177 How to Help Young People Develop a “Can Do” Attitude

In episode #177 of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, Lisa Avery, a positive psychology practitioner talks to me about how to help young people flourish using a positive psychology approach.  In our conversation we focus on a measure of mental toughness, life control, which links to having a “can do” attitude towards life.  We discuss identifying and cultivating positive emotions, character strengths, and virtues that contribute towards a feel good factor and overcoming our negativity bias as well as a lot more. Key Learning Points: Arguably, here in the UK we are behind countries like the USA and Australia in our use of positive psychology approaches when supporting young people. We all have a negativity bias in our brains where we are quick to notice the bad stuff not the good. In order to get to the point of being comfortable in your own skin, and valuing yourself and your personality traits, you've got to know who you are. In schools and colleges the starting point is always to work with the staff, usually the senior leadership team. Dr. Susan David speaks about the fact that if you know what your values are, every time you need to make a decision.  You should simply ask yourself, “is what I'm about to say or do going to take me closer or further away from where I want to be?”. The central framework to positive psychology comes from Dr Martin Seligman’s work. He says that in order to thrive, human beings need positive emotions, a sense of engagement in their work and life, great relationships, a sense of meaning or purpose, and a sense of accomplishment. Abraham Maslow states “we either step forwards into growth or step back backwards into safety.” Do you focus on the strengths of your kids or their weaknesses? This questionnaire will help you. - https://www.leawaters.com/sbp-quiz Connect with Lisa Avery Website LinkedIn Connect with David Charlton Sign Up to The Mental Edge Join David @ The Sports Psychology Hub Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 5 Relevant Podcast Episodes Ep134: David Charlton – Observations: 3 Things That Stop You Achieving Your Goals Ep106: Amy Rowlinson – Why is knowing my WHY important? Ep098: Jon Bartlett – Do You Know Your Why?  Ep075: Grant Phyphers – How to Rebuild Your Identity Ep021: Steve Hackney – How to Reach Your Full Potential 5 Valuable resources that can help you build a “can do” attitude Blog: Make Better Decisions to Help Your Sport Performance a Values List    Conversations with Kids – Values Children and Youth Motivation for Sport Quiz for Children Child and Youth Motivation Quiz for Parents Performance Profile for Goalkeepers