In this expert session, Daphne Feller delves into the profound impact of negative thoughts on our brains and how they can hinder our abilities to focus on positivity and progress. Our brain's primary function is to keep us safe, making it prone to focusing more on potential threats – negative thoughts – that need addressing. Humans are known to experience a vast number of thoughts daily, often dwelling on the negative ones. These thoughts can significantly impact self-confidence and feelings of importance in both professional and social settings.
To combat this mental obstacle, Daphne suggests being aware of these negative thoughts and making a conscious effort to create positive ones instead. She encourages participants to write down a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal for the year and challenge any negative thoughts or beliefs that surface when considering achieving it. By asking themselves whether each thought is true, what evidence supports its inaccuracy, the potential consequences of continuing to believe it, and how they can reframe it positively, individuals can begin to rewire their brains and create new, more positive pathways.
The expert session also touches upon mindfulness meditation and other relaxation techniques as valuable tools in reducing stress and anxiety, ultimately making it easier to identify and challenge negative thoughts. Daphne emphasizes the significance of having a supportive network – or "dream team" – during challenging times. She encourages reaching out to these individuals for honest feedback and support when facing negative thoughts or uncertainty.
Throughout the session, Daphne discusses the brain's ability to adapt and change through neuroplasticity. She advocates for prioritizing self-care, setting positive goals, focusing on opportunities instead of problems, and learning from mistakes. She recommends practicing "brain dumping" – writing down all thoughts before going to bed – to help fall asleep more easily.
During the discussion, Daphne touches upon the role of guilt in the brain's evolution process and its significance as a moral compass. She notes that modern lifestyles often lead individuals to experience excessive feelings of guilt due to pressure and stress. To build new habits or thought patterns, she advises that it typically takes around two months and emphasizes the importance of having emotional drive and a clear goal for success.
The session concludes with Daphne reminding participants to prioritize self-awareness and the power they hold in changing negative thoughts into positive ones.
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Daphne Feller
The Power of Thoughts
Daphne founded her company BrainExplainers in 2016. BrainExplainers provides knowledge about the human brain (neuroscience) and heart intelligence. Daphne has 12 years of (senior) corporate work experience. In addition to the work within BrainExplainers, she obtained a certificate 'Basics of Neuro-economics', completed an Executive MBA and is a certified neuro-coach through the renowned 'NeuroLeadership Institute'. In the year 2018 she climbed Mont Blanc, is the author of the book “Brain Heart Being” and mother of two daughters.
Summary
Brain Expert
Key Learnings
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Cultivating Positive Thinking: Recognizing the impact of negative thoughts on our mindset and brain function, and actively working to challenge and replace them with positive thoughts is essential for personal growth and improved well-being.
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Building a Supportive Network: Surrounding ourselves with individuals who offer honest feedback, encouragement, and support during challenges and difficult times can significantly contribute to our success and overall sense of self-worth.
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Embracing Neuroplasticity and Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care practices, setting achievable goals, focusing on opportunities instead of problems, and practicing techniques like brain dumping or mindfulness meditation can help us adapt, change, and thrive in various aspects of our lives.
Interaction
During the expert session, Daphne Feller engages the audience through various means, including a Q&A session, live demonstrations of mindfulness exercises, and interactive activities using the Mentimeter app. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their personal goals and negative thoughts, challenging them with cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. The use of Mentimeter allows for sharing insights and taking actionable steps towards growth. Additionally, Daphne emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting positive goals, and building a supportive network for personal development.
Key Learnings
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Building Trust through Self-Awareness and Vulnerability: Understanding your own emotions and being open to sharing intentions, thoughts, and feelings with others is essential for creating a psychologically safe environment that encourages trust and effective communication.
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Effective Leadership Styles for Psychological Safety: Fostering psychological safety in the workplace requires adaptable leadership that builds trust, understands team dynamics, and values individual contributions. Consider your preferred leadership style and areas for improvement to create a culture where individuals feel heard and valued.
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Open Dialogue and Collaboration for Trust-Building: Reflect on past experiences where you felt unheard or overlooked and prioritize creating an environment where individuals feel safe enough to express their thoughts and ideas. Engage in open dialogue and collaboration to build stronger relationships and improve communication within your team or organization.
Interaction
During the expert session, Elaine Broe, an emotional intelligence and diversity & inclusion specialist, encourages active engagement through Q&A sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive exercises using the Mentimeter app. She discusses trust and psychological safety in the workplace, highlighting self-awareness, vulnerability, and open communication as essential aspects. Participants reflect on their preferred leadership styles, share experiences, and assess their reliability, congruence, openness, and acceptance. Elaine emphasizes the importance of building trust for growth, innovation, and effective collaboration.