5 Steps to Thriving and Growth By Dr. Andrea Dinardo

5 STEPS TO THRIVING AND GROWTH

You can either step forward into growth or backward into safety.

SELF-ACTUALIZATION AND REACHING FULL POTENTIAL

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a great model for understanding how to thrive under pressure and grow. This is because it gives people rapid-fi re insight into why they may be stressed and struggling at certain points throughout the day. And in turn, it empowers individuals to address the underlying source of a problem, instead of what superfi cially appears to be causing the diffi culty.

MOTIVATION IS PHYSICAL BEFORE IT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL

The fi rst two steps of Maslow’s hierarchy are called defi ciency needs. The upper level of Maslow’s hierarchy includes growth needs.

o Lower-level needs must be met before higher-level growth needs can be sustained long-term. o Basic survival needs act as the foundation for the capacity to thrive, fl ourish, and grow.

DEFICIENCY NEEDS

WHAT’S MISSING?

Step 1: Physical Needs

• A good night’s sleep • Healthy food • Deep breathing • Movement and exercise

INHALE PEACE EXHALE DIFFICULTY When everything feels out of control, breathing is the one thing that will always be within our control. The times we are under the most amount of stress is the exact time we need to expand our breathing – not restrict it.

Step 2: Safety Needs

• Freedom • Survival Skills • Feeling Safe and at Peace

GET UNDER THE FEAR Write down something that repeatedly makes you feel unsafe. State the anxiety-provoking situation out loud. Ask yourself Why in response to the situation. For example: Why does this situation make me feel uncomfortable? Repeat the Why question in response to your situation fi ve times. The goal is to discover the root source of what causes fear in a particular time, place, or situation. With the intention of enhancing inner peace and understanding.

GROWTH NEEDS

EXPANDING BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Step 3: Love and Belonging Needs

• Community connections • Supportive relationships • Loving family and friends • Encouraging coworkers

SMILE AT A STRANGER Have you ever wondered why you can’t help but smile back when someone smiles at you? And why it feels so good when someone (strangers included) smiles. It turns out that smiling is linked to a specifi c type of neuron called mirror neurons. Simply seeing someone smile generates a community chain reaction of positive emotions and behaviour. One more reason to share your good vibes with the world.

Step 4: Self-Esteem Needs

• Goals and ambition • Education and learning • Stretching outside your comfort zone

DO NOT FEAR FAILURE, EMBRACE IT. One summer at the Faculty of Education, a student asked me who my greatest teacher was. It took me a moment to realize that it wasn’t a person – it was an experience. I had learned the most and stretched the most in times of failure and catastrophe. It was not easy at the time, but when I look back, I now realize that I grew the most during that time. Self-esteem is not based on compliments. It comes from overcoming and rising back up, again and again, and again.

Step 5: Self-Actualization Needs

• Sense of Purpose • Vision and Mission • Fulfi llment of Dreams

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD So many people in this world are struggling with what to do with their lives. An existential struggle that did not exist 100 years ago when jobs were more clearly defi ned. Therefore, it is essential to explore purpose in many ways. Including our unique strengths, personalities, and virtues. The way I see it: who you are is your life purpose. What makes you diff erent is also what makes you indispensable. The world needs your unique kind of wonderful.

You Matter

Dr. Andrea Dinardo

Psychology professor and keynote speaker with expertise in stress, resilience, and mental health. Visit DrAndreaDinardo.com to learn more about her speaking services and leadership programs.