspired change is a process, and not a simple, linear one.

Links Mentioned:

• Joy Lab Program (step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 10 ("Inspiration: The Engine of Joy" ... gives some great basics for this element of inspiration):
• Joy Lab podcast episode 40 (Resolution #1: You Don't Need to Be Fixed)
• Joy Lab podcast episode 41 (The Myths of Change)
• The Chemistry of Joy and The Chemistry of Joy Workbook (both by Henry Emmons, MD)
• Broaden and Build Model
• Integrative Model for Behavioral Prediction (this is not the original article, but a full text version that offers a great background and applies the model to health communication interventions)
• A functional genomic perspective on human well-being (Dr. Fredrickson study)
• How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world (Dr. Lally study)
• On Becoming a Person (Carl Rogers book)

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2147826839