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  • In this episode I'm joined by Ross White, fresh off the release of his fantastic new book, 'The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive.'
     
    We dive headfirst into the pool of psychological flexibility, discussing its unique edge over concepts like grit, toughness, and resilience. Ross unpacks the importance of balancing our 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' modes to keep burnout at bay.
     
    With practical tips, playful metaphors, and Ross's authentic vulnerability, this episode offers a refreshing approach to thriving in both work and life.
     
    Grab your headphones and get ready to bend without breaking!
     
    00:48 Exploring Psychological Flexibility
    03:15 Defining Resilience, Toughness, and Grit
    09:04 The Metaphor of the Tree
    10:15 Modes of Operation: Get, Threat, and Reset
    14:24 Momentary and Bold Moves
    18:16 Personal Experiences and Vulnerability
    23:49 The Comfort Zone vs. The Transforming Zone
    28:06 Navigating Career Breaks and Sabbaticals
    35:58 Balancing Productivity and Longevity
    41:32 The Role of Attention and Mindfulness
    46:01 Anchoring Statements and Staying Present

  • In this special episode of the 'Pause Purpose Play' podcast I decided to step out of my comfort zone and record live on Instagram! Join me as I chat about the scary but oh-so-important idea of feeling safe to slow down while still aiming high. With my trusty 'I'm not perfect' jumper and my ADHD quirks in full swing, I dive into how pushing through nonstop isn't the answer, how to avoid burnout and share practical tips for regulating our frazzled nervous systems. Plus, I'm inviting you to join my upcoming 4-day 'Sustainable Success Challenge' for female business owners starting September 24th. 01:48 The Importance of Slowing Down03:10 Sustainability and Success04:08 September Reset05:14 Embracing Imperfection06:58 Interactive Q&A09:33 Practical Tips for Nervous System Regulation11:11 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge

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  • In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I dive into the vibrant world of creativity for those with ADHD. I chat about how our brilliant, busy brains are naturally wired for imaginative thinking and how we can harness that spark.
     
    I share my own quirks and experiences to remind us that done is better than perfect and why it's more fun to create than to endlessly scroll through raccoon videos. Plus, I'll sprinkle in some tips on how to allow yourself the joy of being a little more imperfect!
     
    Join me, and maybe even sign up for my free Sustainable Success challenge if you're ready for more creativity and less comparison in your life. 
     
    00:31 The Role of Creativity in ADHD
    01:42 Perfectionism vs. Creativity
    04:35 The Impact of Consumption on Creativity
    08:59 Commitment to Creativity
    15:43 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge!
     

  • Dive into the whimsical world of curiosity and discover how it can transform your personal and professional life! Int his episode I take you on an adventure through the curiosity mindset, the beginner's mindset, and compassionate curiosity. 
     
    00:00 Unlocking the Power of Curiosity
    00:57 The Beginner's Mindset
    01:19 Compassionate Curiosity
    01:54 Applying Curiosity in Life
    02:19 Access to Work Grant Challenges
    03:15 Personal Experience with Access to Work
    04:08 Upcoming Events and Workshops

  • This week I'm joined by the brilliant Dr Claire Plumbly, who shares her exciting journey of writing her first book on burnout, diving into how chronic stress can really take a toll on our minds and bodies. With practical tips on managing burnout, recognising internal pressures, and practicing self-care, this episode is packed with useful advice! 01:28 The Concept of Burnout01:44 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Challenges02:26 Understanding Burnout as Trauma06:15 Recognising Burnout Symptoms08:04 The Three C's for Nervous System Health12:27 High-Functioning Burnout13:29 Practical Tips for Managing Burnout32:13 Entrepreneurship and Burnout38:31 Connecting with Others and Finding Support

    Do you feel overwhelmed? Too busy to stop? Resisting slowing down?

    Then you need a break, before you break!

    Download my free guide to help you spot the signs of overwhelm, learn simple ways of slowing down, and understanding what’s getting in the way of you giving yourself the permission to rest and recover.

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm/

    About Dr Claire Plumbly:

    Claire is a Clinical Psychologist & Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Her private practice specialises in trauma-related issues and Claire herself has a specialism in sexual assault; early life traumas, and of course burnout.

    Her debut book ‘Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You’ is out in the UK this summer. It will show you how to harness the power of your nervous system, despite the persistent demands of modern life.

  • We're diving into a topic close to my heart: the chaotic world of unfinished projects that seem to plague us ADHD-ers. I share a laugh-and-cry kind of story from our amazing ADHD Club, and together we explore some fun and practical ways to finally get things done.
     
    I also chat about the importance of self-compassion, managing impulse control, and why taking breaks is your secret weapon against burnout. Plus, stick around till the end because I've got a special freebie to help you tackle those dreaded Access to Work forms!
     
    So, if you want to turn your chaos into calm, hit play and let's get started!
     
    00:00 Welcome and Introduction
    01:07 Understanding ADHD and Unfinished Projects
    03:52 Real-Life Example of ADHD Challenges
    06:29 Strategies to Tackle Unfinished Projects
    11:14 Community Support and Encouragement
    15:05 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

  • In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I dive into the often daunting task of form-filling for ADHD business women. I offer four handy tips to break down this overwhelming task into manageable and even enjoyable chunks.
     
    I explain the crucial importance of these forms for accessing things like government support and business funding, and provide practical, compassionate strategies to tackle them head-on.
     
    Join me in turning this 'boring beast' into a more playful process and stay tuned for the next episode that promises more tips!
     
    00:46 The Importance of Filling Forms

    01:54 Why ADHD Brains Avoid Forms
    03:07 Tips for Tackling Forms: Chunky
    05:56 Tips for Tackling Forms: Funky
    07:48 Tips for Tackling Forms: Junky
    08:59 Tips for Tackling Forms: Monkey
    10:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

  • In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I kick off a three-part series to help my fellow ADHD entrepreneurs tackle dreaded business finances. After a lightbulb moment with my ADHD assistant, Zoë, I realised many of us hate dealing with invoices and forms. So, tune in to get given five ways to approach your finances with an ADHD brain! These tips will help you manage cash flow, reduce stress, and keep your creativity flowing. And hey, if you need more support, check out my latest masterclass on sustainable ADHD business success. Let's make this fun and get you paid!

    00:48 The Struggle with Forms and Finances

    01:29 Understanding ADHD and Executive Functioning

    02:24 The Importance of Invoicing

    04:09 Why ADHD Brains Struggle with Business Finances

    05:07 Five Solutions to Improve Invoicing

    05:23 Solution 1: Gamify Your Invoicing

    06:18 Solution 2: Change the Context

    07:17 Solution 3: Reward Yourself

    08:03 Solution 4: Automate the Process

    10:03 Solution 5: Outsource the Task

    13:14 Conclusion and Masterclass Information

  • How do you balance your business and life with an ADHD brain? In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host and Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas, returns from a podcast break to discuss the importance of clarity and self-care to have balance between work and life, prioritising family right now. Michaela explores themes of compassion, perfectionism, and ADHD, sharing personal insights on balancing family life and professional responsibilities. She introduces a framework for sustainable success, focusing on support, systems and self-compassion. You’re also invited to catch a replay of a masterclass on how to balance your business and life with an ADHD brain, here: Balancing your Business with an Ambitious ADHD Brain - The Thomas Connection

    The doors are open NOW to Michaela’s ADHD membership community, The ADHD Club for ambitious women with bright and busy brains. Join here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub

    00:14 Reasons for taking a break from the podcast01:00 Clarity and Family Priorities

    02:17 The links between ADHD and perfectionism03:06 Support, Systems and Self-Compassion

    03:49 The Venn Diagram Framework

    12:38 Permission to Seek Support

  • Having trouble sleeping? Join for some useful tips as Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas chats with the brilliant Dr. Ranj Singh - NHS Doctor, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Ambassador and TV presenter - about sleep, anxiety and wellbeing.

    Discover how sleep is linked with hormone regulation, anxiety, stress, burnout - and even ADHD.

    Dr. Ranj shares his top tips for better sleep hygiene, managing stress, and sprinkling some self-compassion into your daily routine. Plus, hear how Dr Ranj handles criticism from social media trolls with grace, and why dancing like nobody's watching might just be the lift we all need.

    Ready to give yourself permission to have better sleep? Tune in now!

    Connect with Dr Ranj Singh on Instagram: @drranj

    We cover:

    01:06 The Importance of Sleep

    04:22 Short-term and Long-term Effects of Poor Sleep

    07:44 Improving Sleep Quality

    13:40 Self-Compassion and Sleep

    18:05 Purpose and Meaning in Life

    24:41 Navigating Social Media and Comparison

    28:00 Balancing Inspiration and Pressure

    29:33 The Reality of Imperfection

    33:19 Finding Joy in Social Connections

    38:34 The Power of Authenticity

    44:46 Handling Criticism and Social Media

    48:19 Final Takeaways and Self-Compassion

    Think your sleeping problems are linked with ADHD?Take a look at Michaela’s ADHD membership community, The ADHD Club:www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub

  • Welcome back to the Pause Purpose Lay podcast with me, Michaela Thomas. In this episode, we explore how to snack well with ADHD by understanding interoceptive cues, common sugar cravings, and the importance of self-compassion. We discuss the challenges ADHD individuals face with food, the impact of ignoring hunger signals, and practical tips to avoid energy crashes and binges. Additionally, I explain how to give yourself permission to snack and manage your energy levels. For those interested, I am offering access to my recent workshop recording on this topic. Join us as we navigate snacking strategies and move away from shame and self-criticism.

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub

  • In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play Podcast, I discuss the impact of self-kindness on productivity and success, particularly for individuals with ADHD. I address common concerns about self-compassion leading to laziness and explain how being kinder to oneself can enhance effectiveness, reduce burnout, and foster a growth mindset. I also outline three key points: the benefits of kind self-correction vs. self-criticism, the importance of setting boundaries, and the role of rest and recovery in achieving high performance. Plus, I let you know about an upcoming masterclass focused on balancing business and ADHD.

    Links:

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub

  • In this episode, we explore how generational trauma and self-criticism is ‘handed down’ from our parents as a blueprint for how we then parent ourselves. I talk to transformational coach and host of the Motherkind podcast, Zoe Blaskey, about her recovery journey from perfectionism and alcohol. We discuss how inherited patterns aren’t our fault, but it IS our responsibility to notice and become aware of them. With gentle, compassionate noticing of our self-critical thoughts and perfectionistic behaviours, we have a choice of which thought to believe in and which action to then take. We also let go of the pressure to parent perfectly, embracing the fact that we WILL ‘mess up’ our kids.

    How almost breaking from becoming a mum lead to creating MotherkindThe cycle of ‘Hurt, heal, help’Pain leading to a deeper level of understanding and purposeRecovery journey - a daily practicePerfectionism as a survival tactic that doesn’t help in the long termMotherhood made negative coping mechanisms resurfaceParents handing down a faulty road mapDeveloping an internal kind parental voiceClarity in values makes hard stuff worth itJournalling gives choice over which thoughts to listen toCan’t change until you’ve sat with the pain for long enoughGenerational cycles of traumaChoosing one thing to change - trusting yourselfConstant state of flux instead of ‘balance’Boundaries have costs

    Find out more about Zoe at www.motherkind.co

    Instagram: @zoeblaskey

    Burn Bright - transformational group coaching for the ambitious working woman who needs to be nicer to herself to calm the overwhelm

    https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright/

    Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk

    Instagram: @the_thomas_connection

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

    Pause Purpose Play Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/pausepurposeplay

  • In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I tackle the often-neglected concept of rest, especially for individuals with ADHD and perfectionists. I present rest as the best-kept secret of high performance, crucial for achieving more and preventing burnout. The episode explores the resistance many feel towards allowing themselves to rest, labelling rest as an act of rebellion against the pressures of a perfectionist, patriarchal society. Through listener questions and personal insights, I discuss the importance of rest for both mental and physical well-being and introduce the Pause Purpose Play Mini Mastermind designed to help ambitious women find balance, meaning, and fun. The episode emphasizes that resting and recovering are essential for achieving ambitious goals sustainably, without falling into the burnout trap.

    https://thethomasconnection.thrivecart.com/pause-purpose-play/

  • This episode features a deep and personal conversation with Holly Matthews, a TV actress turned self-development coach, about the themes of bravery, authenticity, and dealing with grief. Holly shares her journey, starting with her early career in television, her approach to living with bravery and courage rather than confidence, and how writing a bold letter as a child kickstarted her acting career. She discusses the importance of having awkward, gray-area conversations, embracing life's nuances, and how she challenges herself to live boldly. Holly also opens up about the impact of her husband Ross's death from brain cancer on her and her children, how she navigated grief, and how the experience reinforced her determination to help others feel 'more happy and less crappy.' The conversation touches on dealing with ADHD, the value of asking for what you want, and the importance of dropping the ball sometimes to manage the juggle of life's challenges. Holly also provides insights into dealing with online negativity, emphasizing the power of seeing oneself through others' eyes and maintaining authenticity in the face of criticism.

    https://www.iamhollymatthews.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/iamhollymatthews/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@iamhollymatthews

    To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

  • This podcast episode features a heartwarming conversation between myself and Rachel Maloy, a facilitator of Singing Mamas groups. We discuss the profound impact that singing can have on mental health and well-being, especially for mothers. Rachel shares her personal journey of battling severe anxiety and depression after her son's birth and how discovering Singing Mamas became a pivotal moment in her recovery. She emphasizes the importance of singing as a form of emotional release, community building, and self-care. The episode also includes snippets of Rachel singing, along with a discussion about the benefits of singing for both adults and children, highlighting how it can improve confidence, mental health, and provide a sense of belonging. Rachel encourages listeners, especially mothers, to give themselves permission to prioritize their well-being through singing, exemplifying that everyone can sing and it is never too late to start.

    www.singingmamas.org

    Find me at www.thethomasconnection.co.uk

    Instagram: @the_thomas_connection

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/thethomasconnection

    Pause Purpose Play Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/pausepurposeplay

    Edited by MyPodcastAssistant

  • Today's episode was a live conversation between host Michaela and her guest, Kylie, discussing the impactful journey and benefits of investing in one’s well-being through the BurnBright program. Kylie shares her initial hesitations, the significance of building trust through engaging with Michaela’s content, and how making a substantial investment in the program led to personal and professional growth. They delve into the advantages of group coaching over individual sessions, highlighting the community support and the value of shared group experiences. Kylie's transformation from a corporate role to becoming a business owner underscores the program’s pivotal role in helping her find purpose, create space for personal growth, and achieve a sustainable balance between ambition and well-being. Michaela emphasizes the importance of commitment and how the program’s structure, including recorded calls and a supportive online community, facilitates profound personal transformation. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to consider enrolling in BurnBright to explore their paths toward well-being.

    To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

  • In this Pause Purpose Play podcast episode, I discuss the challenge of accepting compliments and feeling proud without feeling icky', especially for perfectionistic, high-achieving women. I touch upon the cultural and personal barriers to embracing one's achievements and discuss my personal journey with pride and vulnerability, including my reflections on receiving the award and feeling out of place yet proud at the ceremony. I also share my intention behind the podcast to help women see their own light and strengths. Finally, I announce the upcoming round of her Burn Bright program, emphasising my ethical approach to participant selection and my passion for genuinely helping others.

    To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

  • In this episode, I address the common habit of rushing through life, particularly among individuals with ADHD and busy parents. I discuss the negative impacts of constantly being in a rush, such as increased stress, reduced productivity, and potential dangers. I emphasise the importance of slowing down to improve effectiveness, focus, and mental health. I also talk about Neurodiversity Awareness Week, the concept of neurodivergence, and how rushing is often glorified in modern society. The episode delves into strategies for reducing the need to rush, including pausing to assess what's helpful or harmful, and the benefits of rest and recovery. I also highlight my Burn Bright program, which gives women permission to pause and manage the urge to rush, ultimately leading to a more productive and less stressful lifestyle.

    Email Michaela to get the on-demand recording of the Spacious Year challenge videos:

    [email protected]

    To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    Spaces are limited to six and doors close for this round on the 19th of April!

  • In this podcast episode, Ross, a specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the workplace, discusses the principles of ACT and its application in both professional and personal settings. ACT, a practical and experiential form of therapy, is explored through its foundational skills of noticing, being active, and open, aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility. Ross shares insights into how these skills help individuals navigate the relentless modern workplace, reduce burnout, and lead more fulfilling lives by aligning actions with personal values. Through metaphors like 'passengers on the bus,' Ross illustrates how to manage internal dialogue and foster a healthier relationship with one's thoughts and feelings. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, kindness, and taking meaningful actions towards what truly matters, offering listeners practical strategies for improving well-being and effectiveness in their daily lives.

    To be one of Michaela's inner circle women in her transformational group coaching, Burn Bright, apply now: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

    Guest email: [email protected]