Simon Moss’ Post

Embracing Vulnerability on the Top of a Rollercoaster Sunday was an intense day. 🌟 It all began with a brunch full of wonder women, sharing a diversity of stories, cultures, and ways to improve the world. Right at the beginning, I raised my hand and spoke about my mission to help communities find a fulfilling life, especially around burnout. This time, I also shared that the mission exists because I know what it is like to go through burnout. This part was unprepared, but there's a first time for everything. 😅 Mental health is still a taboo, yes. At the same time, many suffer from high levels of stress in silence until one day, our body literally shuts down. From that moment on, the symptoms that had been developing for a long time start to be felt. Reaching this point means there is much to recover. However, see the conclusions of this study: "Healthy human development can take place under conditions of even great adversity due to a process of resilience that is common and completely ordinary" (Masten, 2001). But without a ready-made recipe. 🧩 Balance, dedication, and letting go of the past helped me. Mainly, not being alone. Specialists, groups, friends, and family all need to be called upon at the critical moment. And, speaking about spaces where one can be oneself, perhaps nothing is more important than finding spaces where vulnerability is welcome. This wonderful sisterhood, founded by Shenin Lebrun, is an example of a safe and solidary space. 🤝 Do you need to do like me and speak out loud to dozens of people? It's up to you 😉 What I can tell you is that only after shedding the armor of always being okay, was I able to walk towards recovery. Here is the link that mentions the study, and information about positive psychology, one of my most important tools: https://lnkd.in/eQ8NEsz9

Celebrate National Compliment Your Mirror Day for Enhanced Well-being On July 3, National Compliment Your Mirror Day reminds us to pause and recognize the exceptional qualities within ourselves. In today's image-driven society, we often overlook our own worth, leading to decreased self-esteem. This day encourages us to look in the mirror and celebrate both our inner and outer beauty. Research indicates that positive self-affirmations significantly enhance mental health. A study published in Psychological Science found that self-affirmations can lower stress and improve problem-solving abilities under pressure. By acknowledging our strengths and achievements, we build resilience and foster personal growth, crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset. Complimenting oneself also contributes to character development. Positive self-talk can boost self-confidence and motivation, essential traits for overcoming challenges. According to a study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, individuals who practice self-affirmation are better equipped to handle stress and exhibit increased emotional regulation. Incorporating self-compliments into daily routines can be transformative. Start with simple affirmations, such as appreciating your efforts and recognizing your unique attributes. Over time, this practice can lead to a more positive self-image and improved mental well-being. As a lifestyle expert coach, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact of self-compliments. My clients often report feeling more empowered and capable of managing life's stresses. Embracing National Compliment Your Mirror Day is a vital step towards a healthier, happier you. Remember, the journey to self-love begins with a single compliment. Look in the mirror today and celebrate the incredible person you are. #SelfLove #NationalComplimentYourMirrorDay #PositiveSelfTalk #MentalHealth #SelfEsteem #WellBeing #InnerBeauty #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #ConfidenceBoost GOQii

You might ask, what is a boundary and why is it so important? A boundary is a psychological, physical, and emotional limit that you set to protect and maintain your wellbeing. By setting a boundary, you know what you want and expect from others in your life as well as what is acceptable and healthy for you. Boundaries are very important as they help with establishing and maintaining relationships and protecting our mental health and overall wellbeing. At times, individuals can have unhealthy boundaries which can cause them to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, have low self-esteem as well as having toxic and unhealthy relationships. According to Psychology Today, unhealthy boundaries can be caused by not being taught what boundaries are as a child, being a people pleaser, and being a caretaker or the “parentified” child growing up. It is important to set boundaries as they can help you establish your limits. Steps to building a boundary include: 1) Establish your limit: what do you value? What causes you stress or discomfort? 2) Be direct: clear communication is key to setting healthy boundaries as people cannot know what your limits are without you telling them 3) Avoid over-explaining yourself: be clear and confident in what you are saying; don’t feel need to over explain why you are setting the boundary 4) Practice what you want to say: this will help you communicate what your needs and limits are ahead of time. That way, you can say what you need to say when it needs to be said. 5) Stay consistent with your boundaries: stand your ground as your boundaries are limits you set based on your values. Stay consistent with your original decision as it can help with communicating with someone who might push back against your boundaries To learn more about the importance of boundaries and techniques that can help with setting limits, check out this article by Psychology Today that goes more in depth here: https://bit.ly/4e5jUmc

Have you ever said, "You should speak up" "I expect everyone to speak up?" Or "everyone should feel safe enough to speak up?" Here's why you shouldn't say that. You can't command psychological safety. It also isn't a state of homeostasis. It's something that can ebb and flow based on daily interactions. Ever had a boss come to work in a bad mood? You had something to discuss with them, but their mood made you pause. You decide to not approach them that day and give them space. And these shifts happen daily. Declarations that people should speak up neglect these moments. Instead - try asking questions in the moment to solicit input: ➡️ What am I not thinking about? ➡️ It's important to get this right, what am I missing? ➡️ What would it look like if we disagreed with this? ➡️ What is one change you would make? ➡️ On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident do you feel? What do you recommend to strengthen that? Don't treat trust and psychological safety as a milestone you achieve once. Invite it and curate it daily through the questions you ask.

9 subtle signs someone is being pushed to the edge of burnout, according to psychology #YourDailyDoseofEY #EYGDS #weareEYGDS #EYGDSPhilippines #LeadershipandCulture

What is anxious attachment and how is it influencing workplace behaviours? Anxious attachment often stems from childhood experiences where comfort and security were inconsistently provided. This can lead to a deep fear of abandonment and a constant need for reassurance, affecting adult behaviour, especially at work. In the workplace, anxious attachment may manifest as: Seeking Approval - Constant need for feedback and validation. Struggling with Autonomy - Difficulty making independent decisions. Sensitivity to Criticism - Viewing feedback as personal failure. Overcommitment - Taking on too much to gain approval. Relationship Challenges - Difficulty building and maintaining professional relationships. What can be done about this? Recognising these patterns is the first step towards addressing anxious attachment in both work and personal life. Being present with your emotions and becoming aware of what surfaces is key. The next time you feel anxious or nervous about an impending deadline at work, pause and reflect: What are you actually feeling in the moment? How does this connect to past experiences? By bringing these feelings into your awareness, you can start to understand and integrate them, allowing for more authentic, flexible and appropriate responses in the present. #psychotherapy #gestalt #hypnotherapy

I want to take a moment to raise awareness of Imposter Syndrome. It's not easy to overcome, its often difficult to identify, and if we don't acknowledge it's existence we will inadvertently leave our peers behind. Speaking from experience, the feeling of not being valued, never being able to catch up, being constantly scrutinized, and never reaching a bar of expectation is crippling. In the software industry (any industry really) we need to be more comfortable with the idea that our peers could have this condition. There is a heavy cost associated with avoiding or ignoring mental health. Lack of productivity, negative corporate image, high turnover, and poor product quality are a few examples of what happens when it's difficult to acknowledge our personal capabilities and when we ignore our work / life balance. Burnout is closely tied to this and EVERYONE gets burned out from time to time. What can we do? 1) Encourage time off. Communicate that time off doesn't mean less chance of promotion or pay raise. A healthy peer, of mind and body, will have higher productivity then someone who spins their wheels. 2) Highlight the small battles, celebrate the big victories. Imagine being in a battle and never getting motivation to keep going. Why would you continue to fight (compete) if there was no value in your effort? 3) Support the sharing of feelings. We are all human, we all feel something even if we don't feel the same way. If we never communicate how we feel then we never learn about each other and where we can support our weaknesses and bolster our strengths. 4) Elsa-ify perfection. Yep, let it go. No one is perfect so we shouldn't expect perfection. The best part of good-enough is that you can build on it, fix it, fine tune it. Striving for perfection is a losing battle. Gaining ground is a tangible goal. 5) Be vulnerable. Admit failure with the understanding you will learn. Discuss struggles expecting that peers will relate to them. Presenting a facade of unbreakable resolve in being untouchable by emotions and reality is exhausting and limits opportunities to build trust. 6) Lastly, accept the fact everyone is trying to make it. Everyone is trying to survive in a world that, at the moment, is a bit chaotic. We don't do ourselves any good by furthering a divide that doesn't need to exist. The person you are comparing yourself to has struggles, ambitions, unexpected circumstances, and just might feel a bit of an imposter as well. Please see the following for more information and know help is out there. https://lnkd.in/gf-wv-UQ and https://lnkd.in/gcarH9v3

Toxic People 101: How to spot them🚩✨🛑 Written by Nonnozita We’ve all encountered people who seem to drain our energy, disregard our boundaries, or leave us feeling emotionally spent. While everyone has imperfections, certain behavior patterns can have a lasting effect on our mental health, self-worth, and happiness. Let’s dive into identifying “toxic types” so you can protect your peace and build healthier, happier relationships. 🌱✨ 1. Who Are the Toxic Types? 🤔 The term “toxic” isn’t about judging or labeling people as “bad.” Instead, it highlights specific, recurring behaviors—like manipulation, lack of empathy, or chronic negativity—that can take a toll on others’ well-being. According to psychological research, toxic behaviors often stem from unresolved personal issues, emotional insecurities, or behavioral conditioning (Lilienfeld, Lynn, Ruscio, & Beyerstein, 2010). Recognizing these traits helps us assess when a relationship might be harming us. #RedFlags🚩 2. Common Toxic Types to Look Out For 🔍 Here are some of the most common toxic behaviors and types you might recognize in your own relationships: The Constant Critic 🗣️ This person always has something negative to say. They point out flaws, overlook your successes, or downplay your achievements. While constructive criticism can help us grow, relentless criticism can erode our self-esteem. Psychologists have found that people who constantly criticize others may be projecting their insecurities (Rogers, 1959). If you find yourself feeling small or unworthy around them, it may be time to set boundaries. #SelfRespect💪 The Control Freak 🎛️ A control freak wants everything to go their way, from decision-making to dictating how you should live. Research suggests that controlling behavior often stems from deep-seated anxiety or insecurity (Baumeister, 1999). While compromise is part of any healthy relationship, if you’re the one always adjusting, it may be a sign that their need for control is infringing on your autonomy. The Energy Vampire 🧛 Does time with this person leave you feeling drained and depleted? Known as “energy vampires,” these individuals seek constant attention or validation, rarely reciprocating emotional support. Studies suggest that such behavior may come from a need for constant affirmation, making relationships unbalanced and exhausting (Murphy & Geher, 2020). #ProtectYourEnergy⚡️ Read the complete article on the link below... https://lnkd.in/dK8TQh3S

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Prioritizing Yourself People-pleasing, the act of consistently seeking approval and avoiding conflict, can be a draining habit. While it might stem from well-intentioned desires, it can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compromised self-esteem. Understanding the Roots: Often rooted in childhood experiences, people-pleasing can be a coping mechanism developed to seek validation and affection. This behavior might have been reinforced by positive attention or rewards for pleasing others. As adults, it can manifest in difficulty saying "no," avoiding conflicts, and struggling to express genuine feelings. The Toll of People-Pleasing: The constant pursuit of approval can lead to: Burnout: Physical and emotional exhaustion due to excessive stress. Low Self-Esteem: Relying on external validation can erode self-worth. Difficulty Saying No: Fear of rejection or disapproval can hinder assertiveness. Neglect of Personal Needs: Prioritizing others can lead to neglecting your own well-being. Breaking Free: While it may be challenging, breaking free from people-pleasing is possible. Here are some steps to take: Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" and prioritize your own needs. Communicate your feelings and desires assertively. Practice Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Embrace Rejection: Understand that rejection is a normal part of life and doesn't define your worth. Build Self-Esteem: Focus on developing a positive self-image and recognizing your inherent value. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first. Breaking free from people-pleasing is a journey, and progress may take time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. How do you balance taking care of others and taking care of yourself? Share your experiences in the comments below! #YouHaveGotThePower #YHGTP #Psychology #MentalHealth #DrPezzini #AshleyJawahir

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing: Prioritizing Yourself People-pleasing, the act of consistently seeking approval and avoiding conflict, can be a draining habit. While it might stem from well-intentioned desires, it can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and compromised self-esteem. Understanding the Roots: Often rooted in childhood experiences, people-pleasing can be a coping mechanism developed to seek validation and affection. This behavior might have been reinforced by positive attention or rewards for pleasing others. As adults, it can manifest in difficulty saying "no," avoiding conflicts, and struggling to express genuine feelings. The Toll of People-Pleasing: The constant pursuit of approval can lead to: Burnout: Physical and emotional exhaustion due to excessive stress. Low Self-Esteem: Relying on external validation can erode self-worth. Difficulty Saying No: Fear of rejection or disapproval can hinder assertiveness. Neglect of Personal Needs: Prioritizing others can lead to neglecting your own well-being. Breaking Free: While it may be challenging, breaking free from people-pleasing is possible. Here are some steps to take: Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" and prioritize your own needs. Communicate your feelings and desires assertively. Practice Self-Care: Make self-care a priority. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Embrace Rejection: Understand that rejection is a normal part of life and doesn't define your worth. Build Self-Esteem: Focus on developing a positive self-image and recognizing your inherent value. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first. Breaking free from people-pleasing is a journey, and progress may take time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. How do you balance taking care of others and taking care of yourself? Share your experiences in the comments below! #YouHaveGotThePower #YHGTP #Psychology #MentalHealth #DrPezzini #AshleyJawahir