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    Podcast Summary

    • Enhancing Everyday ExperiencesClorox Scentiva offers a fresh scent and powerful cleaning, JCPenney provides stylish and comfortable clothing, UPS Store is a reliable partner for shipping, and Scott Barry Kaufman discusses reimagining education and human potential.

      Clorox Scentiva offers a fresh and energizing cleaning experience with its coconut scent and powerful cleaning abilities. Meanwhile, JCPenney empowers individuals of all shapes and sizes to refresh their wardrobes with stylish and comfortable clothing options. The UPS Store is a reliable partner for packing and shipping during the holiday season, and Scott Barry Kaufman, a renowned psychologist, shares a passion for helping people live more meaningful and purposeful lives. In the podcast discussion, Andrew Yang and Scott Barry Kaufman discuss the importance of reimagining education and understanding human potential. Overall, these brands and individuals provide solutions for enhancing everyday experiences, whether it's through a cleaner home, a refreshed wardrobe, or a more profound understanding of human nature.

    • Labels can limit potential and perpetuate beliefs of limitationsRecognize and nurture unique strengths, avoid pigeonholing individuals based on perceived limitations.

      Labels and categorizations, particularly in education, can limit individuals' potential and perpetuate a belief in their own limitations. The speaker's friend's experience of being labeled as having a learning issue and kept in special education led him to feel misunderstood and undervalued. However, he used this experience as motivation to prove his capabilities and eventually left special education to excel academically. This story highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing each individual's unique strengths and talents, rather than pigeonholing them based on perceived limitations. The speaker's journey into studying intelligence and cognitive science further emphasizes the complexities and nuances of human intelligence and the need to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.

    • Unexpected encounters and inspiring figuresChance meetings and inspiring individuals can significantly alter the course of one's life. Stay open to new experiences and be persistent in pursuing your goals.

      Unexpected discoveries and encounters with inspiring figures can significantly alter the course of one's life. The speaker, for instance, initially had a passion for music and even auditioned for a music program in college. However, a chance encounter with a cognitive psychology textbook and a renowned professor, Robert Sternberg, led her to shift her focus and pursue a PhD in psychology instead. This crystallizing experience confirmed her long-held beliefs about intelligence and inspired her to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her studies. Similarly, the speaker's determination and persistence, as evidenced by her cold-calling and emailing professors, played a crucial role in her academic journey. The encounter with Herbert A. Simon and his groundbreaking idea of satisficing further broadened her understanding of human decision-making. Overall, this story underscores the importance of staying open to new experiences and the power of inspiration in shaping one's path in life.

    • Valuing unique learning styles and intelligenceRecognize and nurture diverse forms of intelligence and learning styles for a more inclusive and effective education system.

      Intelligence and learning are not limited to traditional academic measures and conformity. The conversation highlights the experiences of individuals, including the speaker himself, who have excelled despite challenges such as dyslexia and a non-conforming approach to learning. The speaker advocates for a more humanistic education system that recognizes and values the unique qualities and potential of each student, rather than solely focusing on test scores and behavioral conformity. This perspective aligns with the speaker's earlier research on dual process theory, which recognizes multiple forms of intelligence beyond the academic analytic. The speaker's work emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing diverse forms of intelligence and learning styles to create a more inclusive and effective educational system.

    • Challenging the Focus on IQ TestsIntuitive intelligence, not IQ, is a stronger predictor of creative achievement in the arts.

      The speaker, a researcher in the field of intelligence, set out to challenge the traditional focus on IQ tests and instead explore the role of intuitive intelligence and its relationship to IQ. He discovered a zero correlation between the two, which went against the prevailing wisdom in the field. This discovery led him to explore the area of creativity and found that intuitive intelligence was a stronger predictor of creative achievement in the arts than IQ. This discovery opened up a new world for the researcher and highlighted the importance of this often overlooked skill.

    • The comfort zone of intellectually gifted individuals and its impact on social skillsAcademic intelligence and social skills can be inversely related. While intellectually gifted individuals may find comfort in academic environments, they might struggle with social situations and intuitive problem solving.

      There can be an inverse relationship between academic intelligence and social skills. The speaker, who grew up attending "nerd camps" and feeling at home among intellectually gifted peers, found comfort in the lack of social pressure. However, when faced with situations requiring intuitive problem solving or social skills, this group would have struggled. The speaker's research focus later shifted to understanding the human imagination, leading to various studies and initiatives at the Imagination Institute at Penn. This unexpected opportunity brought the speaker back to Philadelphia and led to a significant shift in research interests.

    • Shifting focus from evaluation to inspiration in educationInitiatives like assigning dream directors and promoting positive education aim to humanize education, encouraging creativity, arts, and self-actualization, preparing students for a tech-driven future.

      The future of education lies in shifting the focus from evaluation to inspiration, and putting the human element back into the educational system. This can be achieved through initiatives like the Future Project, which assigns a dream director to help students realize their goals and dreams. Such an approach encourages creativity, arts, and self-actualization, preparing students for a world where AI and technology may take over rote tasks. Positive education, an emerging field, also emphasizes the importance of a positive and humanistic approach to education, which can help counteract the negative and conformist aspects of the current system. Major figures in this movement include Sir Ken Robinson and Daniel Pink, and they advocate for a more holistic, human-centered approach to education that fosters creativity, imagination, and intuition.

    • Positive Education: Focusing on Students' Basic NeedsPositive education prioritizes human connection, safety, and self-esteem, addressing issues of loneliness, lack of trust, and self-worth crisis in students, while countering negative effects of social media.

      Positive education, which focuses on meeting students' basic human needs for connection, safety, and self-esteem, is gaining popularity in countries like Australia, England, and the US. Schools like Shipley in Philadelphia and several in Australia are leading the way in implementing this approach. The speaker emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and the need for a shift towards a more humanistic education system in America, where there is a growing sense of loneliness, lack of trust, and self-worth crisis among students. The speaker also highlights the role of social media in contributing to narcissistic tendencies and the need for healthy self-esteem. Overall, positive education, with its focus on fostering a secure and supportive learning environment, can help address these issues and expand humanity.

    • Investing in basic needs for individual growthUniversal Basic Income could be a step towards showing people they're loved and valued, addressing foundational needs for growth and self-actualization.

      Genuine investment and addressing basic needs of safety, connection, and self-esteem are crucial for individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. The current lack of investment from our country and society at large is leaving many feeling unvalued and struggling. Universal Basic Income could be a step towards showing people that they are loved and valued, and investing in their future. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is being recast in a new light, emphasizing the importance of security and growth, and the need to address the holes in the "boat" before setting sail towards self-actualization. It's essential to recognize and understand the common humanity of unfulfilled basic needs, rather than focusing on the differences in our suffering. The metaphor of a boat with holes emphasizes the importance of securing the foundational needs before focusing on growth and exploration.

    • Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for Personal Growth and Societal ProgressMaslow's Hierarchy of Needs includes five levels: physiological, safety, love/belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. Addressing basic needs is essential, but we also need to focus on exploration, connection, self-respect, and personal growth for a fulfilling and meaningful life and a more compassionate and connected society.

      Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal growth and societal progress. Maslow identified five levels of needs: physiological, safety, love/belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. The physiological needs are the most basic, including food, water, and shelter. Safety needs refer to security and stability. Love and belongingness needs involve connection and acceptance from others. Esteem needs relate to self-respect and recognition from others. Self-actualization is the highest level, where individuals seek personal growth and fulfillment. Maslow also distinguished between deficiency motivation and growth motivation. Deficiency motivation comes from a place of scarcity and a desire to fill gaps. Growth motivation, on the other hand, comes from a place of exploration and a desire to expand and learn. In practical terms, this means that addressing basic needs is essential, but it's not enough. We also need to focus on exploration, connection, self-respect, and personal growth. By doing so, we can move beyond a mindset of scarcity and fear and instead embrace a spirit of exploration and love for the being of others. This approach can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, as well as a more compassionate and connected society.

    • Exploring Higher Order Needs for Personal GrowthScott Barry Kaufman's work emphasizes the importance of addressing higher order needs like connectedness, esteem, exploration, love, and purpose for personal growth and self-actualization, but many struggle to meet their basic needs first.

      Our needs go beyond the basic level of survival and safety. According to Scott Barry Kaufman, there are higher order needs that include connectedness, esteem, exploration, love, and purpose. These needs are essential for personal growth and self-actualization. However, many people are struggling to meet their basic needs, making it difficult for them to focus on these higher needs. As a society, we need to prioritize addressing people's sense of safety, connectedness, and esteem from the very beginning. Schools are just one part of the equation, and we need to consider the impact of family environments, income levels, neighborhoods, and other factors on children's educational outcomes. Kaufman's work, as presented in his book "Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization," has been widely praised in the field of psychology, with figures like Aaron Beck, the founder of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, expressing high regard for it. Kaufman's ideas offer a practical and instructive approach to understanding and fulfilling our higher order needs. To learn more about his work and stay updated, you can follow him or visit his website.

    • Exploring resources for self-actualization and financial wellnessDiscover valuable insights and tools for personal growth and financial well-being through Scott Barry Kaufman's website, podcast, and resources, as well as financial wellness quizzes and online therapy services.

      Scott Barry Kaufman's website, scottbarrykoffman.com, is a treasure trove of resources for those seeking self-actualization. The site hosts his podcast, free resources for parents, teachers, and adults, and scientifically validated self-actualization and Star Wars force tests. Visitors can discover their financial wellness score with Facet's free financial wellness quiz, and access mental health support through BetterHelp's online therapy services. State Farm, in partnership with DJ Dramos from Life as a Gringo, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and unlearning limiting financial beliefs for a comfortable, financially free lifestyle. Overall, these resources offer valuable insights and tools for personal growth and financial well-being.

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    There is not one career in the world that does not need business principles to succeed.
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    People are pursuing college degrees and careers without also getting a strong business background to support their goals.
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    Music, TV, film, and sports industries have businesses that thrive but a large percentage of their talent is collateral damage, due to not knowing business.

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    This episode is bound to stir up conversation and have you emailing or DMing our team. We hope that it inspires and encourages you and your family to see your personal, academic, and professional lives through a business lens. And then proceed accordingly.

    Towards the end of the episode, there was a quote shared from Chomwa Shikati. The link to that quote can be viewed below.
    Quote Source: https://medium.com/w-i-t/laying-a-strong-foundation-for-your-business-63f56ba08b13

    SHOW INFORMATION:

    Company: Foreman & Associates, LLC
    Website: ForemanLLC.com
    IG: @ForemanLLC
    FB: @ForemanAndAssociates
    Twitter: @ForemanLLC
    Podcast Twitter: @ItAintSmall
    YouTube: user/ForemanAssociates

    HOST: Natasha L. Foreman, CEO of Foreman & Associates, LLC
    Website: NatashaForeman.com
    IG: @NatashaLForeman
    FB: @NatashaLForeman
    Twitter: @NatashaLForeman
    LinkedIn: @NatashaLForeman

    Theme Song: “Higher Up” by Shane Ivers

    Copyright 2020. Foreman & Associates, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    S1 Ep49: Practical Examples of Character and Positive Education - Book Launch Panel 2 Part 1

    S1 Ep49:  Practical Examples of Character and Positive Education - Book Launch Panel 2 Part 1

    Welcome to Episode 49.

    This is the third of the extended podcast episodes over the next few weeks, where you will be able to listen to the replays of the For Flourishing’s Sake book launch events.

    Today, I bring you the first half of the second panel discussion of the book launch extravaganza.  This panel was recorded live on 18th June, the day the Kindle edition of For Flourishing’s Sake was published.

    I chaired the panel myself and the panellists were:

    Flora Barton, Headteacher, Crowmarsh Gifford Church of England Primary School

    Kelly Hannaghan, Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant

    Patrick Ottley-O’Connor, Education Consultant, Leadership Coach and Headteacher.  Executive Principal at North Liverpool Academy.

    Rebecca Tigue, Head of School, University of Birmingham School

    In this first half of the panel discussion, the panellists shared their definitions of positive education, character education or wellbeing in education, exploring also the different terminology used to describe many of our and their shared goals. They quickly moved on to some concrete examples of implementation in their schools, from specific staff wellbeing initiatives and their impacts, to whole school approaches and their effects on the entire school community, including parents.

    You can watch back all the panel video recordings here. The final panel discussion will take place on 21st August - the day of the For Flourishing’s Sake paperback publication - at 12.30pm BST.

    -------------------------

    If you have found this episode useful, please give it a five star rating on iTunes to help it reach more people and please spread the word. Also, if you haven’t already, remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

    For Flourishing’s Sake is available on iTunes / Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Deezer.

    The book, by the same name, came out on Kindle on 18th June and will be out on paperback on 21st August. You’ll find it on all major online book retailer sites.  It’s jam-packed with evidence-based strategies for whole school positive education with case study examples from a wide range of schools from around the world. So why not order your Kindle copy now, or pre-order your paperback so you’ll receive it as soon as it’s published?

    If you’d like to get in touch with questions or comments, or to contribute to a future episode, please contact me via Twitter at @FlourishingED.  You can also leave comments on individual episode pages right here at www.forflourishingssake.com (see bottom of this page).

    I look forward to hearing from you, and until next time, For Flourishing’s Sake, have a great week!

     

    Everyday Hero - 60 second version (Corporate, motivational, you tube, podcast) Music by Pond5

    S1 Ep29: Positive Psychology for difficult times

    S1 Ep29: Positive Psychology for difficult times

    Welcome to episode 29.  Over the last week, our world seems to have changed dramatically!  Coronavirus has been declared a Pandemic by the World Health Organisation and people don’t know which advice to follow and how best to protect themselves and their loved ones.  I am not qualified to give any advice on this, so I won’t.  But I want to help you navigate these challenging times for yourself and for the children you work with, with the help of Positive Psychology.

    Children are often acutely aware of the world around them.  Already the world has been feeling pretty uncertain for quite some time, but Coronavirus has added an additional layer and a certain level of urgency and panic for many people - this will include children you work with. So…what can you do to support their mental health at this time?

    Now is an ideal time to encourage them to talk about their emotions in a safe space, to express the complexity and depth of what they’re feeling and help them unpack those emotions. For the youngest children, you may wish to have wall charts with various emojis and encourage them to place their names under the emoji that best reflects how they feel, and to move this around as each day and week progresses, to reflect their changing emotions throughout each day.  You can have conversations in circle time around these.  For older children and adolescents, you can have discussions about their emotions around the current crisis during tutor period, or when discussing related topics in History, Science, English Literature etc.

    Now is also a good time to focus on strengths.  You can encourage children to identify and discuss the strengths they need individually and that the country and the world needs at this time.  They may identify the need for bravery as we all face our fears around the current situation, or for creativity to find new ways of working, learning and interacting.  Curiosity may be a strength we all tap into as we learn more about the specific virus and about the spread of disease, historical pandemics and the way treatments are developed, for example. Honesty may also be a prominent strength to focus on as we need to self-isolate if we develop symptoms. They may discuss the need for the strength of leadership, and whether that only comes from country leaders, school leaders, business leaders etc, or from all of us.  And how about love, prudence, self-regulation? Of course, we mustn’t forget kindness! Kindness towards those who need to self-isolate and may need help to get food and medication supplies, kindness towards others in not hoarding scarce supplies in supermarkets, kindness towards those who are worried about vulnerable loved ones. You can find out more about the 24 VIA character strengths from the VIA Institute on Character.

    You can focus on strengths by specifically asking children to discuss or write about the strengths needed in the current situation, you can increase the way you use strengths vocabulary with children and adults in school, you can encourage strengths-spotting in others, or you can set children and colleagues strengths-challenges (use a particular strength in novel ways and see who comes up with the most unusual ways to use it).  The possibilities are almost endless!

    If you or any of your children display symptoms and need to follow the current advice to self-isolate for seven days, or if you need to close your school, this is an ideal opportunity to practise a couple of great positive psychology interventions:

    1. Write down three good things - or think of it as ‘what went well today?’ - each evening before bed for seven days.
    2. Identify one of your ‘signature strengths’ (you can do this on the VIA website for adults and children ages 10 or above…or you can discuss strengths and examples to help each pupil identify their key strengths ahead of any self-isolation or closure) and find seven new ways to use it in seven days.

    Both these activities were found in one ground-breaking study (1) to cause lasting increases - for six months - in happiness and a reduction in depression for the same amount of time. A more recent replication of the study (2) also found that these interventions can lead to lasting increases in happiness.

    I hope this episode helps you draw some positive inspiration from these challenging times we are living through.  Keeping ourselves mentally well in addition to looking after our physical health is more important than ever.  Look after yourself and, as always, I look forward to catching up with you next week.  Until we speak again, For Flourishing’s Sake, have a great week!

     

    References:

    • Seligman, M. E. P. et al. (2005) ‘Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of intervention’, Positive Psychology, pp. 1–19. doi: 10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410.
    • Mongrain, M. and Anselmo-Matthews, T. (2012) ‘Do Positive Psychology Exercises Work? A Replication of Seligman et al.’, Journal of Clinical Psychology, 68(4), pp. 382–389. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21839.