Pause Purpose Play

Pause Purpose Play

By Michaela ThomasBusinessEntrepreneurshipHealth & FitnessMental HealthEducationSelf-Improvement
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Pause Purpose Play episodes

  • You can be a perfectionist even if you're a hot mess

    Join me as I dive into a topic close to my heart - how you can be a perfectionist, even if you’re what some might call a "hot mess."

    I'll explore the tension between striving for perfection and managing the beautiful chaos that comes with ADHD and I share my personal journey from unmasking my ADHD to recovering from perfectionism.

    This episode is unscripted, which I think beautifully embodies today’s theme: that done is better than perfect.

     

    00:21 Understanding Perfectionism and Chaos
    01:44 Navigating Perfectionism with ADHD
    03:04 The Reality of Perfectionism
    04:17 Self-Criticism and Perfectionism
    05:56 Perfectionism in High Achievers
    07:19 Perception vs. Reality of Accomplishments
    08:12 Verbal Processing and ADHD
    08:55 Revealing My Hot Mess Moments
    09:37 Embracing Imperfections
    10:46 Inspiring Despite the Chaos
    13:42 Finding Your Tribe Through Vulnerability
    15:25 Join the ADHD Club
     
    If you want to dive deeper into embracing both your chaos and your accomplishments, come join me in the ADHD Club, where a group of inspiring women lets it all hang out - imperfections and all. You can sign up at www.thethomasconnection/adhd-club and be part of this empowering space.
    17 min
  • Rebel against good girl conditioning, with Michelle Minnikin
    In this episode, I welcome guest Michelle Minnikin and we delve into the multifaceted realities of societal conditioning, gender expectations, and the unique challenges of living with ADHD. Listen in to hear Michelle discuss her new book, and the impact of 'Good Girl' conditioning and ADHD on women's lives.
     
    01:41 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth
    03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning
    05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations
    06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles
    10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges
    20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning
    28:21 Hope for the Next Generation
    29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships
    30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms
    32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity
    34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth
    39:39 Male Allies and Shared Responsibilities
    39:47 Practical Advice for Women
    42:11 The Power of Asking
     
    Michelle Minnikin is a North East-based Chartered Organisational Psychologist, coach and author of Good Girl Deprogramming, available now from all good bookstores in paperback, e-book and on audible.
     
     
     
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/
    https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming
    https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin
    https://www.michelleminnikin.com/
    55 min
  • Being playful in your business - and in your life

    In this episode of Pause Purpose Play I dive into the joy of bringing playfulness into our lives and businesses, especially for those of us navigating ADHD.

    I share how embracing a playful mindset can lead to creativity and success, and why soothing our minds is key to achieving our goals.

    Plus, learn about my group coaching program, Burn Bright, and how it could be your next step. Tune in for all the details and let's have some fun together!


    01:04 The Importance of Deep, Sustainable Change
    02:29 Embracing Playfulness in Business and Life
    06:34 The Power of the Soothing System
    08:51 Unlocking the Power of Play
    09:47 Burn Bright Program
     
    Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.
     

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    15 min
  • Reconnecting with WHY you run a business

    In this episode I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the essence of purpose in our lives.

    I share personal reflections and insights from the 'Sustainable Success Challenge,' where we delve into understanding our 'why' and celebrate the unique perks and challenges of entrepreneurship for those of us with ADHD.

    01:20 Understanding Purpose and Pain
    03:02 The Entrepreneurial Why
    04:28 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy
    05:24 Flexibility in Business for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs
    06:50 Insights and Actions for Sustainable Success
    08:03 Personal Reflections and Podcast Direction
    10:45 Burn Bright doors are open!
     
    Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.
     

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    16 min
  • Pause to notice how ADHD impacts your business

    In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I'm diving into the wild world of ADHD and entrepreneurship and sharing some golden nuggets from my Sustainable Success Challenge. We'll chat about why pausing is crucial to avoid burnout and how those quirky ADHD traits can be both your superpower and your kryptonite in business.

    Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for some amazing upcoming events - whether you're more of an online binge-watcher or a face-to-face lunch enthusiast. Let's explore this together and find the balance we all crave!

    00:26 Sustainable Success Challenge Insights
    02:35 Invitation to In-Person Meetup
    04:14 Challenges of ADHD in Entrepreneurship
    09:05 Balancing Passion and Practicality
    10:57 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Compassion
    11:44 Upcoming Events
    14 min
  • Bend, before you break - flexibility and high-performance with Prof Ross White
    In this episode I'm joined by Ross White, fresh off the release of his fantastic new book, 'The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive.'
     
    We dive headfirst into the pool of psychological flexibility, discussing its unique edge over concepts like grit, toughness, and resilience. Ross unpacks the importance of balancing our 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' modes to keep burnout at bay.
     
    With practical tips, playful metaphors, and Ross's authentic vulnerability, this episode offers a refreshing approach to thriving in both work and life.
     
    Grab your headphones and get ready to bend without breaking!
     
    00:48 Exploring Psychological Flexibility
    03:15 Defining Resilience, Toughness, and Grit
    09:04 The Metaphor of the Tree
    10:15 Modes of Operation: Get, Threat, and Reset
    14:24 Momentary and Bold Moves
    18:16 Personal Experiences and Vulnerability
    23:49 The Comfort Zone vs. The Transforming Zone
    28:06 Navigating Career Breaks and Sabbaticals
    35:58 Balancing Productivity and Longevity
    41:32 The Role of Attention and Mindfulness
    46:01 Anchoring Statements and Staying Present
    58 min
  • Safe to slow down and still be successful
    In this special episode of the 'Pause Purpose Play' podcast I decided to step out of my comfort zone and record live on Instagram!
     
    Join me as I chat about the scary but oh-so-important idea of feeling safe to slow down while still aiming high. With my trusty 'I'm not perfect' jumper and my ADHD quirks in full swing, I dive into how pushing through nonstop isn't the answer, how to avoid burnout and share practical tips for regulating our frazzled nervous systems.
     
    Plus, I'm inviting you to join my upcoming 4-day 'Sustainable Success Challenge' for female business owners starting September 24th. 
     
    01:48 The Importance of Slowing Down
    03:10 Sustainability and Success
    04:08 September Reset
    05:14 Embracing Imperfection
    06:58 Interactive Q&A
    09:33 Practical Tips for Nervous System Regulation
    11:11 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge
    17 min
  • Consume less, create more - done is better than perfect
    In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I dive into the vibrant world of creativity for those with ADHD. I chat about how our brilliant, busy brains are naturally wired for imaginative thinking and how we can harness that spark.
     
    I share my own quirks and experiences to remind us that done is better than perfect and why it's more fun to create than to endlessly scroll through raccoon videos. Plus, I'll sprinkle in some tips on how to allow yourself the joy of being a little more imperfect!
     
    Join me, and maybe even sign up for my free Sustainable Success challenge if you're ready for more creativity and less comparison in your life. 
     
    00:31 The Role of Creativity in ADHD
    01:42 Perfectionism vs. Creativity
    04:35 The Impact of Consumption on Creativity
    08:59 Commitment to Creativity
    15:43 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge!
    18 min
  • The Power of Compassionate Curiosity for ADHD
    Dive into the whimsical world of curiosity and discover how it can transform your personal and professional life! Int his episode I take you on an adventure through the curiosity mindset, the beginner's mindset, and compassionate curiosity. 
     
    00:00 Unlocking the Power of Curiosity
    00:57 The Beginner's Mindset
    01:19 Compassionate Curiosity
    01:54 Applying Curiosity in Life
    02:19 Access to Work Grant Challenges
    03:15 Personal Experience with Access to Work
    04:08 Upcoming Events and Workshops
    13 min
  • Preventing burnout with Dr Claire Plumbly
    This week I'm joined by the brilliant Dr Claire Plumbly, who shares her exciting journey of writing her first book on burnout, diving into how chronic stress can really take a toll on our minds and bodies. With practical tips on managing burnout, recognising internal pressures, and practicing self-care, this episode is packed with useful advice! 
     
     
    01:28 The Concept of Burnout
    01:44 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Challenges
    02:26 Understanding Burnout as Trauma
    06:15 Recognising Burnout Symptoms
    08:04 The Three C's for Nervous System Health
    12:27 High-Functioning Burnout
    13:29 Practical Tips for Managing Burnout
    32:13 Entrepreneurship and Burnout
    38:31 Connecting with Others and Finding Support

     

    Do you feel overwhelmed? Too busy to stop? Resisting slowing down?

    Then you need a break, before you break!

    Download my free guide to help you spot the signs of overwhelm, learn simple ways of slowing down, and understanding what’s getting in the way of you giving yourself the permission to rest and recover. 

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm/

     

    About Dr Claire Plumbly:
     

    Claire is a Clinical Psychologist & Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Her private practice specialises in trauma-related issues and Claire herself has a specialism in sexual assault; early life traumas, and of course burnout.


    Her debut book ‘Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You’ is out in the UK this summer. It will show you how to harness the power of your nervous system, despite the persistent demands of modern life.

    49 min

About Pause Purpose Play

From the publisher's feed

Imagine if you could follow your ambition without drowning in it – how much more fulfilling life would be? That’s what Pause Purpose Play is all about – finding balance over burnout by setting you free from needing to be perfect, so that you can take action and get started with what matters to you, instead of getting stuck in procrastination and holding yourself back with self-limiting beliefs your inner critic tells you.