In this episode of Meaningful Mischief, Mary, Stel, and James dive into the pervasive stress in today’s world—what causes it, how to manage it, and why it’s a natural part of growth. From simple breathing techniques to cultivating daily rituals, this episode unpacks practical strategies to navigate pressure and emerge stronger. Tune in to explore how you can turn stress into a tool for growth and deeper meaning.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The global rise in stress and anxiety post-COVID.
• Recognizing acute stress vs. chronic stress.
• Tools for managing stress, including morning rituals, gratitude practices, and mindfulness.
• The importance of safe spaces and authentic expression.
• Shifting focus from self to others as a pathway to reducing stress.
• How stress and pressure can be catalysts for personal and professional growth.

Tools and Practices Mentioned:

• Morning Rituals: Meditation, exercise, journaling, and juicing.
• Breathing Techniques: Learn about mindful breathing from Huberman Lab.
• Vision Expansion Exercise: Open your peripheral vision to relax your nervous system.
• The ABCDE System for Optimism: From Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman.
• Meditation Resource: Vipassana Meditation.

Books and Experts Referenced:

• Learned Optimism by Martin Seligman
• The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
• Tony Robbins on Emotional State
• Huberman Lab Podcast

In this episode of Meaningful Mischief, Mary, Stel, and James explore strengths—what they mean, how to uncover them, and why they are essential for a fulfilling and impactful life. From finding your flow state to leveraging your strengths in your career and relationships, this episode dives deep into understanding what makes you uniquely you.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What are strengths, and how do they differ from skills or hobbies?
• The role of flow state in discovering your strengths.
• Overdone strengths: When a strength becomes a blind spot.
• Using tools and assessments to uncover your strengths.
• The importance of aligning strengths with contribution and impact.

Tools Mentioned:

• Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI): SDI by Core Strengths
• Kolbe A Index: Kolbe A Index
• PRINT Assessment: PRINT Assessment by The Paul Hertz Group
• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: Working Genius Assessment

Resources for Reflection:

• Ask 10 people what they think your strengths are.
• Reflect on past experiences where you felt in flow or deeply fulfilled.
• Journaling prompt: What gives you a sense of self-worth?

What happens when three entrepreneurs stop pretending they’ve got it all figured out?

They make Meaningful Mischief.

This isn’t your typical "rise and grind" podcast. We’re here for the real talk, the belly laughs, and the "what were we thinking?!" moments—all while unpacking what it really takes to build something meaningful.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. Start with one—you’ll be hooked.

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