Ever feel lost in the alphabet soup of goal-setting frameworks? From KPIs to SMART goals to OKRs, it's easy to get overwhelmed. In this simple, straightforward Thinkydoers Short, strategy coach and OKR expert Sara Lobkovich breaks down these essential frameworks using relatable health and sports examples that make the distinctions crystal clear. Learn when to use each approach and how they complement each other to drive better results.

Episode Highlights:

• Clear explanation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and why they're indicators, not goals
• Deep dive into SMART goals and their practical applications
• How OKRs differ from other frameworks for handling uncertainty and innovation
• Understanding mandatory vs. stretch goals
• Real-world examples using health and sports metrics
• Introduction to additional frameworks like BSC (Balanced Scorecard) and ROB (Rhythm of Business)

Key Concepts Covered:

• Activity Goals vs. Outcome Goals
• KPIs as health indicators for your business
• The limitations of SMART goals
• When and how to use mandatory goals
• The power of OKRs for uncertain territory
• Building a holistic performance dashboard
• Creating effective rhythms of business

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

00:43 Sara's Dual Life: Business and Racing

01:12 Goal Fridays and Live Replays 

02:59 Decoding Goal-Setting Acronyms

07:38 Activity Goals: The Basics

09:02 KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (and KPIs vs. OKRs)

11:32 SMART Goals: Specific and Measurable

15:52 Mandatory Goals vs. Stretch Goals

18:20 OKRs and Other Goal-Setting Frameworks

Notable Quotes:

"KPIs are indicators, not goals - it's right there in the name." 

"SMART goals are helpful because they are specific. They do give us something to aim for.   The challenge with SMART goals, and we're going to talk about mandatories in just a minute, is with SMART goals, It's a little too easy to set that goal and then have our all-or-nothing thinking take over with our behavior."

" And quantifying activity is great. It gives you that clarity when what's important is that you do something a certain number of times. But doing something a certain number of times won't necessarily yield the outcome you need."

"The Objective is like a tiny love letter from your idealistic 'you' to your future 'you' that's going to get frustrated and challenged."

"Your Rhythm of Business (ROB) is all of the things that make up the culture of performance in your work. [...]Your Rhythm of Business is really your culture. It's your meetings, yes, it's also your communication norms, your asynchronous communication norms, your habits. Your rhythms for learning and feedback, your ways of recognizing each other and what cadence that's on."

Resources Mentioned:

• Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdf
• Info about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com 
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

Connect with Sara:

• Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Contact: findrc.co/contact
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Social Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!

Thinking about implementing OKRs? Your first instinct might be to shop for an OKR tool - but that could be setting yourself up for failure. In this candid Thinkydoers Short, strategy coach Sara Lobkovich explains why starting with software often backfires, and shares a proven alternative with a methodology-focused approach that will set your organization up for long-term OKR success.

Episode Highlights:

• Common pitfalls of taking a tool-first approach to OKR implementation
• Why methodology must come before software
• How to track OKRs effectively without specialized tools
• A practical timeline for OKR implementation that sets you up for success
• Signs that your organization is actually ready for an OKR tool

Key Takeaways:

• Tools alone don't solve the core challenges of implementing OKRs
• Start with company-level OKRs and establish strong methodology before scaling
• Simple tracking methods like spreadsheets can work well in early stages
• Let organizational demand drive tool adoption rather than forcing it
• Focus on behavior change and culture shifts before investing in software

Notable Quotes:

“ People need an OKR process that isn't yucky. If it's yucky, then they're going to do all sorts of work for a process that might generate a pretty dashboard for the leaders. But we want people to love our OKR implementations. We want people -- not just leaders -- to see the benefit of OKR implementations.”

"We want to focus on Objectives and Key Results as continuous learning, and we want to keep our tools and ops simple."

"We let folks struggle until they're suffering with the lack of software, and then that makes our software adoption so much more successful."

"What's ultimately most important is that leaders need objective information to make decisions."

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

00:11 About Your Host, Sara Lobkovich

01:12 Today's Topic: OKR Platforms

02:10 Common Pitfalls in OKR Implementations

04:07 The Executive Excitement and Initial Challenges

05:25 The Role of OKR Platforms

07:10 The Downside of Platform-First Approach

15:05 Methodology-First Approach to OKRs

21:41 Tracking OKRs Without a Platform

30:06 Conclusion and Resources

Resources Mentioned:

• Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdf
• Info about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com 
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

Connect with Sara:

• Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Contact: findrc.co/contact
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Social Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!

Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than your colleagues when presenting your ideas? Or, like a square peg in your work? Do you feel like you're trying to read minds to understand what's expected of you, while your co-workers are just humming along doing their work? 

Or, do you lead people who that describes well?

In this powerful episode, Sara Lobkovich reveals why the very qualities that might make some people feel like an outsider at work—being "too analytical" or "too detail-oriented"—could actually be their greatest strategic strengths (and a tremendous asset to the organizations they work within).

In today's Thinkydoers short, hear a preview of the Introduction to Sara's upcoming book: 

You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done

"You Are A Strategist" isn't just another theoretical strategy book. It's a practical playbook for people who think differently about work and want to make real change happen. Through frameworks like the Connected Strategic One-Pager and No-BS OKRs, you'll discover how to transform your strategic insights into clear, compelling direction that others can actually follow, without getting lost in politics or burning out.

Drawing from her experience training over 2,000 OKR coaches across more than 300 organizations globally, Sara shares a human-centered approach to strategy that works for everyone—not just those with traditional business backgrounds or positions of power. Whether you're in the C-Suite, a chief of staff, a program manager, a product manager, a project lead, department director, or high-performing individual contributor (or beyond!), this episode will help you unlock your inner strategist and make your unique impact.

Episode Highlights:

• Why being "strategic" isn't about being smart or having a specific job title
• The five key questions that identify strategic thinkers
• How to recognize and empower strategic thinkers in your organization
• Why ideas alone aren't enough in today's business environment
• Introduction to Connected Strategic One-sheet and No-BS OKRs
• The science behind goal-setting and motivation

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

00:39 Introduction to 'You Are A Strategist'

01:28 Dedication and Audience

01:53 Identifying Strategists

02:25 Challenges and Misconceptions

04:29 Defining Strategy and Strategists

10:17 The Role of Ideas in Strategy

12:18 Implementing Strategic Goals

19:39 The Connected Strategic One Sheet and No BS OKRs 26:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Notable Quotes:

[00:05:00] "The job isn't to convince people that you're a smart person; it's to clarify situations so everyone can do the smart thing." (Referencing a quote by Rob Estreitinho of Salmon Labs)

[00:07:00] "If you read books and research papers for fun and delight in spotting ways that wildly disparate information connects to create new ideas and approaches, that might be you."

[00:09:00] "Good strategy makes the work better, but you don't see the strategy itself. The strategy is the scaffolding that the stuff you ultimately see rests on."

[00:12:00] "If anyone is to have any hope of solving the major organizational, cultural, and existential problems we all face together today, insightful, curious, linky brains are an asset."

[00:16:00] "In today's market and work world, every person can operate strategically, no matter how senior or tactical your role. Strategy is clear expectations."

[00:24:00] "Strategy achievement, at its core, is human behavior change. Psychological research in the motivation sciences fields shows that human behavior change relies heavily on the creation of specific, actionable goals and a learning-focused approach."

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy is about clarifying situations so everyone can do the smart thing
• Strategic thinking is independent of job title or role
• Good strategy makes work better but often remains invisible
• Clear expectations and empirical measurements are crucial for success
• Strategy achievement is fundamentally about human behavior change

Resources Mentioned:

• You Are A Strategist book: youareastrategist.com
• No-BS OKRs Workbook (PDF download): https://findrc.co/4ggdAtz
• Newsletter signup: findrc.co/newsletter

What does it take to perform at the absolute limit, every time you show up to work?

How do you navigate your own chemisty, and both objective and perceived risk when lives are actually on the line?

Find out in this conversation with professional motorcycle road racer, firefighter, and business owner, Jayson Uribe. 

Jay and I work together in our moto lives -- he's one of the pro riders that I really enjoy working with in my capacity as a team principal for CW Moto Racing. In addition to being a very skilled, highly capable and accomplished rider in a sport where the rider is ultimately the one who goes out there and twists the throttle, Jayson's life and career have given him a unique perspective on teamwork that makes him truly fun to work with. He's also a talented development rider: his ability to give us technical information about his experience on track not only makes it possible for us to improve the bike for him; it also helps us improve our equipment for all of our riders.

Jayson agreed to join me for a peek inside his brain, to hear more about his experiences with balancing technical precision and emotional awareness in high-stakes environments. From his morning pre-race routines to his approach to failure and risk management, what he's learned about performing under pressure applies far beyond the racetrack or firehouse. Whether you're facing challenging decisions in your own work, managing teams through high-pressure situations, or simply curious about the psychology of peak performance, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation about what it really takes to execute at the highest level when it matters most.

Episode Highlights:

• The learnable balance between technical expertise and emotional regulation
• Achieving and maintaining flow states in high-pressure situations
• How morning routines and preparation impact performance
• Managing failure and using setbacks as motivation
• Risk mitigation and decision-making under pressure
• Transferable skills between racing and firefighting
• The myth of natural talent vs. practiced fundamentals

Key Concepts Explored:

• Flow state in high-performance environments
• Technical precision under emotional stress
• Risk assessment and management
• Progressive goal-setting
• Recovery and regulation techniques
• Performance preparation routines

Notable Quotes:

"[High performance] is just perfect execution of fundamentals under stress. And the more perfect the execution, the better the outcome will be."

"The best races are the ones you don't remember. When you're riding the bike you're almost so focused that everything else is a blur."

"Being able to remove the emotional side of things... you got to lock into the moment of what you are there to do."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast

00:56 Current Events and Connecting with Listeners

04:05 Deep Dive: Jayson Uribe's Multifaceted Career

06:51 Balancing Emotions and Technical Precision

11:32 Goal-Setting and Performance Mindset

19:28 Lessons from Racing and Firefighting

Guest Information:

Jayson Uribe is a professional motorcycle racer with both international and U.S. national career experience. He currently races in MotoAmerica, the U.S. national road racing series (and, with us -- CW Moto, during the off-season in the CVMA series in California). He is also a firefighter, and founder of Code Three Consultations, specializing in automotive forensics and investigations. 

Jayson's Contact Info:

• Code Three Consultations: code3consultations.com
• Connect with Jayson: Instagram @Jayson36uribe

Sara's Links & Resources:

• For a limited time: Schedule a 30-minute Connection Session with Sara (during Nov 2024): https://findrc.co/nov30min
• CW Moto Racing on Instagram: @cw_moto
• Sara's CW Moto email address: [email protected]
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

 

What can business leaders learn from the high-stakes world of professional motorsports?

Find out, in this conversation between Thinkydoers host Sara Lobkovich (whose "other life" is in professional motorcycle road racing) and organizational change expert Jurriaan Kamer, co-author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and his new release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization."

We cover a lot of ground here -- from how pro racing teams approaches to goal clarity, mistake recovery, and rhythmic learning can transform your leadership practice, to creating blame-free cultures, and mastering the art of strategic alignment.

In this lively and engaging conversation, you'll discover how racing's high-performance, high-stakes principles can accelerate your business performance—whether you're a motorsports fan or not.

Episode Highlights:

• Three core principles business can learn from racing teams:
  • Crystal-clear goals and their role in driving focus
  • Balanced autonomy and alignment in high-performing teams
  • Rhythmic learning: how racing teams turn every moment into an opportunity for improvement
• Creating blame-free cultures in high-stakes environments
• The power of "even over" statements in explicit prioritization
• Decision-making frameworks: understanding "hats, haircuts, and tattoos"
• How consent and choice drive organizational ownership

Notable Quotes:

"Failure avoidance is more dangerous than failure recovery." - Jurriaan Kamer

"If you look at Formula 1 teams [...] execution is not 99% of the thing. They understand that everything they do is an opportunity to reflect and improve. These meetings, these rituals, are built into their cadence. It's not something somebody has to plan - it's just part of how they operate." - Jurriaan Kamer

"If you try to convince a group of people, the first thing you need to do is not tell them why you think you're right, but ask them what they think is going to go wrong. And then you can start to build conviction together." - Jurriaan Kamer

"We have to take a systemic perspective when things go wrong... As an outsider, you think 'Oh, this person needs to be fired, because they blew the chances of a victory.' Which is just very short-term focused because [mistakes] will repeat [themselves] if you don't understand all the factors that were at play." - Jurriaan Kamer

Guest Information: 

Jurriaan Kamer is an organizational change expert based in the Netherlands and author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and "Unblock." Drawing from his unique access to professional car-racing teams and extensive experience with self-managing organizations, he helps leaders worldwide create high-performing, adaptable organizations.

Jurriaan's Resources Mentioned:

• Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization (Book by Rini van Solingen and Jurriaan Kamer)
• Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization (Book by Jurriaan Kamer)
• Website: jurriaankamer.com
• Unblock book website: unblockbook.net

Sara's Links and Resources:

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
• Follow CW Moto Racing on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cw_moto

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !

Feeling stuck but unsure how to get help? You're not alone - and this episode is for you. In part two of my powerful conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, we explore why the journey to getting unstuck shouldn't be a solo endeavor. Learn why it takes most people 10 years to seek professional help, how to find the right therapist (and what to do if your first try isn't a fit), and practical strategies for getting the support you need. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to rebuild trust after a difficult experience, this episode offers candid insights and actionable guidance for taking that crucial first step.

Episode Highlights:

• Finding the right therapist and why it's like dating
• How to have an initial conversation with potential therapists
• The importance of establishing boundaries in therapeutic relationships
• Why it's never too late to seek help
• Building a healthy support system

Common Questions:

• How do I know if I need professional help?
• What should I look for in a therapist?
• What if my first therapy experience isn't working?
• How do I communicate with my therapist about concerns?

Notable Quotes:

"It's never too late to start. I've worked with patients in their seventies, and my biggest heartbreak is for people to leave this earth without experiencing joy—being stuck and not seeing what it could have looked like." - Dr. Adkins

"The average length of time that it takes for someone to actually seek professional help is about 10 years." - Dr. Adkins

"Before you can actually trust someone, you got to feel comfortable." - Dr. Adkins

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.com
• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn

Sara's Links and Resources:

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !

Ever felt "off" but couldn't quite name it? Did it feel like you were "stuck?"

What if that feeling of being "stuck" is actually trying to tell you something important?

In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, a Physician Assistant and "Unstuck Strategist," we explore how feeling stuck can masquerade as depression, anxiety, or burnout - and why recognizing the difference matters. Whether you're questioning your career path or feeling stagnant in life, this episode offers vital insights into identifying and understanding stuckness before it impacts your wellbeing. 

Then join us for part two with Dr. Adkins where we'll explore practical strategies for getting unstuck and creating positive change in your life.

Episode Highlights:

• The difference between clinical depression and feeling stuck
• Physical, emotional, and mental signs of stuckness
• How "sticky thinking" patterns keep us trapped
• Why career transitions and family dynamics are common stuck points
• The relationship between substance use and feeling stuck
• Why being stuck isn't always negative - it can signal important life changes

Common Questions:

• What are the signs of being stuck vs. depression?
• How does stuckness show up physically in our bodies?
• When should you seek professional help for feeling stuck?
• How can you tell if you're experiencing sticky thinking?

Notable Quotes:

"Sometimes people end up sitting on my couch saying 'I'm depressed,' thinking it's neurobiological changes, when in fact it's more secondary to their feeling stuck." - Dr. Adkins

"Suffering is different from going through tough times - suffering means you're not accessing available relief while going through difficulties." - Dr. Adkins

"Sometimes being stuck is jolting because you recognize there's a misalignment between your compass and your soul." - Dr. Adkins

About Today's Guest:

Dr. Sherlonda Adkins is a physician assistant and unstuck strategist based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through her telemedicine practice and coaching work, she helps people around the world create lives they don't need to escape from.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.com
• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn

Sara's Links and Resources

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !

Are you an overthinker who can't seem to quiet your mind? A perfectionist struggling to find peace in a chaotic world? This episode is your lifeline. Dr. Alice Rizzi, a licensed psychologist and mindfulness coach, breaks down the myths about mindfulness and offers practical, accessible techniques that even the busiest minds can embrace. Discover how just 30 seconds a day can transform your mental landscape and why traditional meditation isn't the only path to mindfulness. Whether you've tried mindfulness before and given up, or you're completely new to the concept, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to mental well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• Dr. Rizzi's refreshing definition of mindfulness that goes beyond sitting still
• The surprising difference between mindfulness and meditation
• Game-changing mindfulness techniques tailored for overthinkers and perfectionists
• How to start a mindfulness practice when you think you have no time
• Simple grounding exercises that can calm your nervous system in seconds
• The overlooked importance of self-compassion in mindfulness practice

Common Questions Addressed:

• What is mindfulness, really, and how is it different from meditation?
• Can overthinkers and perfectionists actually benefit from mindfulness?
• What are some quick, no-nonsense ways to incorporate mindfulness into a hectic life?
• How can mindfulness help manage the overwhelming stress and anxiety of modern life?

Notable Quotes:

"Mindfulness is the quality of being present in this moment with awareness, acceptance, kindness, compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment." - Dr. Alice Rizzi

"It's better to do 30 seconds every day than even sit for 10 minutes once a week." - Dr. Alice Rizzi

"Right now, in this moment, chances are you're actually okay." - Dr. Alice Rizzi

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 

01:27 Goal Fridays: A Series for Changemakers

02:45 Meet Dr. Alice Rizzi: Mindfulness Expert

04:35 Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation

06:44 Mindfulness for High Achievers and Overthinkers

09:48 Grounding Techniques for Overthinkers

16:28 The Power of Self-Compassion and Non-Judgment

21:52 Practical Tips for Mindfulness Practice

32:11 Conclusion and Resources

Key Takeaways:

1. Forget long meditation sessions; brief daily practices can be more effective for busy minds.
2. Learn the "five, four, three, two, one" grounding technique to instantly reconnect with the present moment.
3. Discover why self-compassion might be the missing piece in your mindfulness journey.
4. Explore how a simple self-hug can regulate your nervous system faster than you think.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Alice Rizzi's Instagram: @DrAliceRizzi

• Website: togethermindful.com (free mindfulness toolkit available)

• Therapy services (NY and FL): dralicerizzi.com

Sara's Links and Resources:

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• The No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

Whether you're a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or a skeptical beginner, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease and presence.

Is October the new January? Gen Z thinks so, and they might be onto something. In this Thinkydoers Short, I dive into the viral TikTok trend of "October Theory" and explore how it intersects with established business practices like quarterly planning and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this episode offers fresh insights on goal-setting and achievement.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to "October Theory" and its viral spread on TikTok
• How October Theory aligns with business quarterly planning practices
• What us Olds can learn from the youth on the importance of end-of-Q3 retrospectives and learning reviews
• Introduction to Key Results for Gen Z goal-setters
• The benefits of outcome-based goals over activity-based goals

Key Questions:

• What is October Theory?
• How does October Theory relate to business planning cycles?
• What are Key Results in the context of OKRs?
• Why are outcome-based goals more effective than activity-based goals?

Notable Quotes:

"Let's listen to the next generation on this one and prioritize the end of Q3 reset."

"Key results are a different kind of goal... We're going to think about what would be really incredible to achieve in terms of impacts or quantifiable outcomes of our effort."

"Instead of the risk of the all or nothing bad feelings that we get when we set just activity based goals, when we create key results, that's what we're pursuing... We get instantly curious, even if you're not having any progress."

Episode Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts 

01:15 Discovering October Theory

02:07 Understanding October Theory and Its Impact

03:43 The Power of Key Results for Gen Z

04:06 Implementing OKRs in Business

06:21 Creating Effective Key Results

09:02 The Benefits of Key Results Over Activity Goals

12:57 Conclusion and Join the Pre-Launch List for You Are A Strategist

Links and Resources:

• Pre-launch list for "You Are a Strategist": youareastrategist.com
• Sara's website: saralobkovich.com
• Shortcut to Sara's website: findrc.co

 

Want to incorporate more play into your world? You’re in the right place! Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a biological necessity that can transform your mental well-being and even help manage mental health symptoms like hypervigilance and anxiety.

And we’re lucky to have play expert TJ Matton back for this second episode in our two-part series on play. If you haven’t already, listen to last week’s episode for fundamentals about the science of play; and here we get practically applied. How can you increase play in your life? Listen (or read on) for answers.

Episode Highlights:

• Foundations of Play: Play is essential for learning and development, helping us build new neural pathways.

• Play as a Mindfulness Practice: Integrating play into daily life to enhance mindfulness and personal growth.

• Managing Hypervigilance: Practical exercises to use play as a tool for managing hypervigilance.

• Mindfulness and Emotional Reactivity: Shifting from emotional reactivity to curiosity through play.

• Types of Play: Exploring different play patterns and how to integrate them into everyday activities.

Common Questions:

1. How can play help with mindfulness?

2. What are some practical ways to integrate play into daily life?

3. How can play be used to manage hypervigilance?

Notable Quotes:

• “Play is how we learn new ways of thinking, being, and operating. It’s necessary for growth and evolution.”

• “Focusing on our enjoyment is never wasted; it’s an embodiment practice.”

• “Hypervigilance can be a play buddy. Opt into it in safe environments to transform it from a suffering experience to an impulse for growth.”

Guest Information:

TJ Matton: Founder and Chief Play Officer of the Playful Revolution. You can find more information about TJ and her work at theplayfulrevolution.com and on Instagram at @theplayfulrevolution.

Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week for a conversation with another incredible expert about stuckness and mental health. Don’t miss it!

Special Offer: Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting priorities? Struggling to achieve the results you need in your organization or career? It’s time to unblock your inner strategist. Join my community membership program, designed for aspiring and practicing strategic operators who think differently. Right now, membership is $100 off for the full year, just in time to help with your Q3, Q4 transition and ramp up for 2025. Visit findrc.co/ubyis to learn more.

Stay Connected: Thank you for joining and listening. I can’t wait to hear what resonated with you in this episode. Subscribe to our newsletter at findrc.co/newsletter to stay updated. You can find me, Sara Lobkovich, pretty much everywhere online. Feel free to contact me at [email protected]. If you have other Thinkydoers in your work world, please pass this episode along. We appreciate your referrals, mentions, shares, and reviews.

Find full show notes and transcript at http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod.