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Mastering Mental Resilience: A Conversation with Performance Psychologist Lauren Johnson
On today’s episode of Redefining Motherhood, I'm thrilled to welcome Lauren Johnson, a renowned performance psychologist and coach who has worked with some of the world's top CEOs, athletes, and organizations. Lauren's background in sport and performance psychology, combined with her personal journey as a mother, make her a true wealth of knowledge on the topic of mental resilience.
Mental Resilience and Self-Awareness
One of the primary topics Lauren and I discussed was the significance of mental resilience and self-awareness, especially for mothers. Mental resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is a crucial trait for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities. Lauren shared how her background in sports and performance psychology helped her develop resilience, which she now applies to her role as a mother and professional.
Self-awareness is the first step towards building mental resilience. Understanding our strengths and weaknesses allows us to develop strategies to cope with challenges effectively. For instance, Lauren spoke about her athletic career and how she struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These experiences fueled her passion for performance psychology, enabling her to help others overcome similar obstacles.
As mothers, it’s essential to recognize the potential for negative coping strategies and work towards healthier alternatives. By reframing our thinking and focusing on self-care, we can better manage the stress and demands of motherhood and career. This proactive approach not only benefits us but also sets a positive example for our children.
Body Image and Self-Talk Strategies for Postpartum Women
Body image is a significant concern for many women, especially postpartum. During our conversation, I shared my experience with body dysmorphia during pregnancy and the importance of self-awareness and perseverance in overcoming negative thoughts. It's easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism, but this only delays progress and healing.
Lauren emphasized that negative self-talk does not motivate us but rather hinders our growth. Instead, we should practice grace and perseverance, understanding that our bodies have undergone significant changes. Self-talk strategies can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. By consciously replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, we can foster a healthier self-image and improve our overall mental health. This shift in mindset not only benefits us but also influences how we interact with our children, teaching them the value of positive thinking and self-compassion.
Self-Improvement, Identity, and Motherhood
Self-improvement and identity are deeply intertwined, especially for mothers. I shared my journey of reframing beliefs and actions to achieve self-improvement. It's essential to understand that self-improvement does not equate to self-loathing; instead, it’s about loving oneself while striving to be better.
Lauren reflected on how she did not want to be defined solely by her appearance. She shifted her focus to becoming a happy, healthy, and confident mother and person. This shift in perspective is crucial for personal growth and well-being.
Research has shown that mothers' self-talk significantly affects children's self-criticism. By practicing self-love and positive self-talk, we can model healthy behavior for our children, teaching them the importance of mental resilience and self-compassion. This approach helps dispel the notion that self-improvement requires harsh self-criticism and instead fosters a nurturing environment for growth.
How Reframing Negative Thoughts Can Improve Mental Performance
Reframing negative thoughts is a powerful technique for improving mental performance. After giving birth, I struggled with intrusive thoughts and learned tools for managing them through therapy. Lauren shared how reframing a team's mindset from defeat to excitement led to improved performance.
The way we frame situations significantly impacts our behavior and mindset. By viewing struggles as opportunities for growth, we can develop a more productive and positive outlook. This approach not only enhances our mental well-being but also improves our physical health.
Balancing motherhood and career while prioritizing mental resilience and self-care is a challenging yet essential task. By focusing on mental resilience, self-awareness, positive self-talk, and proactive approaches to mental health, we can navigate these challenges more effectively. Lauren Johnson's insights and personal experiences offer valuable strategies for overcoming these issues and fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.
I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider how you can implement these strategies in your daily life. For more on this topic, you can listen to the full podcast episode her. Let’s embark on this journey of Redefining Motherhood together and embrace a healthier, happier life!
Learn more about Lauren Johnson Here:
Free download: 57 powerful mental performance questions: https://go.laurenjohnsonandco.com/
Visit: https://mentalrepsco.com
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