Upgrade Your Mental Operating System

Hello, Possibility Seekers!

Today, I am thrilled to share an enlightening conversation I had with Deb Smolensky, a thought leader in the area of human performance at work. Deb’s insights on mental well-being, the power of the brain, and the importance of upgrading our mental operating system are transformative. Her approach emphasizes awareness, intention, and the impact of our thoughts and actions on overall well-being. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their mental strength and resilience.

Understanding Your Mental Operating System

Deb Smolensky, a bestselling author and Senior Vice President at NFP, has dedicated her career to developing strategies that empower employees and executives to lead healthy, productive lives. Her book, *Brain On*, is a guide to retraining your brain through mental fitness strategies, helping you navigate the complexities of modern work life.

“Your brain is designed to keep you safe. Thank you. But it’s up to you to expand your operating system to be happy and productive in the office and at home,” Deb explains. The essence of her message is that we need to understand and manage our brain’s default settings to thrive in today’s world.

The Importance of Awareness and Intention

One key takeaway from Deb’s approach is the need for awareness and intention. She emphasizes that understanding your brain’s wiring and awareness of your thoughts and emotions are foundational to improving mental well-being. “Develop awareness and intention in your thoughts and actions,” she advises. This practice involves regularly checking in with yourself and recognizing when you’re operating in a default state.

Micro-Moments for Macro Impact

Deb introduces the concept of micro-moments—small, intentional actions that cumulatively have a significant impact on our well-being. “The upgrade are at micro-moments of daily habits we all do,” she states. These micro-moments, whether it’s taking a deep breath before a meeting or pausing to check if you have everything you need, help rewire our brains for better mental health.

Mental Health vs. Mental Well-being

A critical distinction Deb makes is between mental health and mental well-being. Mental health often refers to clinical conditions like anxiety and depression, which require professional care. In contrast, mental well-being encompasses daily practices and skills everyone can develop to enhance their quality of life. “Understand the difference between mental health and mental well-being,” Deb highlights, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental well-being practices into the workplace.

Practical Strategies for Managing Emotions

Deb shares practical strategies for managing emotions, especially in high-stress environments. One such technique is the square breath, a breathing exercise to calm the brain and body. “The breath triggers us brain on,” she says. By practicing these techniques, we can better manage our responses to stress and improve our overall mental resilience.

Creating Mentally Strong Organizations

Deb believes that organizations play a crucial role in supporting employee mental well-being. “Creating mentally strong organizations involves designing policies, procedures, and environments that support employee well-being and growth,” she explains. This holistic approach includes training leaders to manage their own mental states and fostering a culture of mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

To all the leaders and professionals out there, Deb Smolensky’s insights provide a roadmap for enhancing mental well-being and creating a more supportive workplace environment. Her emphasis on awareness, intention, and micro-moments offers practical tools for managing stress and improving mental resilience.

For those interested in diving deeper into these concepts, I highly recommend reading Deb’s book, *Brain On*. It’s a comprehensive guide to upgrading your mental operating system and thriving both personally and professionally.

Until next time, keep seeking possibilities and creating a life you love!

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With love and gratitude,