Fight or Flight? You decide…
When encountering difficulty, is your first thought to crawl back in bed under the covers, or meet the situation head on? The good news is, regardless of how you’ve responded in the past, you CAN change.
Have you heard of Post-Traumatic Stress?
I’m thinking most of you have, but a term you might not be familiar with is Post-Traumatic Growth. (PTG). With COVID and everything that’s happening in the world right now; I thought I’d take a few minutes to talk about Post-Traumatic Growth and how by having an understanding of it, and being willing to make a few changes, you can positively impact your future.
The term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder came into use in the 70’s in connection with diagnoses of Vietnam War veterans. PTSD is a real thing and isn’t limited to veterans. My understanding is that PTSD is a condition that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, or when something or someone surfaces as a threat to a person’s life. You might have heard it said when we’re in danger, the “fight or flight” response kicks in.
From experience, I’m confident that the impact of these types of events play a major role in how we think, respond, and make decisions, on both a conscious and sub-conscious level for many years to come. Also, from experience, I know that each of us has a choice in determining what effect those events have on us.
This is where Post-Traumatic Growth comes in.
It starts with how we view the trauma or adversity. We may not believe it, or be skilled at it yet, but we can learn to control our thoughts. We can learn how to frame or reframe our thoughts in a productive way, decide how much energy we want to give them and whether or not that energy is positive or negative.
When faced with a traumatic event, it seems there are a couple of different avenues. If Post-Traumatic Stress becomes the overarching of the two; the outcome can be one of succumbing to the stress or learning to live with it, but being negatively impacted by it.
On the other hand, if Post-Traumatic Growth is the overarching direction; we can not only survive, but actually thrive, by reflecting on what we learn and then applying it. No one is saying it’s easy, but it is possible. Think about it, some of our best lessons learned came out of adversity… learning to ride a bike, drive a car, become proficient at your job, learn a new skill, losing a job, having your heart broken…
The outcome of Post-Traumatic Growth is being able to function at a higher level. Some of the qualities/characteristics that contribute to PTG are reflection, resiliency, optimism, being willing to ask for help, and having an open mind. I first became aware of how important our mindset is when a beloved mentor, Dr. Peter Rea introduced me to Carol Dweck’s book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”.
Two ways to see it.
My take-away is that there are two different ways of looking at things; one can be called a Fixed Mindset which I would describe as “This is as good as it gets”! The other way can be referred to as a Growth Mindset. A person with a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure and difficulty as opportunities for learning and growth.
With COVID 19 taking front and center in our lives today, we are facing real challenges. Although the war we are in is a different kind of war than Vietnam; it is war nevertheless. The good news is we are not fighting one another. However, we are very much fighting an enemy that is presenting a threat to us and our very existence.
Challenges are something we all face.
When I’m working with an organization or individual who is experiencing difficulties, I ask them to reflect on a couple of questions: “What are you supposed to be learning from this? How can you take what you’re learning and incorporate it into who you are and make yourself, or the environment better on the other side of this?”.
By asking ourselves these questions, we can shift from “Oh God, ain’t it awful?”, to “What can I do about it?” Questions that help us focus on solutions, rather than problems. These questions serve as the gas needed to get us moving from a state of paralysis, to the recognition that an opportunity exists, to action.
So, here we are in the midst of the COVID 19 war. What mindset are you letting take center stage? Is it a mindset of “It is what it is, and I can’t do anything about it” or will it be an opportunity mindset? Today is the day to be thinking, making plans, and preparing for the many opportunities that will be on the other side of this war we’re in. Some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the bug…the choice is yours! Make it a good one!
Joan, what a great perspective on the the opportunity for growth right now. I see this in the companies we work with and study. Right now, many companies are seeing what is possible (not just reasonable, which was the standard until a few months ago). When I couldn’t eat at California Pizza Kitchen anymore, I could not only order food for delivery but get a 5lb bag of flour and ingredients to make my own pizza at home! If I need to go to the emergency room, I can hold my place in line through an app at wait at home until they call me. Economic downturns can absolutely become the mother of invention. Thank you for posting.
Jeanne, thanks for sharing your “real world” experience! I think the new reality is calling us to learn to live and appreciate a state of “possibility. Thank you for your comments! Best – Joan
Joan, reading you article is as if you are sitting beside me. Your positive sense of change and growth is so much a part of who you are and how you approach life and its challenges. Your questions are indeed the “gas needed to get us moving”. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I will be thinking about them and passing them along to others.
Deborah, thank you for your comments and the compliment. As someone who played a key role in my journey, one of the many things I learned from you was the importance of “authenticity”. Glad you found the questions helpful! Thanks for sharing your intent to do some reflection on the questions and for passing them along to others! I’d love to hear any insights you come up with. Best – Joan
Very Interesting, as always you have two options one at each hand at every situation and is your decision what to do, but you need to live with it.
There is a lot of companies that have emerge during a crisis like:
1- GE – 1892
2- GM- 1908
3- IBM – 1911
4- Disney – 1929 – right as the nearly 4-year Great Depression was getting started
5- HP – 1939 – the recession of 1937–1938 would end up being one of the worst recessions of the 20th Century
6- Hyatt – 1957 – Two months into the Recession of 1958, entrepreneur Jay Pritzker purchased the Hyatt House motel near Los Angeles International Airport
And the list goes on; Traders Joes, FedEx, Microsoft
Best oportunities come during crisis, so PTG comes for the ones that sees an opportunity at every crisis.
Thank you JC for sharing your experience
Hello Joan, I appreciate you reaching out to me, and it is a refreshing perspective on positive responses to our current issues. I know I’m tired of the humdrum behavior and negative reactions to COVID-19, it’s encouraging to read your blog.
Frank, thanks so much for your feedback and kind words. We do have a choice! Keep making good ones! Best – jc
Crisis breathes opportunities. Oppountitites breathes innovation. Innovation breathes new inventions. If only we understood that fear causes us to freeze and we tend to hide or run away to protect ourselves while fighting it can lead to more chaos. How about learning to manage it. How about creating something new. Some of the best music, best art including paintings and sculptors and new technologies came out of crisis and chaos.
Thank you for sharing your perspective and wisdom. The first steps are awareness and understanding, as you stated. Some of the greatest growth and successes arise out of challenging situations. Thanks again – Best – Joan
Joan,
This is a really well written and thoughtful piece. I particularly liked your perspective of “what can we learn from this situation?” By asking questions about the situation we are dealing with, we start to regain control and move towards the all important planning stage. Great article. Stephen
Stephen, thanks for your insights and comments. I appreciate you taking the time to read and reach out. Stay well – Best – jc
Joan,
A few words can go such a long way. Nice job sharing your insight and positivity, in a time when so many need it.
Thank you for sharing!
Zaneta, thank you for your comments. I appreciate you taking the time to read and reach out. Stay safe – Best – jc
What a great blog! Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your positivity and your humor. I am looking forward to more! I choose post traumatic growth not stress. Your blogs will help keep my mindset there consistently. I will take your guide and apply and share with my children too! What a bonus 🙂 Cant think of a better co-instructor. Thanks Joan!
Evelyn, thanks so much for your kind words and comments. I am pleased that you found a nugget or two that can help you navigate both personally and professionally. No doubt in my mind that you are a PTG case! Take care of you and thanks again! Best – jc
Very well written and very inspiring blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Jaspal, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and reaching out. I appreciate you. Take care and stay healthy! Best – jc
Thank you, Joan. As always, you are a level voice of reason in a tumultuous time. I like the concept of PTG, and it makes a lot of sense. I think this experience has challenged me to think outside the box. My Program can’t run in the manner it usually does, so what should we do? We have to shift. We have to think of alternate ways of accomplishing the goal. As you rightly pointed out, we can’t do this all alone; we need others to assist in the collaboration, the planning and the execution. While this has been a difficult season, we’re learning that we can do things we never thought we could. I don’t know whether it’s “misery loves company” or “we’re better together,” but maybe it’s a little of both! My colleagues have provided me with so much strength and direction these past few months. I dare say nobody will ever forget what it was like to fight the COVID-19 battle.
Be well, Joan!
Libby, thanks so much for your insights and comments. Crisis brings growth opportunities and it’s obvious that you’re an active post-traumatic growth practitioner. You know I strongly believe we are able to do what we do because of those who are the wind beneath our wings. Your team is fortunate to have you and vice-versa. Stay healthy – Best Joan
Joan, as always, you force me to stretch my brain in ways I haven’t before. PTG is a necessary path if we have any hope of successfully reaching the other side of the chaos in which we currently find ourselves. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new way of seeing the situation with practical questions to help guide the way through. Your mentorship is highly valued.
Barry, thanks for your insights and comments. Keep up the good work of being a PTG practitioner! I appreciate you! Best – jc
Joan, great read and so true. You always inspire and educate with a memorable touch. It is so important to persevere and stay strong verses dwell and “hide under the covers” I look forward to reading more from you.
Joan,
I like the Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) mindset you describe and the constructive practical what can I or we learn and how can I adopt and integrate into who I am what I decide to learn from the COVID-19 and other crises we are facing today. Your “mindset stretching” blog reminds me of two sayings I have seen and thought about over the years. First, “You rise or fall, succeed or fail b the image you hold in your mind.” Second, “Do you see the obstacles in opportunities or opportunities in obstacles?”
Thanks, Joan. Look forward to reading your next blog.
Chuck, thank you for sharing your insights! Good guiding principles toward helping us be our best selves! Take care of you! Best – jc
Joan,
I love this post. While so many have a negative outlook during the pandemic, as always you challenge us to look at the opportunities and think outside of the box which will lead us to PTG.
Your positivity and inspiration propels us to look beyond the now. Thanks for including me and I look forward to reading your next blog.
Tara, thanks for your comments and insights. You have always been a quick study! You also know the people I challenge are the people I care about and who have the desire to become their best selves. Thank you for being willing to stretch. Take care of you. Best – jc
What a good perpective – both personally and professionally COVID has gievn us an opportunity to step back and challange our ‘norms’ and think differently – we need to ensure that we challange ourselve continue to use the same thinking way when things are ‘normal’
Love this! Awesome insight as usual. Reminds of some of the work we did around “True North”. The crucible’s in our lives can dramatically shape our character in positive ways. So, I am trying to embrace this season as a learning opportunity and will hopefully be a more sensitized and grateful person when we get to the other side. And we will get to the other side. Thanks Joan.
Thank you for this Article Joan.
Its great that you decided to share your valuable thoughts.
Today’s world needs more people like you.
Joan,
Thank you for sharing this positive approach to dealing with trauma. With no end in sight with COVID it would be easy to get stuck in the here and now rather than using this time as an opportunity to learn from this experience and plan for the future. I love the idea of PTG! As you point out, we can begin thinking now about what we are learning from this (about the world and ourselves) and how that learning can positively effect us going forward.
Thank you Deborah. Glad the article resonated with you. Hope you and yours are well. Stay safe and thanks again for the comments! Best – jc
Your article gave me a lot of inspiration, I hope you can explain your point of view in more detail, because I have some doubts, thank you.
At me a similar situation. Is ready to help.
Thanks for council how I can thank you?
What necessary phrase… super, a brilliant idea
Pingback: aurochem laboratories tadalafil
Pingback: help writing an argumentative essay
Pingback: fast custom essays
Pingback: help writing essays for scholarships
Pingback: help writing college application essay
Pingback: buy custom essays online
Pingback: english essay writing service
Pingback: buy essay online safe
Pingback: who can write my essay for me
Pingback: cheap custom essay writing services
Pingback: customer service essays
Pingback: pay for essay writing
Pingback: need help with essay
Pingback: cheap essay papers
Pingback: customer service essay
Pingback: i need help writing a essay
Pingback: sildenafil 50mg tablets coupon
Pingback: Lyrica
There is nothing to tell – keep silent not to litter a theme.
Pingback: generic sildenafil online uk
Pingback: generic sildenafil without a prescription
Pingback: tadalafil uk
Pingback: gabapentin savings
Pingback: sulfamethoxazole while breastfeeding
Pingback: flagyl costs
Pingback: 8 valtrex
Pingback: pregabalin and alcohol recreational
Pingback: tamoxifen wirkungslos
Pingback: lasix cycle
Pingback: metformin allergies
Pingback: lisinopril contraindicaciones
Pingback: rybelsus patient information
Pingback: rybelsus gastroparesis
Pingback: semaglutide urine smell
Pingback: can zoloft make you sleepy
Pingback: how to treat allergic reaction to cephalexin
Pingback: duloxetine/cymbalta
Pingback: how to climax on cymbalta
Pingback: gabapentin wirkmechanismus
Pingback: what are the most common side effects of ciprofloxacin?
Pingback: will bactrim help a sinus infection
Pingback: bactrim medication
Concordet sermo cum vita — Пусть речь соответствует жизни.
Pingback: depakote 250 mg
Pingback: what are the side effects of citalopram
Pingback: lowest dose of contrave
Pingback: diltiazem generic name
Pingback: side effects of cozaar 50 mg
Pingback: amitriptyline name brand
Pingback: aripiprazole 15 mg side effects
Pingback: allergic reaction to augmentin
Ars vitae — Искусство жизни
Aequo pulsat pede — Смерть безучастно поражает любого.
Alguns arquivos de fotos particulares que você exclui do telefone, mesmo que sejam excluídos permanentemente, podem ser recuperados por outras pessoas.
Quando suspeitamos que nossa esposa ou marido traiu o casamento, mas não há evidências diretas, ou queremos nos preocupar com a segurança de nossos filhos, monitorar seus telefones celulares também é uma boa solução, geralmente permitindo que você obtenha informações mais importantes.
Pingback: semaglutide 3mg dosage
Pingback: withdrawal symptoms of effexor
Pingback: remeron reviews for anxiety
Pingback: repaglinide indications
Pingback: acarbose werking
Pingback: actos películas
Pingback: tamsulosin kidney stones
Pingback: protonix for gerd
Pingback: how long until abilify side effects go away
Pingback: what is the medicine tizanidine used for
Pingback: what is sitagliptin used for
Pingback: endo pharmaceuticals voltaren gel coupon
Pingback: order stromectol online