Passion Struck with John R. Miles - The Success Edge: How to Be an Effective Anxiety Optimizer w/John R. Miles EP 400

Starting point is 00:00:00 Coming up next on PassionStruck. As an anxiety optimizer, you will navigate through periods of intense challenge, even when success is within reach. Formatable challenges will arise. It's here that the courageous thrive, stepping boldly into the unknown and making strategic decisions that propel them forward. Welcome to PassionStruck. Hi, I'm your host, John Armiles, and on the show,

Starting point is 00:00:23 we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guest-ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hello friends, welcome back to another Momentum Friday episode. And today marks a special occasion, the 400th episode of the PassionStruck podcast.

Starting point is 00:01:10 What an incredible journey it's been to reach the milestone. And it's all thanks to your unwavering support. Your commitment to the show has not only helped us to achieve this number, but it's also contributed in a significant way to our consistent ranking as the number one alternative health podcast on Apple. A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who returned to the show weekly to listen and learn, had to live better, be better, and impact the world.

Starting point is 00:01:34 And I have a special invitation for you to compliment my new book Passion Struck. I have just released a Passion Struck continuum quiz and you can find it on passionstruck.com. If you take the quiz, it's 20 questions long, it takes about 10 minutes to do. You can find out if you're an imitator, an orchestrator, a vanquisher, or one of the other five plateaus on the road to becoming passion struck. If you're new to the show, thank you so much for being here. Or you simply want to introduce this to a friend or a family member, and we so appreciate it when you do that.

Starting point is 00:02:01 We have episodes, starter packs, which are collections of our fans' favorite episodes that we organize into convenient playlists that give any new listener a great way to get acclimated. Everything we do here on the show, either good at passionstruck.com, slash starder packs were Spotify to get started. And in case you missed it, this past week, I had our two regular interviews plus bonus interview.

Starting point is 00:02:20 The first was with Jen Drummond. And this was a remarkable interview of a world record holder who just became the first female to ever climb the 7th Second Summits. Jen is the author of Brand New Book Breakproof, seven strategies to build resilience and achieve your life goals. I also head on Dr. Scott Rip, who is an associate professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and an author of the Brand new book, Tightwad's and Spend For Us. And our interview focuses on understanding the emotional causes and consequences of consumer

Starting point is 00:02:51 financial decision making and its impact on relationships. And then lastly, I interviewed Maria Meninus. Maria is a renowned television personality actress, your time's best selling author and podcast host. But beyond her illustrious career in Hollywood, she has a deeply moving story of resilience, self-advocacy, and caretaking. An episode you absolutely don't want to miss. And if you loved any of those three episodes or today's, we would so appreciate you giving a far-star rating and review,

Starting point is 00:03:19 which brings more people into the passion-struck community where we can bring them more weekly doses of hope, meaning, and connection. And I know we and our guests love to hear from you. Now let's talk about today's Momentum Friday episode. When you hear the word anxiety, what images flash through your head? For many, it involves a cascade of negative connotations, stress, worry, unease. It's often visualized as a whirlwind of discomfort, racing heart, a mind, beset by doubt, or a consistent apprehension before major events like giving up presentation, or taking a final exam.

Starting point is 00:03:52 In a society that often prizes, calm and collected demeanor, anxiety is frequently viewed as a foe needed to be conquered. However, anxiety isn't necessarily the antagonist to life's narrative. Its role can be likened to fire, potentially destructive, but equally capable of illuminating new pathways. Anxiety can immobilize us with fear, but it also has the power to activate primal energy, pushing us beyond the familiar confines of our comfort zones. When we look closer, anxiety can be seen as a signal, nudging us towards areas of untapped

Starting point is 00:04:23 potential. Critical question then becomes, can we transform anxiety into a catalyst for peak performance? The answer is empathetically yes, but it requires embracing a concept that I refer to as the anxiety optimizer. The anxiety optimizer represents a state where nervous energy traditionally viewed as a negative force becomes a positive ally. It embodies the razor-shark focus needed in critical situations, the exhilarating anticipation that precedes new ventures, and the creative surge that deadlines ignite. The key to this transformation is not the elimination of anxiety, but its mastery.

Starting point is 00:04:57 It's about channeling this raw energy into productive endeavors. It's about converting its whispers of doubt into resounding affirmations of determination and capability. Optimal anxiety is more than just a concept. It's a proven pathway to our best selves, both mentally and physically. This is underscored by a 10-year McKenzie study on flow and productivity,

Starting point is 00:05:19 which found that executives in a state of optimal anxiety reported a 400% increase in performance. To put this into perspective, imagine just working for two hours in a state of optimal anxiety reported a 400% increase in performance. To put this into perspective, imagine just working for two hours in a state of optimal anxiety. According to this study, this focused, I have performance period, but equate to the productivity of a typical eight hour workday for most people. This efficiency is not just a byproduct of working harder, but of working smarter, leveraging our innate responses to stress,

Starting point is 00:05:45 in a way that enhances our capabilities. In this episode of the PassionStruck Podcast, I delve into the anxiety optimizer, a pivotal element of my upcoming book, PassionStruck, 12 powerful principles to unlock your purpose and ignite your most intentional life. I challenge the conventional views on anxiety and explore how this powerful emotion can be harness to unlock incredible personal and professional achievements. Join me as we navigate this conventional views on anxiety and explore how this powerful emotion can be harnessed, one-lock, incredible personal and professional achievements. Join me as we navigate this transformative journey, earning what was once perceived as a barrier into a bridge towards extraordinary possibilities.

Starting point is 00:06:16 Thank you for choosing PassionStruct and choosing me to be your hosting guide on your journey to creating an intentional life. Now, let that journey begin. Being at AV SEAL is the epitome of courage and resilience. Imagine facing a kind of fear that sends shivers down the spines of the bravest, going into battle far from home, relying on just a handful of teammates. But this is the daily reality for SEALs. We confront this fear and anxiety regularly. Yet remarkably, they don't just endure. They excel.

Starting point is 00:06:51 Using this anxiety is a tool to achieve extraordinary feats. To truly understand this, let's delve into the story of Operation Neptune Spear. Imagine the dead of night, no moon in the sky, just the rhythmic thud of Black Hawk helicopters cutting through the silence. This was the setting for Operation Neptune Spirit, a defining moment in Navy SEAL history

Starting point is 00:07:11 and a masterclass in the art of optimizing anxiety. Being a Navy SEAL is about facing fears that most can hardly fathom. They live in a world where the stakes are life and death, yet they emerge as the ultimate anxiety optimizers. On May 2nd, 2011, a team of seals embarked on a mission that would etched their names in history to capture Osama bin Laden. Attention was tangible as they neared the compound then, a sudden twist, a helicopter malfunctioned

Starting point is 00:07:38 and crashed. In this high stress moment, anxiety could have taken over, but for these seals, this is where the true essence of optimal anxiety came into play. What followed was a remarkable display of optimal anxiety in action. Each step that they took inside the compound was a mix of calculated risk and heightened awareness, turning their stress into a vital asset. Instead of succumbing to panic, they embodied the anxiety optimizer.

Starting point is 00:08:03 They quickly adapted, reorganized, and redirected their focus. Every move was a balance of precision and instinct, turning their anxiety into a powerful tool. In the heart of chaos, they found clarity and strength. As they breached the compound and faced direct confrontations, their anxiety wasn't a hindrance. It was their ally, fueling them with an unparalleled surge of focus and adrenaline. Their success and their mission was not just a military victory. It was a powerful illustration of mastering optimal anxiety. It raises a critical question. Is this ability to optimize anxiety exclusive to those who are in high stakes professions like the Navy Seals? The answer

Starting point is 00:08:42 is a resounding no. This skill is not confined to elite soldiers. It's a potential that resides in all of us. We can all learn, master, and apply the stability in our daily lives, transforming our anxiety into a powerful ally. To understand how this is possible, let's dive into the science behind becoming an anxiety optimizer. Research in psychology and neuroscience reveals that anxiety is not just one dimensional experience It exists on a spectrum at both its lowest and its highest levels Anxiety can impair cognitive function and well-being however There's a sweet spot optimal anxiety which engages the brains arousal and alertness centers enhancing focus

Starting point is 00:09:21 Motivation and creativity. Imagine a perfect hit in baseball. It's that moment that everything aligns, and all that exists is you and the ball. Optimal anxiety is similar. It's about being so immersed in an activity that the world around you fades into the background. And the concept of optimal anxiety isn't as intangible as it sounds. It's grounded in our psychological makeup. In this state, our brains release a balanced state of neurotransmitters.

Starting point is 00:09:48 Like dopamine, sharpening, our cognitive function, soasting memory and enhancing problem solving skills. This phenomenon isn't new. In fact, it was first identified by psychologist Robert M. York and John D. Dodson in 1908. They found that while comfort leads to sub-optimal performance, a certain level of anxiety propels us towards peak performance.

Starting point is 00:10:09 This insight formed the basis of the Yerks' Dotsin Law, which posits that moderate levels of stress enhance our performance. Mihai Chikset Mahaihi, prominent figure in positive psychology, further underscored understanding of this concept through his research on flow, the state of being completely absorbed and fulfilled by an activity. His research shifted the focus from the pathology of mental health to the elements that make life fulfilling, akin to understanding why planes soar instead of why they crash. To understand this concept better, consider that optimal anxiety is achieved when anxiety and intentionality are brought into proper alignment of operating on the edge without going off the edge. Too much anxiety can be overwhelming encounter productive, which leads to stress and burnout. However, intentionality

Starting point is 00:10:55 plays a crucial role in balancing and regulating anxiety. Through intentional practices like mindfulness, self-reflection, and setting realistic goals. You can maintain a level of optimal anxiety that is beneficial rather than harmful. The key lies in finding the right balance, where anxiety becomes a driving force for intentional action, leading to personal growth and achievement. Essentially, this approach propels you forward, turning your actions into momentum to confront and conquer your deepest fears, allowing you to accomplish what once seemed impossible. So now you're probably asking, how do you optimize this anxiety for growth? I'm going to now go through the anxiety optimizer approach, fully immersing yourself

Starting point is 00:11:36 in your passion as commendable. But there's a risk of settling into a safer team that seems progressive, yet lacks the pace to keep you ahead. Self-doubt, the lure of comfort, and notably fear can cause us to shy away from opportunities that demand a bold yes. To reach peak performance, it's crucial to embrace the role of anxiety optimizer, living in a state of optimal anxiety rather than running away from it. It's normal to question whether you have the right education, experience, skills, or potential for success. You might even feel disconnected from your own journey. Significant life changes require sacrifices,

Starting point is 00:12:12 pushing you to embrace unfamiliar tasks and consistently show up to maintain momentum. Sacrifice is the cornerstone of progress. Establishing a clear vision of your future self and engaging in daily activities are vital for sustaining the transformational momentum. As an anxiety optimizer, you'll encounter periods of intense darkness on this journey. Even when you're close to achieving your goals, daunting challenges can room large, life rewards the courageous who step into the unknown,

Starting point is 00:12:40 making strategic choices about which opportunities to pursue is the key to ensuring that your efforts translate into substantial progress. When confronted with self-doubt and fear, you stand at a pivotal juncture. Will you yield to these challenges, or will you embrace them as opportunities for growth, avoiding these moments and not becoming an anxiety optimizer can lead to stagnation and unfilled potential? Embrace these challenges, say yes to growth and thrive in the realm of optimal anxiety. This is where ordinary life transforms into an extraordinary journey. And here's how you can do it. First, acknowledge and understand your anxiety.

Starting point is 00:13:14 Recognize when you're feeling anxious and understand what triggers it. Awareness is the first step in transformation. By identifying the sources of your anxiety, you can begin to address them constructively. Second, reframe the narrative. Recognize that anxiety is a natural reaction to stress. Instead of seeing it as an adversary, start viewing it as an ally. This shift and perception turns anxiety into a powerful force, propelling you from fear to exhilaration and empowering you to move forward. Third, channel your concentration.

Starting point is 00:13:45 In critical situations, the key is to maintain intense focus. Direct your anxious energy toward specific, achievable goals to prevent it from becoming an unproductive worry. Concentrate on tests that you can control and maintain a present intentional mindset for optimal productivity. Fourth, embrace visualization for success. Visualization is a powerful tool.

Starting point is 00:14:06 Imagine the outcome that you desire in detail, thinking through the steps required to achieve it. This mental rehearsal prepares you to face challenges, control your thoughts and build resilience against fear, the process of visualizing success and potential obstacles, enhances adaptability and mental preparedness. Fifth, set clear achievable goals. As an anxiety optimizer, your objectives should stretch your capabilities, but still be

Starting point is 00:14:31 attainable. Goals act as a compass, guiding your anxious energy towards productive outcomes. Six, acknowledge and celebrate small wins. Every step forward, no matter its size, is significant. Celebrating small victories instills confidence and transforms anxiety into a positive driving force that pushes you closer to your goals. Seventh, learn from setbacks. Setbacks are valuable learning opportunities. Reflect on what didn't work, adjust your strategy,

Starting point is 00:14:58 and approach your goals with renewed determination and fronting challenges with resilience. Turns them into stepping stones towards greater success, eighth, cultivate a supportive network, a network of supportive individuals who understand your journey is invaluable. Sharing experiences, learning together, and celebrating success collectively,

Starting point is 00:15:16 strengthen your resilience and facilitate collaborative growth, ninth, maintain balance, find the equilibrium between pushing yourself and acknowledging your limits. Over extending can lead to, while under-challenging yourself can result in stagnation. By mastering these strategies, you can position yourself on the edge of new opportunities, where anxiety becomes a tool for unparalleled growth, refusing to embrace this anxiety-optimizer behavior. It can lead to a life of mediocrity. Instead, choose to face uncertainties head on, say yes to professional and personal growth and learn to thrive in the zone of optimal anxiety. It's in this space that life transforms

Starting point is 00:15:52 from the ordinary into the extraordinary and you discover the true extent of your abilities. Now that we understand the concept of optimizing anxiety for peak performance, let's now dive into how we can apply this in various everyday scenarios. By doing so, we turn what might seem like mundane or challenging moments into opportunities for significant growth and achievement. Imagine a typical day, a mosaic of moments, each tinged with its own elements of stress. A morning rush, the anticipation of an important meeting, or the late afternoon energy dip. These slices of time, often viewed as hurdles, are in fact concealed opportunities to ignite your focus and creativity.

Starting point is 00:16:33 A secret lies in reshaping your response to these moments. Your morning, for instance, could be reimagined to include a common routine, like meditation or a breastwalk, setting the tone of tranquility for the day ahead. This intentional start acts as a buffer, softening the edges of your morning anxiety and channeling your energy positively. As the day unfolds, particularly in the workplace, aligning your most demanding tasks with your peak energy periods is crucial. This synchronization between task and temperament ends up enhancing efficiency, ensuring that your efforts are not just

Starting point is 00:17:05 expended but amplified. When facing the jittery moments before meeting, harness the surge of adrenaline through preparation, turning nervous energy into a state of heightened readiness, navigating social interactions, also holds a hidden key to managing anxiety. If the thought of engaging in conversations sparks nervousness, a little preparation can go a long way. Arm yourself with a few well thought out topics, transforming social anxiety into an opportunity for meaningful connections. Active Listening 2 is a powerful tool. It anchors you in the present moment, easing anxiety and enhancing your interactions.

Starting point is 00:17:39 The art of balancing eye intensity periods with relaxation is like striking the right cord on a melody. Integrate short breaks into your day to recharge and make time for activities that bring you joy outside of work. The harmony between effort and ease is essential for your well-being. Conclude your day with a reflective pause. Look back at the day's events, the triumphs, the challenges, and everything in between. This daily debrief is a moment to recalibrate, to celebrate the successes and to learn from the mistakes. It's an exercise and fine-tuning your approach to optimizing anxiety, transforming it day by day

Starting point is 00:18:14 into a tool for productivity and growth by consistently applying these strategies. You'll start to notice a shift in how you perceive and handle anxiety. It becomes less enopsical and more a tool for personal and professional growth. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate anxiety completely, but to manage and optimize it in a way that enhances your daily performance and your overall quality of life. As we conclude our exploration, it's important to recognize that optimizing anxiety is not merely

Starting point is 00:18:41 about adopting a new mindset. It's about a fundamental shift in behavior. Attaps both into our psychological and physiological states of peak performance. This is where we operate at our highest potential, both mentally and physically, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement, incorporating this behavior shift into our daily lives, involves recognizing and harnessing moments of heightened stress like the morning rush or critical work meetings and Transform them into catalyst for heightened focus and creativity. It's about strategically aligning our tasks with our natural as a tool to push our boundaries, while ensuring we balance high intensity periods with necessary reflection and relaxation. By doing so, we're not just enduring our days, or maximizing them, or nesting our potential in a way that leads to significant personal and professional growth. I hope you all enjoyed

Starting point is 00:19:40 the show and I wanted to thank everyone who wrote in this week and especially those who listened. Links to the transcript will be in the show notes. Videos are on YouTube at both John Armyles and PassionStruck clips. Avertizer deals and discount codes are in one convenient place at PassionStruck.com slash deals. Remember, we now have a 50-week PassionStruck challenge that you can sign up for by going to PassionStruck.com and signing up for our newsletter. A new challenge will be posted weekly and we're only at week two now. So you've got the opportunity to join us on this amazing journey throughout the rest of the year.

Starting point is 00:20:11 You can sign up for my work related newsletter, Unlinked in, and you can find me on all the social platforms at John Armiles. You're about to hear a preview of the PassionStruct podcast interview that I did with Jen Gottlie, towering figure in the realm of personal branding and authentic communication. Jen, with her illustrious background as a VH1 host, Broadway actress and co-founder of Super Connector Media,

Starting point is 00:20:32 brings a rich tapestry of experiences to the table. We discuss her new best-selling book, Be Scene, which is not just a title, it's a manifesto for those seeking to make an impact in their chosen field. I'm very guilty of like saying, like, oh, I can't do that. I'm not good enough at that.

Starting point is 00:20:47 I'm not good at that. But if you just take the word yet and you tie it on to any sentence and you say, I'm not good at that yet. All of a sudden, you give yourself a little bit more, like, you do it, a little bit more courage. I'm not good at that yet, because maybe you have to go to it and do it.

Starting point is 00:21:01 Absolutely can get good at it. You absolutely can. And if you look backwards for proof that you are good at learning and implementing and sticking with the commitments that you make with yourself and you have done really awesome things in your life, then you can always bring that part of you back. Remember that we rise by lifting others. So share this show with those that you love. And if you found today's episode useful, then definitely share this with those who could use the inspiring words that I gave today. In the meantime, do your best to apply what you hear on the show so that you can live what

Starting point is 00:21:29 you listen. And until next time, go out there and become PassionStrap. you

Passion Struck with John R. Miles - The Success Edge: How to Be an Effective Anxiety Optimizer w/John R. Miles EP 400

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.