Ever wondered what the secret to living a flourishing life is? The answer lies within you, in the form of self-awareness. Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as we untangle the web of self-awareness and how it irrevocably links to personal excellence and overall well-being. We'll explore how an honest assessment of our current state, juxtaposed against our desired state, can either spur us towards growth or send us into retreat. Through the lens of fostering a growth mindset, we'll see why it's important to consistently revisit and revise our values and purpose.

In the quest for self-discovery and well-being, understanding the difference between where we are and where we want to be is crucial. Drawing from the profound wisdom encapsulated in Lao Tzu's quote, "To know others is wisdom, to know yourself is enlightenment", we'll delve into the significance of self-awareness in our journey towards a fulfilling life. Remember, my aim is to help you live an excellent life; no strings attached, no sponsorships accepted. This insightful journey towards self-awareness might be just the thing you or someone you know needs. So buckle up and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever wondered how limitations could actually set you free? Join me, Craig Van Slyke, as I reveal the surprising connection between constraints and creativity. I'll take you on an engaging journey, from the witty realm of improv comedy to the inventive 'Cajun engineering', proving how limitations can ignite innovation and bring forth possibilities you'd never imagined. You'll hear amusing personal stories and examples, such as a garden gate made with nothing but PVC, zip ties and hose clamps, that beautifully demonstrate this concept.

Tune in as I guide you on how to transform your constraints into stepping stones. We'll tackle the intriguing concept of 'tyranny of choice', discuss the significance of distinguishing key constraints from actual requirements, and share tips on how to generate out-of-the-box ideas and solutions. Drawing from my own experiences and the ingenious tactics of teachers, this episode will challenge you to embrace your limitations and set your creativity ablaze in every corner of your life. So, whether you're grappling with budgetary, time, or space constraints, or simply lacking certain skills, tune in and learn how to see potential, not pitfalls.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Ever felt overwhelmed juggling your various identities in different settings? You're not alone. Join me as I share my personal experience navigating this challenging aspect of life, exploring the differences between personal and social identities, and how mastering the art of switching between them can lead to a more flourishing life.

We'll dive into the emotional labor involved in managing these multiple identities, especially in customer-facing roles. Together, we'll discuss the hierarchy of identities from macro to micro levels, the challenges of managing customer expectations and company norms, and the damaging effects of excessive emotional labor. Tune in to uncover how finding the right balance can help you better navigate the complexities of your life and maintain a healthy emotional well-being.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Are you unknowingly making it harder to live an excellent life? In this thought-provoking episode of Live Well and Flourish, Craig discusses the unfortunate trend of students using AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat on their papers and then lying about it when caught. He urges you to consider the long-term consequences of applying marginal cost logic to ethical decisions and how each dishonest choice you make can lead you down a path of unvirtuous behavior.

Drawing inspiration from Clayton Christensen's insightful Harvard Business Review article, "How Will You Measure Your Life," Craig encourages you to choose to be a person of good character, learn from your mistakes, and avoid intentionally damaging your personal growth and flourishing. Listen in as he explores the importance of embracing honesty, integrity, and wisdom in order to live a truly excellent life.


Link: How Will You Measure Your Life
https://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life 

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Do you find yourself constantly agreeing to tasks and requests, even when you're already swamped? It's time to break this habit and master the art of saying no gracefully and effectively. We're here to explore the reasons behind this common challenge – from the fear of damaging relationships and reputations, to unclear personal boundaries and the genuine care for the task at hand. Discover how your perceptions, rather than objective reality, often drive your reluctance to say no and learn how to reframe your thinking to prioritize your own mental and physical health.

In this insightful discussion, Craig reveals conflict management strategies that can help you decide when and how to say no with discernment and grace. He delves into the importance of knowing your priorities when it comes to tasks, goals, and relationships, and how to apply the four basic conflict management strategies - avoiding, contending, yielding, and problem-solving - to the art of saying no. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with the tools and mindset to decline with respect, tactfulness, and kindness, ultimately leading to a more flourishing life.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Diving into the turbulent waters of stress and control,  Craig shares transformative insights in this episode of "Live Well and Flourish". Through personal stories, he illustrates how the daunting feeling of being out of control can amplify stress. Craig suggests a manageable solution: distinguishing what's within your control and what is not, then taking action on what IS in your control. Taking control, even over something as simple as filling a dog treat jar, can help relieve some of your stress. This approach illustrates how even seemingly insignificant actions can help to relieve stress and boost our sense of well-being. Craig cautions that it's crucial to reach out to professionals when stress becomes overwhelming, reinforcing the importance of mental health.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Stress and anger mutually reinforce each other in a vicious cycle of negative emotion. Being stressed makes you more prone to anger and the emotional labor of dealing with anger makes you more stressed.

In this episode, Craig discusses this vicious cycle and what you can do to prevent it. He also explains the concept of emotional labor and how it affects the relationship between stress and anger.


Links:
Stress Trifecta: Uncertainty, Isolation, and Overload
https://www.livewellandflourish.com/stress-trifecta-uncertainty-isolation-and-overload/

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

We all feel the need to vent sometimes, we just need to share our negative emotions with someone. Although venting is often seen as a maladaptive response to stress, it can hold surprising benefits in some situations. Craig explores this duality, highlighting the potential pitfalls of rumination and negative feedback loops, but also emphasizing the benefits of venting, especially in transitory stressful situations like traffic jams or technical glitches. Craig also discusses how to vent in the most productive way; he also highlights the importance of pairing venting with longer-term coping approaches. 

Through personal anecdotes, Craig illustrates the transformative power of venting and cognitive reframing. He shares how his own experience of supporting his first wife through her battle with cancer, while undeniably stressful, ultimately strengthened his resilience and facilitated personal growth.

Tune in to this episode of Live Well and Flourish to discover the liberating potential of venting, the art of constructive expression, and the empowering combination of venting and cognitive reframing. Learn how these tools can not only help you cope with stress but also foster personal growth, enabling you to flourish in all aspects of life.

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

In this episode of Live Well and Flourish, host Craig introduces the PAC model of stress management. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but it can be effectively managed by following three main approaches: preparation, avoidance, and coping. Craig explores each approach, offering practical wisdom and insights for dealing with stressors. Discover how to proactively prepare, make wise choices, and develop effective coping strategies using the PAC model. Take control of your stress and live a flourishing life.

Stress, Good and Bad: How Eustress Can Help You Flourish
https://www.livewellandflourish.com/stress-good-and-bad-how-eustress-can-help-you-flourish/

Building Your Resilience Inventory
https://www.livewellandflourish.com/building-your-resilience-inventory-five-minute-flourishing/

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert

Are you ready to conquer stress and reclaim your well-being? In this captivating episode of Live Well and Flourish, we dive deep into the world of stress coping strategies. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but you CAN learn how to effectively cope with life's inevitable stressors. Join Craig as he explores two categories of coping responses: adaptive and maladaptive.

Adaptive strategies not only provide short-term relief but also address the root causes of stress. Discover practical techniques that not only help you navigate stressful situations but also empower you to tackle the underlying issues head-on. F

While maladaptive strategies might offer temporary relief, they fall short in the long run. Craig sheds light on common pitfalls and helps you recognize these short-term fixes that can inadvertently contribute to more stress down the line. .

Join Craig on this enlightening episode of Live Well and Flourish, and take the first step towards mastering stress and reclaiming your well-being. Don't let stress hold you back—let's conquer it together!

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Live Well and Flourish website: https://www.livewellandflourish.com/

The theme music for Live Well and Flourish was written by Hazel Crossler, [email protected].

Production assistant - Paul Robert