Louisa: [00:00:00] Hello everyone, and thank you so much for tuning in to our series. We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement. Your enthusiasm inspires us to keep creating and sharing meaningful content with you.

As you may already know, we'll be taking a short break. But don't worry, this pause is just an opportunity for us to recharge, gather new ideas, and come back with even more exciting episodes that we know you'll love. We anticipate returning with fresh and inspiring content in just a few weeks.

In the meantime, feel free to catch up on any episodes you might have missed or revisit your favorites. We’ll be back before you know it, ready to explore new topics and share even more amazing stories. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to embark on this next chapter together.

Stay tuned for updates, and until then, take care and keep being amazing. Thank you once again for listening. [00:01:00] See you soon!

00:01:11 Colin Powell, former Secretary of State

00:08:17 Beat Indecision

00:18:36 Here are primary takeaways from today's episode.

Take Rapid Action: Get Productive, Motivated, Energized; Stop

Overthinking and Procrastinating By Patrick King

Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/takerapidactionking

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082YZ95LV

Practical, psychological methods to turn your thoughts into reality,

instead of endless avoidance and laziness.

Transform from struggling with getting off your butt, to a machine of

productivity and self-discipline. Create an action bias in your life --

starting now.

How to break inertia, overthinking, paralysis, sloth, and insecurity.

Take Rapid Action deconstructs the psychology of laziness and why

tomorrow always sounds like a better idea. This book is many things at

once: a shot of motivation, a spark of fire, an understanding of your

brain, and a list of techniques to get into motion. This is one of the

most valuable skills you’ll ever gain, because only action matters in

life, not good intentions.

Gain the ability to get things done and hit your goals, no matter the

circumstances.

Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author and social skills

coach. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from scientific

research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience.

Stop saying I’ll do it later/tomorrow… and overhaul your mindset for

productivity and efficiency.

•The Premortem Analysis and the Ostrich Theory -- how they can quiet

your overthinking.•How comfortable inaction is sabotaging

you.•Actionable and applicable rules to get started before you feel 100%

ready.

How to create motion and take the first step from complete stillness.

•How to defeat procrastination by bundling.•Strategically plan your

days to prevent laziness and distraction.•What you think is action, but

is actually a waste of time.

Become a machine of proactive energy and activity.

Action and results are the only things that matter in the world. Not

your planning, intentions, or nice thoughts. This book puts action at

the forefront of your brain and makes it nearly impossible to stay

still. That’s precisely what will get you ahead in life. Taking that

first step is always hard, but it doesn’t have to be.

Photo by Andres Ayrton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/thoughtful-woman-choosing-between-green-apple-and-donut-6550808/

From Addiction to Entrepreneur: Ken Miller's Inspiring Journey

Hear the full conversation at https://player.captivate.fm/episode/73428ea9-244c-473c-ab9f-63f9144490a9/

See the full conversation at https://youtu.be/fZy3UJpjDII

In this episode of Social Skills Coaching, join us as we dive into the incredible story of Ken Miller, a three-time convicted felon turned successful entrepreneur and mentor. Ken shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood and years of addiction and imprisonment to becoming a renowned author, speaker, and businessman. He discusses the importance of mentorship in the Black male community, overcoming shame and guilt, the power of transparency, and the significance of having dreams and aspirations. Ken also offers practical advice on finding a mentor and maintaining focus and order in life. Tune in to hear Ken's inspiring message and learn how he transformed his life against all odds.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:47 Welcome to Social Skills Coaching

01:24 Ken Miller's Early Life and Education

03:01 Struggles and Redemption

03:57 Life in Ecuador

04:36 Ken's Book and the Power of Transparency

07:52 Mentorship and Its Importance

12:14 The Speaking Circuit

14:09 Daily Routine and Final Advice

Unlock Productivity with Play: A Conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood

See the full converstaion at https://youtu.be/VleRbyL5L0Q

Join us on Social Skills Coaching as we delve into an insightful conversation with Jolyn Ledgerwood, a consultant, coach, and founder of Elevate Your Talent. Discover how Jolyn transitioned from corporate training to personal coaching, using innovative methodologies like Lego Serious Play and Clifton Strengths. Learn about the importance of play in the workplace, the value of mental health, and practical tips for personal and professional growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion on how embracing playfulness can make you more productive and fulfilled.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:36 Meet Jolyn Ledgerwood

02:10 Discovering Lego Serious Play

03:33 The Power of Play in the Workplace

05:30 Jolyn's Background and Methodologies

10:24 Advocating for Mental Health

12:50 Connecting and Coaching with Jolyn

14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Unlocking Deeper Connections & Overcoming Trauma with Sonya Figueiredo

See the full conversation at https://youtu.be/JFLM-8xD07Y

In this insightful episode of The Science of Self, host Russell interviews Sonya Figueiredo, founder of Mindful Transitions. Sonya shares her personal journey that led her to start her coaching business, focusing on professional women in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of addressing deeper issues, breaking through personal barriers, and fostering genuine connections in all facets of life. Sonya discusses the difference between coaching and therapy, the significance of understanding one's 'why,' and practical tips for self-improvement and daily routines. Learn how to navigate life's challenges and improve your relationships from the inside out.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:22 Sonya's Journey to Mindful Transitions

02:26 Understanding Trauma and Coaching

04:25 Purpose and Self-Discovery

06:32 Self-Improvement Courses and Techniques

13:20 Daily Routines and Habits

16:13 Final Thoughts and Closing

00:00:25 Welcome to Social Skills Coaching

00:00:37 Our featured book today is Practical Intelligence

00:05:05 Two Systems of Thought

00:08:25 Skepticism and critical thinking

00:16:30 Takeaways

Practical Intelligence: How to Think Critically, Deconstruct Situations, Analyze Deeply, and Never Be Fooled By Patrick King

Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/practicalintelligenceking

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08263KGHK

Neuroscience-proven guidelines to think, act, and become smarter ASAP. It’s not what you know, it’s how you think.

You've been fooled before. You've missed things. You've been slow on the uptake and others have passed you by. Radically transform your thinking for both speed AND accuracy.

Think quickly on your feet to solve problems, overcome obstacles, and win arguments.

Practical Intelligence is not a common “think smarter” book. No, it starts from biological bases of analytical thinking, and how we can re-program ourselves for deep insight. This book provides real, actionable tool after tool, because smart thinking is all about HOW, and not why or what. The bottom line is that you’ll be able to apply this book’s thinking models immediately, until they become habit.

Better decision-making, smarter reasoning, and greater mental clarity.

Patrick King is an internationally bestselling author. He has sold over a million books. His writing draws of a variety of sources, from research, academic experience, coaching, and real life experience.

Learn to ask the intelligent questions, draw insight, and analyze situations.

•How the body and brain must work together for quick thinking.•What it truly means to think deeply and analyze.•How to think about your thinking, and the obstacles that short circuit your good intentions.

Science-based techniques to train your brain for optimal performance.

•Mental models for optimal decision-making.

•How to train your brain for speed.

•Tips for divergent and creative thinking - generating ideas.

Never get fooled again and find the truth in situations quickly.

At first glance, most things seem fine. And maybe ignorance is bliss. But to think clearly, deeply, quickly, and effectively - you’ll discover just how much of your life you have been missing, for better or worse.

This is the fourth book in the “Clear Thinking and Fast Action” series as listed below:1. The Science of Getting Started: How to Beat Procrastination, Summon Productivity, and Stop Self-Sabotage2. The Art of Clear Thinking: Mental Models for Better Reasoning, Judgment, Analysis, and Learning. Upgrade Your Intellectual Toolkit.3. 10-Minute Philosophy: From Buddhism to Stoicism, Confucius and Aristotle - Bite-Sized Wisdom From Some of History’s Greatest Thinkers4. Practical Intelligence: How to Think Critically, Deconstruct Situations, Analyze Deeply, and Never Be Fooled5. Learn To Think Using Thought Experiments: How to Expand Your Mental Horizons, Understand Metacognition, Improve Your Curiosity, and Think Like a Philosopher6. Take Rapid Action: Get Productive, Motivated, & Energized; Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating7. Relentless Focus: 27 Small Tweaks to Beat Procrastination, Skyrocket Productivity, Outsmart Distractions, & Do More in Less Time.

Finding Joy through Helping Others: Insights from Iuri Melo on Wellness and Prevention

See the full conversation at https://youtu.be/S8-vJTRqQHw

In this episode, Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of School Pulse, shares valuable insights on improving wellness through 'other care' and proactive prevention. He discusses the impactful journey of creating School Pulse in response to a student suicide crisis in Utah, emphasizing the importance of connection and proactive engagement. The conversation also touches on the significance of maintaining a positive mindset, the power of relationships, and key habits for personal success. Tune in to learn strategies for fostering joy, meaning, and resilience in life.

00:00 Introduction to Creating Misery and Wellness

00:46 Meet Iuri Melo: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

01:30 The Genesis of School Pulse

03:18 Proactive Engagement and Support

05:10 The Power of Optimism and Relationships

08:03 Habits for Success and Well-being

11:19 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

How Proactive Mental Health Strategies Can Transform Lives | Interview with Iuri Melo

Join us in this insightful episode where we talk to Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of School Pulse. Iuri shares his transformative journey from working as a psychotherapist to co-founding a proactive mental health service aimed at improving student wellness. He delves into the importance of shifting from just intervention to proactive care, the role of positive psychology, and how involving students in engaging activities like adventure therapy can significantly improve their mental health. Discover how other-care can be a more effective mood booster than self-care and the unparalleled importance of community and connections in fostering wellbeing.

Join us for a lively conversation as Russell Newton sits down with Iuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of School Pulse, to explore the world of positive psychology, growth mindset, and personal development. We dive into how social skills, charisma, and emotional wellness can transform student success and everyday life.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the power of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), the importance of relationships, and how being proactive about mental health and wellness can make a real difference. Iuri shares insights from his experience with adventure therapy and climbing therapy, and we discuss practical ways to build resilience, presence, and likability.

We also chat about the influence of thought leaders like Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now), Viktor Frankl, Stephen Covey (Seven Habits), and Tony Robbins, and how their ideas can inspire self-improvement, leadership, and empowerment. Whether you’re interested in habit stacks, miracle mornings, or just want to boost your productivity and emotional wellness, this episode is packed with evidence-based advice and real-world stories.

Tune in for a casual, inspiring discussion that will leave you ready to thrive, not just survive!

PositivePsychology #GrowthMindset #CBT #SocialSkills #Charisma #Productivity #Likability #IuriMelo #RussellNewton #SchoolPulse #MentalHealth #EmotionalWellness #StudentSuccess #Therapy #AdventureTherapy #ClimbingTherapy #Proactive #Wellness #Relationships #Presence #ThePowerOfNow #EckhartTolle #ViktorFrankl #StephenCovey #SevenHabits #TonyRobbins #MiracleMorning #HabitStack #Altruism #Resilience #Thriving #PersonalDevelopment #SelfImprovement #Leadership #Empowerment

00:01:16 Chapter 2. Situational Riddles

00:02:23 The Man in the Bar

00:06:14 Death in a Field

00:10:10 An Unusual Birth

00:13:49 Adam and Eve

00:16:44 A Woman Shoots her Husband

00:23:06 Takeaway

Learn to Think Using Riddles, Brain Teasers, and Wordplay: Develop a Quick Wit, Think More Creatively and Cleverly, and Train your Problem-Solving instincts By Patrick King

Hear it Here - https://bit.ly/usingriddles

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CD33V2S

Tired of thinking in the same old box? Want to sharpen your mind and become a creative problem-solving powerhouse? 🧠 Then you NEED to dive into the world of riddles, brain teasers, and wordplay! In this video, we're exploring the incredible power of "Learn To Think Using Riddles" by Patrick King, a book that will revolutionize the way you approach challenges.

We'll tackle some mind-bending riddles, like the classic "Newton's Magicians," which force us to question our assumptions and think outside the box (literally!). Prepare to be challenged as we explore:

Discover Your Inner Satisfaction with Cary Prejean | The Science of Self Podcast

See the full conversation at https://youtu.be/9Eva0A2oKRI

In this episode of 'The Science of Self,' we welcome Cary Prejean, an experienced business consultant and CPA, to talk about personal satisfaction and growth. Cary shares his journey from the financial world to coaching business owners on doubling profits and structuring successful businesses. However, this episode is not just about business; it's about discovering what truly satisfies you in life. Cary explains the importance of defining satisfaction, being your authentic self, valuing environments where you're appreciated, and distinguishing the narratives that shape you. He provides valuable insights on living a fulfilling life filled with joy, gratitude, and ambition. Learn how to cultivate a mindset that empowers you to achieve personal and professional growth. Tune in to redefine your life's satisfaction!

00:00 Embrace Your True Self

00:37 Introduction to Our Guest: Cary Prejean

01:05 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Business Owners

02:39 Connecting Business Strategies to Personal Growth

02:56 Defining Satisfaction and Happiness

06:16 The Role of Coaches in Personal and Professional Development

09:37 Understanding Your Unique Value

14:28 Habits for a Rewarding Life

18:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

00:03:33 A 2009 paper by Aram and Aviram

00:04:11 A 2014 Journal of Applied Social Psychology article by Capozza

00:09:38 Tip 1: Choose Your Fiction Wisely

00:11:10 Tip 2: Sample Widely

00:12:52 Tip 3: Read ACTIVELY

00:15:39 Tip 4: Be Discerning

Train Your Empathy: How to Cultivate the Single Most Important Relationship Skill By: Patrick King

Hear it Here - https://adbl.co/3shIydQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDXLTRD2

This video dives deep into the profound insights from Patrick King's book, Train Your Empathy: How to Cultivate the Single Most Important Relationship Skill. In a world increasingly defined by digital distance and misunderstanding, King offers a powerful and practical guide to enhancing our capacity for emotional intelligence and human connection. This is more than just a book recommendation; it's a call to action to develop the foundational skill that underpins all successful relationships, both personal and professional.

Drawing on concepts from psychology and brain science, King breaks down complex ideas into actionable steps. He emphasizes that empathy isn't an innate trait but a skill that can be trained and honed, much like any other. This video explores key themes from the book, including the distinction between emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and compassionate empathy. We look at how understanding these different forms can dramatically improve our social intelligence and our ability to navigate diverse perspectives.

One of the most compelling aspects of King’s approach is his focus on applied social psychology. He moves beyond theory to provide concrete exercises and frameworks. For instance, he discusses the role of storytelling and literary fiction as powerful tools for developing perspective-taking. He argues that by actively engaging with well-developed characters, we can practice stepping into someone else's shoes, a process that strengthens the same neural pathways we use for real-life understanding. This perspective is echoed in the work of Doctor Sara Konrath, whose research highlights the neurological benefits of reading and its link to increased empathy.

This video also touches on how to apply these principles in various contexts. For social skills coaching, the book provides a robust framework for improving communication and building rapport. Whether you're a leader aiming to foster a more compassionate and understanding team culture or an individual seeking to deepen your personal relationships, the lessons from Train Your Empathy are invaluable. King’s insights are practical, helping us to move beyond passive understanding and into active compassion.

We also explore the connections between empathy and diversity. The book illustrates how a heightened sense of empathy allows us to bridge gaps and connect with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. This capacity for understanding is crucial for building a more inclusive and harmonious society. The work of Russell Newton and Saffron Dreams, along with Faizan and Shaila Abdullah, highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the power of narrative in fostering human connection. Their literary fiction often serves as a powerful medium for developing these very skills, showcasing the practical application of reading psychology.

The video outlines several techniques presented in the book, such as "read actively" exercises, which encourage us to analyze characters and their motivations to build empathy. We also discuss how to overcome common obstacles to empathy, such as confirmation bias and egocentrism. Patrick King Consulting’s philosophy, which is embedded in the book, is all about transforming theoretical knowledge into real-world results.

By the end of this video, you will have a clear understanding of why empathy is not just a soft skill but a critical component of social intelligence and personal success. You'll be introduced to the core concepts of the book and gain actionable insights on how to begin your own journey toward cultivating this essential skill. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in personal growth, non-fiction psychology, or simply improving their relationships. Mar Oatley Peterson’s work on communication and emotional intelligence also aligns with these principles, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these vital social competencies.