The Focused Mindset Podcast

Level up your conversation skills with Cher's free 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher Kretz discusses the concept of toxic positivity and how it can affect our emotions and conversations. Toxic positivity is the rejection of negative emotions and the constant focus on positive ones. Cher emphasizes the importance of honoring and validating all of our emotions, as they make up who we are. She explains that toxic positivity can damage relationships and lead to suppression of real emotions, which can manifest in other negative ways. Cher provides strategies for practicing empathy, validating emotions, and moving from problem-focused to solution-focused conversations. Get Cher's free 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher You might ask: Cher how did you go from being a school counselor to a top ranked podcast host? It's because of the business support at SPI (Smart Passive Income) Here is my special affiliate link to check it out: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/community/?via=cher-kretz Chapters 00:00Introduction 08:18Understanding Toxic Positivity 14:38The Damaging Effects of Toxic Positivity 33:54Moving from Problem-Focused to Solution-Focused Conversations 45:16Conclusion

Start your free solution-focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Joe George discusses his new book, 'Solution Focused Trifecta,' a hands-on guide to implementing solution-focused practice. In presentations and resources, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the why, what, and how. Joe shares his journey of discovering a solution-focused approach and getting trained and certified in different solution-focused branches. He also talks about the value of interviewing experts in the field and learning from their various approaches. The conversation highlights the benefits of a solution-focused approach in building relationships, promoting ownership, and achieving quicker results. The conversation discusses the importance of a solution-focused mindset and the benefits of using solution-focused strategies in counseling. They highlight the value of Joe George's workbook, 'Solution Focused Trifecta,' which provides practical activities for embracing and understanding solution-focused principles. They also emphasize the need for a simple and accessible way to implement solution-focused strategies in counseling. They discuss the role of school counselors in promoting solution-focused approaches and the potential for collaboration between different solution-focused practitioners. The conversation concludes with information on connecting with Joe George and accessing his resources. www.solutionfocusedfuture.com or email Joe at Joegoargesff@gmail.com TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher You might ask: Cher, how did you go from being a school counselor to a top-ranked podcast host? It's because of the business support at SPI (Smart Passive Income). Here is my unique affiliate link to check it out: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/community/?via=cher-kretz

Have you been able to watch my TEDx? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=HlvxDrM0vQG8OJZi For free training over three days, join the Lead Conversations With Hope 3-Day Challenge. https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Now to the episode! We are celebrating episode 200 with a peek behind the scenes of all 40 amazing conversations I have had with my previous guests on The Focused Mindset Podcast. We have come a long way, baby! From me re-recording my first episode 5 times only to realize I used the wrong setting, and it sounded like I was in an echoing cave! Eventually, I got that first one up, and the rest is history. In this episode, I tell you how I managed to learn how to podcast and grow it to hit the top 100 in the USA podcast charts. I talked about Pat Flynn and SPI Smart Passive Income and how much his courses and community helped. You can get that same hope by checking out his ALL ACCESS community. I will be writing my first college-level course on communication navigation on SPI Pro all-access next month with the Horos Guide to Creating a Course, and you can take that course with me with the SPI all-access pass! Here is my special affiliate link to check it out: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/community/?via=cher-kretz Each of my guests has been so special and amazing, so let me share with you how each one helped to shape this podcast. These solution-focused conversations have helped so many people, and I am grateful. To support this progam you can add to to my TIP JAR! Use this link: https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher https://www.thefocusedmindset.com

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Today, we are talking to Louise Hajjar Diamond, who gives us guidance about how to help kids thrive in their tween and early teen years when they are in middle school. Louise Hajjar Diamond has been a school counselor since 1990 in Florida. She earned a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Systems and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Florida State University. She counsels students, parents, faculty members, and administrators on issues of student adjustment, mental health, and motivational behavior. She has also served as the exceptional student education coordinator for her students. Her experience in school counseling, child development, and education has led her to write dozens of articles for parenting and professional publications for over twenty years. She is the author of the parenting book Creating the Balance: Parenting Through the Middle School Years Link https://linktr.ee/louisediamond?fbclid=PAAabmLX9ZA7yNAIN982nIwllMb9929saiN8Ol4vkyRgbC_2-dVM8ne9JoS9Q_aem_AW5S1SFsgkHCss5lcqWi7wVlmmjiBBNKgHmKsZz80pQuE-jdC9XBLcOlGTq_eaisWdc Website www.LouiseHajjarDiamond.com Instagram for counselors and educators @school_counseling_balance Instagram for parents @middleschoolparenting Facebook: Louise Diamond Teacher Pay Teachers Store: School Counseling Balance https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/School-Counseling-Balance TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=yjmvP0oJDMDAsxW- Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher Thank you for listening. You have my permission to share this episode on social media. Until next time, Live solution-focused! Cher Kretz cherkretz.com

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. This is one step you can take to start new conversation habits. I will discuss each day in the next three episodes and why they are so impactful. I will be your guide to get the most out of your communication. As a bonus, you will grow stronger yourself. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=UpkdtqARLUcnPXaT Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge. You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. This is one step you can take to start new conversation habits. I will discuss each day in the next three episodes and why they are so impactful. I will be your guide to get the most out of your communication. As a bonus, you will grow stronger yourself. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes just for participating in the challenge. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution-Focused Conversation Navigation: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=avhmxOglpCBLtjZ8 Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Cher Kretz brings 20+ years of experience right to you with solution-focused products and coaching services. Follow links to learn more! Bit.ly/cherkretzinfo Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Is Solution Focused Coaching with Cher right for you? Book a free discovery call today at Cher Kretz Discovery Call Access Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Keep in touch, and take care.

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. This is one step you can take to start new conversation habits. I will discuss each day in the next three episodes and why they are so impactful. I will be your guide to get the most out of your communication. As a bonus, you will grow stronger yourself. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes just for bing a part of the challenge. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=avhmxOglpCBLtjZ8 Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Lead With Hope Conversation Navigation 3-Day Challenge is FREE: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Today I will help you avoid solving the wrong problem. This can happen if we are in a hurry to move to a solution. To be helpful in a conversation we must slow down enough to truly hear what is happening and that takes next-level listening. It's a balance to ensure you understand the real problem without getting stuck in problem talk. Let's talk about how you can do just that. When you join my three-day conversation challenge, you will have practical skills that will help you develop a hope-focused mindset. Don't miss out on this opportunity! https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Why is Cher so passionate about helping others have good conversations? Find out by listening to the TEDx Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=Xqt0KOcXf2HopbNp Please join me on Instagram and TikTok for tips to have quality conversations so you can connect with those you love and create a bond with those you meet. Instagram: @Cherkretz_thefocusedmindset https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Take the Lead with Hope 3-day challenge free today. Based on the lessons found in Cher's TEDx How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Communication Navigation: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/ Watch the TEDx How to Lead with Hope here: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=bEnpCrdjuL2GmJSM In this episode, we will talk about how to live our dash in life and lead both ourselves and others with a high level of hope. I will share about how this has changed my life and we will explore how it will also change yours. Action cultivates hope! For more helpful content follow Cher Kretz: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ Feel free to share this episode with those who need this message of hope. If you would like to help keep this show on the air by showing Cher your support you can follow this link: https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Join the transformative Lead with Hope 3-Day Challenge RIGHT HERE: https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/cda3d258b2 In this week's episode, you get to listen in to a webinar that I spoke at for Dr. Linda Metcalf and her group of solution-focused counselors at Solution Focused Schools Unlimited. It was part of her monthly free webinars that teach solution-focused skills to mental health professionals and educators. I share insight that you can use today in your family life and move toward your best hope this week. I had the honor of sharing a message of hope at TEDx Ocala and it is live on YouTube right now. How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Find out more about Dr. Sarah Kirk's Yoga 4 Classrooms at https://yoga4classrooms.com/. Enjoy this second part of my conversation with Dr. Kirk and hear part one jump over to episode 191. You won't want to miss it. In this episode, we discuss how movement helps us all, and how it helps kids in the classrooms and we end with a discussion about hope and perseverance in life. Join Cher Kretz's How to Lead with Hope 3-Day Challenge where you learn how to implement the skills she talked about in her TEDx Talk How to Lead with Hope: Solution-Focused Conversation Navigation. It is free and a wonderful way to start the next season of your life. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/cda3d258b2 Watch the TEDX https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=u6RrNRPhfyzYz0h7 Cher Kretz brings 20+ years of experience right to you with solution-focused products and coaching services. Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Is Solution Focused Coaching with Cher right for you? Book a free discovery call today at Cher Kretz Discovery Call Access Website: www.cherkretz.com GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon

MTSS is the acronym for Multi Tiered Levels of Support and to explain this best practice I invited Dr. Sarah Kirk. She is a school counselor and ASCA trainer who explains MTSS so clearly, as well as shares so much more about the best way to help kids grow and ensure their needs are met. It's all about focusing on what counts as well as what is needed and it works for families and companies as well. Let's talk about it in this informative episode. Learn more about Dr. Sarah Kirk on Instagram at Counselor_Kirk or head over to https://yoga4classrooms.com/ to learn more about her company. Tune in next week when we dive into the wonderful world of mindfulness and yoga with Dr. Kirk in part 2 of our conversation. Have you watched the TEDx talk by Cher Kretz How to Lead with Hope: Solution-focused Conversation Navigation? If not how about watching it right now? https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=56N7zYGoOzTwmcY9 Learn more about Cher Kretz and The Focused Mindset at: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/

Let's get right to the point... My TEDx talk: How to Lead with Hope: Solution-Focused Conversation Navigation is now live on YouTube and ready for you to view! Listen by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=of8EPIEZkSy-6ik_ You can get my HOPE NOTES newsletter Right HERE For more information on how to book me to talk at your next event, go to Cherkretz.com I hope that this message will help your holiday gatherings be calm and peaceful. I hope that you can make connections with new and old friends and loved ones in a new way using solution-focused strategies to navigate your conversation. After listening to the talk please let me know what you think by leaving a comment and feel free to share the alk on any of your social platforms.

In this episode, Cher Kretz announces her upcoming TEDx talk and shares the unexpected lessons she learned throughout the process. She discusses the importance of humility, being teachable, and embracing the uncomfortable. Cher reflects on her TEDx talk experience and the support she received from her community. The episode concludes with a preview of upcoming episodes and a reminder to live a solution-focused life. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

Did you know that how you think about people matters. It affects how you discribe them and in the long run it affects how much posotive impact you are able to make with those you love. Learn how to change problem talk to solution talk in this episode. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Is Solution-Focused Coaching with Cher right for you? Book a free discovery call today at Cher Kretz Discovery Call Access. Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Get your thinking mat today at www.thinkingmats.com and put Focused Mindset at checkout to get your podcast listener discount. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused

In this episode, we have a special guest, Dan Gentry, a TEDx speaker and performance coach from Ocala, Florida. Dan is the founder of Third Power Performance, https://thirdpowerlife.com/ a company dedicated to making the world a better place by helping individuals find their personal purpose. Dan begins by discussing his mission to help people take command of their lives instead of drifting through life aimlessly. He introduces the concept of being a drifter or a commander, emphasizing that many of us find ourselves in the position of drifting without direction. Dan's passion lies in coaching and guiding individuals towards finding their purpose and providing them with the necessary tools and insights to avoid common pitfalls. Dan opens up about his personal mission in life, which centers around the idea of breaking generational habits. He references the song "Cat's in the Cradle" to illustrate the importance of finding work-life harmony and not sacrificing precious time with family for the sake of work. He shares that he used to believe that working hard, getting promoted, and making more money was the ultimate plan, but he realized the emptiness of this pursuit. He concludes by emphasizing that achieving great things requires a work-life harmony rather than a strict balance. He encourages individuals to focus on their goals with a determined mindset, even if it means being temporarily out of balance. Dan finds fulfillment in helping others break generational patterns and witnessing the positive impact it has on their lives. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Dan Gentry as we delve into finding purpose, breaking generational habits, and embracing a focused mindset. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com www.thefocusedmindset.com/contact GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused

Listening is a skill that many people feel like they have. However, very few actually listen in a way that focuses on the other person's strengths. This is a key solution-focused skill and the one we cover in this episode. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com Leave me a question here CONTACT CHER, and your topic may be the next one on Parenting With The Focused Mindset. www.thefocusedmindset.com/contact GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Get your thinking mat today at www.thinkingmats.com and put Focused Mindset at checkout to get your podcast listener discount. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused

Time to unpack exactly how to eliminate bullying using narrative therapy and the solution-focused approach to have 100% success in stopping bullying behaviors. Michelle and Stephanie share examples of how this works so well. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Is Solution-Focused Coaching with Cher right for you? Book a free discovery call today at Cher Kretz Discovery Call Access. Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com Leave me a question here CONTACT CHER, and your topic may be the next one on Parenting With The Focused Mindset. www.thefocusedmindset.com/contact GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Get your thinking mat today at www.thinkingmats.com and put Focused Mindset at checkout to get your podcast listener discount. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge Find out more about the unique bullying intervention taught by Stephanie Fletcher and Michelle Myers from www.eliminatebullying.com. CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Is Solution-Focused Coaching with Cher right for you? Book a free discovery call today at Cher Kretz Discovery Call Access. Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. This is one step you can take to start new conversation habits. I will discuss each day in the next three episodes and why they are so impactful. I will be your guide to get the most out of your communication. As a bonus, you will grow stronger yourself. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Start the free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge The Eliminate Bullying training I got with these two ladies was by far the most relevant and effective training I have ever had on bullying. I am so excited to welcome Michelle and Stephanie to our show to talk to us about this subject. This conversation is going to be published in three parts. You will be enriched and full of ideas with each and every topic we cover in this three-part series. To get their free resource and to learn more go to eliminatebullying.com CLICK HERE for your 35 free conversation starters Blog: www.thefocusedmindset.com/blog-by-cher Instagram: Cher The Focused Mindset Website: www.thefocusedmindset.com GPS Life Solution Focused Journals on Amazon. Thank you for listening. Feel free to share this episode. Until next time, Live Solution-Focused You want to have meaningful conversations with the people you love, but too many times, life gets in the way, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you. TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/ Patreon Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher