Embracing Your Inner Awkward: Positive Psychology Coaching for Shy, Introverted, and Neurodivergent Gen X Women

Embracing Your Inner Awkward: Positive Psychology Coaching for Shy, Introverted, and Neurodivergent Gen X Women

by | Jun 10, 2024 | adhd, autism, Coaching, Confidence, introversion, Mental Health, neurodivergence, shyness

Embracing Your Inner Awkward: Positive Psychology Coaching for Shy, Introverted, and Neurodivergent Gen X Women

Hello, fabulous Gen X ladies! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve navigated the wild world of professional life while balancing your introverted, shy, or neurodivergent traits. It’s like trying to break dance on a floor full of Lego, right? Fear not—positive psychology coaching is here to help you turn those awkward moves into a graceful glide. Let’s dive into how embracing your inner awkwardness can actually be your secret weapon to thriving professionally.

The Quirky Chronicles: Understanding Our Unique Struggles

Let’s face it, the professional world isn’t exactly a playground for introverts, the shy, or the neurodivergent. It’s more like a high-energy karaoke night, and we’re the ones trying to find the courage to sing. Here are some relatable struggles we face:

  • Networking Nightmares: The idea of mingling at a networking event can send us hiding behind the nearest potted plant. Small talk? More like big terror.
  • Sensory Overload: The cacophony of open office spaces, glaring fluorescent lights, and the ever-buzzing environment can feel like living inside a pinball machine.
  • Confidence Crashes: Self-doubt can creep in, making us question our capabilities and feel like impostors in our own careers.
  • Miscommunication Mayhem: Different communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and the occasional awkward silence that feels like an eternity.

We know that, our introversion, shyness, or neurodivergence are disabling. After all, we’ve spent most of our lives trying to hide them. However,  with the right tools, we can transform these traits into self-determination that propel us forward.

What in the World is Positive Psychology Coaching?

Positive psychology coaching is like having a personal cheerleader who also happens to be a life coach. And that would be me, by the way. It isn’t toxic positivity, it’s recognising the tough parts of life so we can shine a light on how to make things better. It focuses on enhancing well-being, identifying strengths, and fostering a positive mindset.

The Comedy of Strengths

  1. Knowing your strengths. No one wants to hear that we have superpowers. This is ableist bollocks. But…
    • Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on what makes you unique. Are you an analytical thinker? Do you have a knack for empathy? Write these down—these are your valuable strengths
    • Feedback Fun: Ask trusted colleagues and friends what they see as your strengths. Be prepared for some surprises and maybe a few laughs.
  2. Use Your Traits for Good:
    • Strategic Silence: As an introvert, your ability to listen and observe can be a game-changer in meetings. Use this to provide thoughtful insights that others might miss.
    • Empathy Extravaganza: Your empathetic nature can help build strong team relationships and foster a supportive work environment.

Laughing at Self-Doubt: Boosting Confidence with a Smile

  1. Positive Affirmations (with a Twist):
    • Mirror Mantras: Start your day by looking in the mirror and saying positive affirmations. Add a dash of humour—“I am a pocket rocket in pyjamas,” or “I can conquer this meeting, one awkward smile at a time.”
  2. Celebrate the Wins:
    • Victory Dance: Did you manage to survive a networking event without hiding in the bathroom? Do a little victory dance. Celebrate every small win, no matter how tiny it seems.

Communication Catastrophes: Turning Them into Triumphs

  1. Embrace Authenticity:
    • Be You, Unapologetically: Authenticity resonates more than any polished act. Embrace your differences in communication. It’s okay to say, “I need a moment to think about that.”
  2. Practice Makes Perfect-ish:
    • Role-Playing Fun: Practice challenging conversations with a trusted friend or coach. Throw in some humorous scenarios to make it less daunting.

Sensory Overload?

  1. Create Your Zen Zone:
    • Personal Oasis: Design your workspace to minimise sensory overload. Noise-canceling headphones, softer lighting, and a little desk plant named Fred can work wonders.
  2. Mindfulness Moments:
    • Breathe and Be: Incorporate short mindfulness practices into your day. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths between tasks. Imagine you’re on a beach, not in a buzzing office. This takes some emotional regulation, so if you struggle with this, talk to me.

Real-Life Laughs: Case Study Comedy

Case Study: Janet’s Journey Janet, a neurodivergent marketing director, often felt overwhelmed by sensory input and struggled with self-doubt. Through positive psychology coaching, she discovered her analytical prowess and ability to see patterns where others saw chaos. Janet started incorporating mindfulness breaks and humour into her day. She now proudly rocks her noise-cancelling headphones and has a reputation for insightful, data-driven strategies—delivered with a sense of fun.

Ready to Thrive with a Grin?

Positive psychology coaching isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about embracing your differences and playing to your strengths. It’s about finding the joy in your journey and laughing at life’s absurdities. So, if you’re ready to turn your awkward moments into awesome ones and thrive in your professional life, let’s get started. Embrace your inner world, and let’s dance our way to the top—break dancing on Lego and all.

Connect with Me! Ready for some coaching fun? Reach out and let’s embark on this beautiful, empowering adventure together.

 

First aid for the soul; because you’re worth it.

First aid for the soul; because you’re worth it.

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Coaching, Confidence, Mental Health

I’m very keen on self-advocacy and campaigning for our own rights. It’s like basic self-first aid. We have the right to push for our beliefs and values and to be treated kindly, and the way we would treat others, and this should start with ourselves. I’m not talking about demanding an Instagrammable lifestyle, feeling that life is only bearable if we can have all the things. This is the self-entitled, gimme stuff of the wildest dreams. When I talk about self-advocacy, I mean the things that I know many people still have trouble with. Being kind to themselves, giving themselves grace, patience, and not pulling themselves down at every opportunity.

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Happy New Year and be proud of where you are

Happy New Year and be proud of where you are

by | Jan 4, 2022 | Coaching, Confidence, Mental Health

And I mean loud and proud

As some of you may know, I have Parkinson’s Disease, and I tried doing an easy Level 1 Hatha Yoga class a couple of days ago, and it nearly feckin killed me.

Now, I remember a time when asked to step forward on the mat, I couldn’t lift my left leg without picking it up with my hands, so we’re not quite back at that point. I’ve lost none of my flexibility, just a lot of strength. So, I’m going to be working on that, and going back to yoga more often, because I’ve realised it’s totally necessary for my wellbeing.

Yes, but what’s the point of all this Paula?

The point is, recognise how far you’ve come. It’s so tempting at this time of year to reflect back and think you’ve done bugger all, or maybe only made tiny steps, but you have every reason to be proud. My tiny step forward on the yoga mat was a big physical achievement I never thought I’d make.

I would really love it, if instead of thinking what’s wrong with us, we could start thinking what’s right with us….that’s a great way to build on resolutions you might be tempted to make….

 

National Read a Book Day 2019

National Read a Book Day 2019

by | Sep 6, 2019 | Coaching, Confidence, Depression, Mental Health

Today is National Read a Book Day

What better excuse to take a few minutes out of your day and get stuck into one of your favourites for the sake of it? Or for self improvement? To learn a new skill, to remind yourself of something you used to love doing, but stopped, and you can’t remember why? My favourite escape when I was a kid was to read. I didn’t realise that I was autistic as a child, so reading was my refuge, and I would read till all hours, because I was unable to get to sleep and anxious as a result. So, I’m going to recommend some books, and let’s see if there’s anything that fits you here.

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