E 107 The Four Tendencies

In this episode, we dive into the misconception surrounding laziness, particularly when it comes to teens. We explore why labeling someone as lazy can be harmful and unproductive, and instead, focus on understanding the underlying reasons behind seemingly lazy behavior. From anxiety to lack of control, we uncover the factors that contribute to teen behavior and discuss practical strategies for fostering a supportive environment where teens can thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

Challenging the Notion of Laziness:
Exploring why calling someone lazy is often oversimplified and unhelpful.
Discussing the importance of shifting our perspective and understanding the complexities behind teen behavior.

Understanding Teen Behavior:
Unpacking the underlying factors that contribute to seemingly lazy actions.
Highlighting the role of anxiety and other challenges in teen motivation.

Embracing Self-Care:
Rethinking traditional notions of self-care and respecting individual preferences.
Discussing why it's crucial to support teens in finding healthy ways to recharge and relax.

Empowering Teens:
Offering practical strategies for supporting teens and fostering their confidence.
Exploring ways to help teens navigate challenges with resilience and self-awareness.

How to Take Action:

Reflect on your own perceptions of laziness and consider how they might be impacting your interactions with teens.

Engage in open and honest conversations with teens about their feelings and experiences.

Seek support from professionals or resources that can provide guidance on supporting teens' mental health and well-being.
Hop on a call with me and we can discuss! 

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Are you ready to unlock the secret to managing anxiety like a pro? I've got something incredibly valuable to share with you and your teenager that will transform the way you approach those uncomfortable moments.

Picture this: You're facing a daunting task, your heart races, your mind spins with worry, but wait... there's a way to turn the tide. It's called the 4 N's Method, and trust me, it's a game-changer!

In this week's episode, I'm diving deep into the 4 N's: Notice, Normalize, Neutralize, and Next Best Thought or Action. These four simple steps will guide you through the maze of anxiety and lead you to a place of calm and clarity.

I'll walk you through real-life scenarios and show you how to apply the 4 N's in everyday situations. Whether it's test anxiety, social jitters, or performance nerves, this method has got your back!

But wait, there's more! I'll share personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical tips to help you and your teen navigate the rollercoaster of emotions with confidence and grace.

So grab your headphones, cozy up, and get ready to conquer anxiety like never before. You won't want to miss this empowering episode!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the 4 N's Method and how it's making a difference in your life. Drop me a message and let's keep the conversation going!

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

This podcast episode discusses the fear and anxiety that often arise when we want to try new things. Host Cynthia Coufal interviews Emily Drake, a guest expert who helps people overcome these challenges.

Emily Drake is the Owner and CEO of The Collective Academy, a leadership development firm that creates programs to help individuals cultivate sustainable leadership skills and organizations build thriving communities and workplace cultures. She is also the host of the Who’s Missing Podcast. In each episode, Emily’s guests dive into how and why they chose their unique paths – personal and professional – and what they learned along the way. She has a BA in English from Augustana College and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. 

Key Points:

• Our brains often try to sabotage us with negativity when we consider new things. This negativity can manifest as self-doubt, fear of failure, and worries about what others will think.
• The first step is self-awareness. Understand your strengths and values, regardless of the environment you're in. Don't let labels or past experiences define you.
• Take small steps to build the skill of novelty. This could involve trying a new food, watching a different TV show, or even just walking a different route to school. These low-stakes experiences help you get comfortable with the unfamiliar.
• Connect with others who can support you. Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people who will celebrate your efforts and help you step outside your comfort zone.
• Practice regulating your emotions. Learn techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing to manage anxiety in the moment.
• Expand your circle and seek out diverse perspectives. This can help you learn new things and challenge your own biases.

Additional Notes:

• The episode mentions that traditional education often emphasizes areas of weakness rather than strengths. This can contribute to negative self-talk and hinder exploration.
• The importance of open communication between parents and teenagers is highlighted. Creating a safe space for dialogue can encourage teens to share their fears and seek support.
• The episode concludes with a call to action for both teens and adults: step outside your comfort zone, embrace novelty, and seek out connections with others who can support your growth.

https://www.thecollective-academy.com/
Instagram: @emdrake, @the_collective_academy, @whosmissingpodcast // 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilydrake/
Email Emily:
contact@thecollective-academy.com

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Hope you're doing awesome! 🎉 Just a quick heads-up about something exciting happening tonight that I don't want you to miss – my parent workshop on calming teen anxiety! 🌈

🕕 When: Tonight, Feb. 20 at 6:00 PM Central Time

🎁 Bonus: Exclusive perks for those who​ join live!

In the past couple of episodes, we've been delving into the fascinating world of my Triangle Formula for anxiety – Perception, Process, and today's star: Plan. 🚀 If you've missed any episodes, no worries! You can catch up on the show notes or in the video description on my website and social media.

Now, why should you be there tonight? Well, first off, the live attendees are in for a special bonus that others won't get! 🎊 And for those of you on the list but can't make it, don't fret – you'll receive a replay, and there might be an extra treat for early sign-ups.

Today's episode isn't just theory; I'm sharing a personal story about how I handled a situation using a five-step process. Trust me; it involves a choir audition, a bit of anxiety, and a whole lot of decision-making drama. 😅

I'll walk you through the steps – understanding the situation, brainstorming four possible actions, weighing the pros and cons, and finally, choosing the best course of action. Spoiler alert: it's a rollercoaster of emotions!

But here's the real gem – I want to share how understanding your values and strengths can make navigating these situations so much smoother. It's like having your superhero toolkit for managing anxiety! 💪

So, whether you're dealing with your own choir audition dilemmas or helping your teen navigate the tricky world of anxiety, this workshop is packed with insights that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to face any situation.

Join me tonight at 6:00 PM Central Time for "How to Calm Your Teen's Anxiety Without Triggering Yours" – where we'll dive into perception, process, and plan.

Can't wait to see you there! 🌟

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Remember that awesome parent workshop I mentioned a few weeks back? Well, guess what? It's just ONE WEEK away! 

Don't miss out on this essential event – register now in my show notes, description, or anywhere you see this link! ➡️ ​https://cheerful-writer-462.ck.page/1c0681206a​

Why attend? Because we're tackling the BIG question: How to calm your teen's anxiety without triggering yours! I've been obsessed with finding the best way to teach this to parents. And I've finally cracked the code with a powerful triangle formula I'll unveil over the next few episodes.

Last week, we tackled perception: becoming aware of those pesky anxiety thoughts. This week, it's all about process: what to do with those uncomfortable emotions when they bubble up (anxiety being a major culprit, we know!).

Think you have no control? Think again! We'll explore techniques to help you process those feelings and move forward towards what you truly desire. Plus, I'll share some wisdom from the amazing Emily Maroutian: "When you give yourself permission to feel bad, you begin to feel good." It's all about letting go and allowing, not resisting.

Remember, anxiety is a part of life, not a life sentence. We'll learn to turn down the volume on that anxiety voice so it doesn't stop you from living your best life.

Bonus! I'll throw in another insightful quote from Emily: "When you allow yourself to feel fear, it begins to disappear." Feeling anxious? Acknowledge it, let it flow through you, and watch it fade. Powerful stuff, right? ✨

So, whether you're a teen or a parent (or both!), come join the workshop! We'll work together, learn together, and empower each other to navigate this anxiety thing like champs.

Don't wait! ​Register now​ and see you there!

Can't wait to see you there!

Cynthia

P.S. I promise, even the most skeptical teens will love my approach. 32 years of experience says so!

P.P.S. Dinner time at 6 PM Central on February 20th? Perfect! Listen to the workshop while you eat, then stick around for Q&A!

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or dealing with a critical inner voice? You're not alone! But fear not, there's hope!
Join me for a FREE parent workshop  on February 20th at 6 PM Central Time where I'll unveil my brand-new triangle formula to help you:

Silence your inner critic: Learn how to befriend your "mean person" and turn down the volume on their negativity.
Soothe your teen's anxiety: Discover practical tools to help them manage their worries without triggering your own.
Boost your confidence: Gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate challenging situations with grace and strength.

Bonus: Attend live and get a special surprise!

Can't make it live? No worries! Register anyway and receive the recording. Plus, I'll be sharing sneak peeks and exclusive content on my podcast/YouTube channel, so stay tuned!
​Click here to register now​! 

In this episode, you'll also learn:
🍵Inviting the inner mean person in for tea (figuratively, of course!). Don't shut them out. Listen to what they have to say, but with a questioning eyebrow.
✅Fact-check their claims. Are their "always" and "nevers" really true? Probably not. Counter their negativity with reality.
🙏🏻Thank them (weird, right?) for their "concern," but politely decline. You're in control, remember? 
🫥Reframe their negativity into something more helpful. Maybe their "you'll never pass" can become "let's study harder and see what happens."

Remember, you're the boss! Don't let your inner mean person dictate your life. Use these tools to silence them and take charge.

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Molly McNamee is the founder of MFit Workouts. She has been an online fitness coach for 10 years. She uses her unique exercise method to heal chronic stress in the body and mind that shows up as anxiety and joint pain. Her goal is to teach people how to safely workout for their body and mind.
Brace yourself for a mind-blowing session that will change the way you think about exercise and its impact on your mental health.
Molly joined me to unveil the hidden truths about how movement can either be a healing force or a source of anxiety. This episode is not just another fitness chat; it's a revelation of groundbreaking insights that can transform your approach to workouts.
Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

🌈 Discover Molly's journey and her mission to help people relieve chronic stress.
🚫 Uncover the surprising ways certain workouts can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.
🔄 Learn about Molly's accidental discovery that changed her entire perspective on exercise.
🤔 Understand the importance of mindset in creating a positive relationship with movement.
🎁 Grab a ​free Anxiety Toolkit​ from Molly that includes a masterclass with her favorite exercises.

But that's not all! Molly is generously offering my listeners a two-week free trial of her signature workout program. It's an opportunity to experience firsthand how movement can be a powerful tool for healing. I signed up for the free trial and took advantage of so many videos to help my fitness routine. It is so cold where I am right now, I needed something I could do at home. They are awesome!
Ready to embark on a stress-free fitness journey? Listen to this episode now and claim your freebies from Molly!
https://mollymcnamee.com/stress-freebie/

Email Molly and see how she can help you customize a workout for your stress and anxiety! ​molly@mollymcnamee.com​

Follow and Subscribe to Molly's Content
https://mollymcnamee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mfit.workouts/
https://www.facebook.com/itsmollyrae
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-mcnamee-%E2%9C%A8-81718699/

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

This week's episode is a personal one! I sit down with my amazing daughter, Haylie, to talk about something we haven't publicly discussed before her experience with anxiety.

Now, I know I usually talk about teen anxiety as a coach, but this time, we're turning the tables. You'll hear about:

• Haylie's earliest anxieties: From fearing her mom's death to worrying about plane crashes, Haylie sheds light on the unexpected fears that plagued her childhood.
• Parenting with blind spots: I get real about not recognizing Haylie's anxiety at first and the parenting approaches that worked (and didn't!)
• Turning down the volume: Haylie shares her journey with therapy and medication, revealing how she learned to manage her anxiety and live a fulfilling life.

This episode is filled with raw honesty, humor, and valuable insights for parents, teens, and anyone struggling with anxiety. 

Here's a sneak peek:

• "I felt like I could tell you anything...That is one of the beautiful things about our relationship."
• "I had a full-blown panic attack on the way to school. Why am I doing this? Who signed me up to be a counselor?"

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Remember that anxious feeling in your stomach before a big test or presentation? Now imagine that feeling amplified, constant, and impacting every aspect of your life. That's what many teens experience with anxiety.
In this powerful episode of The Teen Anxiety Maze, I delve into navigating the tricky maze of teen anxiety. Whether you have a teenager yourself, know someone who does, or simply want to be a supportive friend, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover:
Demystifying Anxiety: We'll explore the difference between normal teenage behavior and red flags indicating anxiety that needs attention.
My Personal Journey: I'll share my own story of how my daughter's anxiety went unrecognized for years, and the lessons I learned along the way. (Next week, stay tuned for a conversation WITH my daughter from her perspective!)
Early Warning Signs: Learn to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that your teen may be struggling with anxiety.
Opening the Conversation: Discover actionable tips for initiating a conversation about anxiety with your teen, without triggering defensiveness or shutting them down.
Building a Support System: We'll discuss the importance of professional help, and explore alternative resources and self-management techniques you can practice together.
Empowering Your Teen: Learn how to encourage your teen to take control of their anxiety and build resilience.
Bonus: I've also included a list of open-ended questions you can use to gently start the conversation with your teen about anxiety, as well as links to valuable resources and support groups.
Don't let anxiety take experiences from your teen! Listen to this episode and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to guide them and you towards a brighter, calmer future.

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information

Remember that word of the year thing I talked about last year? (If not, rewind to ​episode 119​!)
Now, drumroll, please! 🥁 Last year, we had "focus," and the year before, it was all about being "intentional" during the transition into retirement. And this year? Brace yourselves, folks, because the word that's going to define our journey is none other than... drumroll intensifies... "challenge"!
Why "challenge," you ask? Because stepping outside your comfort zone is the key to unlocking your full potential. Whether it's conquering your social media shyness, trying out for that sports team, or simply speaking up in class, facing your fears builds resilience and unlocks hidden strengths.
And guess what? I'm putting my money where my mouth is! I'm diving headfirst into uncomfortable territory, like my first-ever Facebook Live with slides (wish me luck!). It's scary, but I know the reward of overcoming that obstacle will be sweet.
Here's how you can embrace your own challenges:

Pick a "challenge theme" for the year.
It doesn't have to be as intense as mine, but choose something that pushes you beyond your usual routine.
Start small.
Baby steps count! Maybe it's striking up a conversation with someone new or trying a new workout class.
Don't be afraid of failure.
Remember, it's not about being perfect, it's about trying and learning. Embrace the stumbles as stepping stones to growth.
Share your journey!
Inspire others by talking about your challenges and how you're tackling them. You might be surprised at who you motivate!

Bonus tip: Check out my Anxiety Maze Navigator program! It helps you identify your specific triggers, discover your strengths, and create a personalized plan for managing your anxiety.
And hey, if you're struggling with anxiety, know that you're not alone. I hear about it all the time, and I'm here to help. Let's make 2024 a year of conquering fears and unlocking amazing possibilities, together!

Find my podcast
Email me: ccoufal@cynthiacoufalcoaching.com
Text me: 785-380-2064
More information