Positive on Purpose: a podcast journey
As part of our ever-growing catalogue of bite-sized pieces of professional learning, The Professional Learning Hub is proud to present Positive on Purpose, a podcast series by Dr Mia O'Brien.
It might be a tough call to stay positive at the moment, but did you know that positive psychology is a scientifically researched phenomena? Throughout this series Dr Mia O’Brien provides a timely reminder that positivity is a practical tool for work and life.
Episode 1 - Why happiness is not enough
This podcast outlines important introductory ideas and principles for living a positive life, and as the title suggests, points out that happiness is not all there is to positivity; at least, not if you’re approaching this scientifically.
Episode 2 - Stories we tell ourselves, part 1
Have you ever stopped to consider the power of that inner negative critic? Wondered why those nerves kick into overdrive just when you need to focus and stay calm? This podcast outlines the powerful role that the stories we tell ourselves play in our lives. Positive and empowered, or negative and disabling, the stories we tell ourselves make all the difference.
Episode 3 - Stories we tell ourselves, part 2
This podcast provides a simple three step hack for neutralising negative self-talk and reframing the stories we tell ourselves. As the podcast outlines, if the stories you’re telling yourself aren’t aspiring, enabling and empowering, then you’re telling yourself the wrong story.
Episode 4 - Attention
Attention is the lever for everything; for breaking up with old habits, for building new ways of working or living, for being the best that you can be. It all starts with attention, and this podcast outlines exactly how to focus on it.
Episode 5 - Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an ancient eastern philosophy that has become legendary in contemporary western thinking. You don’t have to be Buddhist to benefit from the clarity and composure that mindfulness can bring. This podcast unpacks what is meant by mindfulness, and outlines two simple strategies for building a beginner level of mindfulness into every day.
Episode 6 - Flow
Flow is a familiar concept, but an elusive experience. This podcast outlines the characteristics of flow and the conditions within which we’re most likely to find it.
Episode 7 - Strengths
This podcast reviews one of the most popular and widely embraced aspects of positive psychology to date: strengths. We all have strengths, and we all love the idea of using them in our day to day lives. Did you know there are multiple versions of ‘strengths’? What are your strengths and how do you find them? What is the real potential of strengths?
Episode 8 - Optimism
Optimism is the thread that runs throughout every aspect of positivity. If happiness can be described as “the joy you feel when moving towards your potential” (Achor, 2012), then optimism ought to be defined as ‘the consistent acknowledgement that taking intentional steps towards that joy is the best response to challenge’. This podcast outlines that view and practical steps to ensure optimism is always your fall-back position.
Dr Mia O'Brien
Dr Mia O’Brien is Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Professional Practice in Griffith University’s School of Education and Professional Studies. Mia has an extensive passion for the application of positive psychology to learning, teaching and work. Her ARC Discovery Grant investigates the application of positive psychology to schools and classrooms, she consults across sectors on strategies for building positivity in the workplace and in educational settings, and she writes and publishes on positive psychology in education regularly. She is a member of the Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) and her podcast series Positive on Purpose: no magical thinking required explores the scientific basis of positive psychology and its application to work and to life.
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