The power of positive re-inforcement | Wendy Smith | TEDxPlymouthUniversity

Summary

The speaker shares their journey of overcoming a severe spinal injury at 17, which left them paralyzed. They attribute their recovery to a family mantra of 'no such word as can't' and a positive mindset. They discuss the science of optimism, highlighting how it can lead to a happier, healthier life by reducing stress and cortisol levels. The speaker offers practical tips for maintaining optimism, such as avoiding negative self-talk, focusing on what one wants rather than what they don't, and changing the internal dialogue to be more supportive. They conclude with an interactive exercise to help the audience shift their internal voice to a more positive tone.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The speaker's journey with optimism began after a severe spinal injury at 17, which was a turning point in their mindset towards overcoming adversity.
• 🚫 Growing up with the mantra 'there's no such word as can't' significantly influenced the speaker's approach to life's challenges.
• 🧠 The speaker emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, suggesting that optimistic individuals tend to live longer, happier lives and are more resilient to stress and anxiety.
• 📚 The speaker references 'The Science of Optimism' by Tally Sherro, highlighting how humans are hardwired for hope.
• 🌟 The speaker shares that optimism and a stress-free lifestyle can have positive physiological effects, such as reducing cortisol levels, which are linked to various health issues.
• 💃 To combat high cortisol, the speaker suggests engaging in activities like dancing, listening to music, and getting a massage, which can lower stress.
• 🚫 The speaker advises avoiding the use of 'I can't' as it can limit one's potential and deplete resources before even attempting a task.
• 🤔 The speaker introduces a 'muscle test' to demonstrate how negative self-talk can physically weaken a person's resolve.
• 🏀 A powerful example is shared where a young double amputee changed his mindset from 'I can't' to 'I can' after a muscle test, leading to significant personal growth.
• 🔊 The speaker encourages being mindful of the internal voice and suggests techniques to transform it into a supportive and positive dialogue.
• 🌱 The speaker concludes with an interactive exercise for the audience to change their internal voice, empowering them to take control of their thoughts and self-perception.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in the speaker's life at the age of 17?

At the age of 17, the speaker suffered a severe spinal injury due to a motorbike accident, which resulted in a compression fracture of T4 and T5 and a spinal cord lesion at T6, leaving them paralyzed from the chest down.

What was the medical profession's initial prognosis for the speaker after their injury?

The medical profession told the speaker that they would never walk again after their injury.

How did the speaker's family's mindset influence their approach to overcoming obstacles?

The speaker grew up in a family where the main phrase was 'there's no such word as can't,' which led them to have an optimistic and problem-solving approach to life's challenges.

What is the significance of the phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' in the speaker's life?

The phrase 'every cloud has a silver lining' represents the speaker's optimistic outlook, where they always try to find a positive aspect even in difficult situations.

What is the main idea conveyed in Tally Sherro's book 'The Science of Optimism' that the speaker appreciates?

The main idea that the speaker appreciates from Tally Sherro's book is that humans are 'hardwired for hope,' suggesting an innate tendency towards optimism.

How does optimism affect a person's physical health according to the speaker?

Optimism can lead to a healthier body by reducing stress and anxiety, which in turn lowers the production of cortisol, a hormone linked to various health issues such as weakened immune system, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.

What are some ways the speaker suggests to lower cortisol levels?

The speaker suggests engaging in activities like dancing, listening to music, laughing with friends, and getting a massage as ways to lower cortisol levels.

Why does the speaker avoid using the word 'I can't' and what demonstration did they use to illustrate its impact?

The speaker avoids using 'I can't' because it can deplete one's resources and hinder potential before even starting a task. They used a muscle test demonstration to show how negative self-talk can weaken physical strength.

What was the outcome of the muscle test demonstration with the young wheelchair basketball player?

After several muscle tests, the young player realized the negative impact of saying 'I can't' and decided to change his mindset. This led to a significant positive change in his attitude and behavior, both in training and at home.

How does the speaker suggest changing one's internal voice to be more supportive?

The speaker suggests experimenting with the tone of one's internal voice, from high-pitched to low, and then finding a tone that feels supportive and encouraging. They advise setting this tone as the default internal voice to support oneself positively.

What final thought does the speaker leave the audience with?

The speaker leaves the audience with the thought to 'think big, think I can, and then you will,' emphasizing the power of positive thinking and self-belief.