Actively choose how you respond to disappointment, failure, or unfair situations by controlling your actions, words, and thoughts, as this is within your power, even if emotional reactions are not a choice.
Embrace failure with the same commitment as success, as you learn more from it; own your failures without embarrassment or shame, which builds trust and demonstrates ethical leadership.
When making decisions under pressure, quickly ask yourself: ‘What am I trying to achieve?’, ‘What do I expect to happen?’, and ‘How does the benefit outweigh the risk?’ This helps connect instant responses to the bigger picture and project outcomes without slowing down decision-making.
When pressured for an instant decision, step back to create space for thought (e.g., take a walk, ask for time to reflect) to reduce stress and increase your processing capacity for better choices.
Counter fears and negativity bias by practicing gratitude and kindness daily; before bed, list three things you are grateful for, recount something happy, and share a random act of kindness you performed.
Consciously choose language that frames difficult situations (e.g., homelessness, mental health issues) as transient experiences rather than fixed identities, which helps in moving beyond challenges and avoiding self-labeling.
Challenge societal norms that suppress emotions (e.g., ‘man up’) and encourage open expression, especially in men and boys, to prevent extreme stress and mental health problems.
Actively challenge unconscious biases, particularly those based on social class or economic status, to ensure fair opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background or presentation.
Cultivate a belief in your own potential and worthiness to pursue opportunities, countering any negative inner narratives that may stem from past judgments or experiences.
Consistently practice the three-question decision checklist to make it a primed, unconscious response, allowing you to apply it proficiently and automatically without slowing down your decision-making.
Engage in practice scenarios for intensely stressful situations to reduce the actual stress experienced during real events, enabling a more effective and better response.
Be kind to others, especially when encountering disruptive individuals, as you never know the difficult experiences they may have faced, fostering empathy and positive interactions.
Engage in a daily reflection practice, such as at dinnertime, by sharing what you did to make someone else happy, what someone else did to make you happy, and what you learned that day.
If an idea appeals to you, give it a try (‘suck it and see’) even if skeptical, as there is little to lose by experimenting with new approaches in your life.