Stand Out…Don’t Just Be Outstanding; Be Out-Rage-Ous…Not Just “Out of the Box”: Part III (Section B)

Section B:  Be Out-Rage-Ous…Not Just “Out of the Box”

Early on in my migration to the Internet, I christened myself AOL’s “Online Psychohumorist” ™.  Along with a part-time psychotherapy practice and the moniker “Stress Doc” ™, I was writing short psychological pieces for both AOL and Rick Estep’s pioneering jokes/humor newsletter.  My stories were infused with a strong dose of wit and humor.  Throw in the myriad DSM-psychiatric labels strewn on both sides of my family tree…well the title definitely seemed apt.  It certainly helped me “stand out.”  In fact, a health reporter from a Canadian newspaper called wondering just what an “Online Psychohumorist” was.  She had never heard the “Psychohumorist” term, let alone an Internet variety.  (Btw, this was all happening around 1994-95.  Actually, two years earlier, awakening from a semi-conscious/dream-like state had produced a similar role- and box-breaking epiphany.  What was a psychotherapist-university professor doing writing rap-like lyrics?  Of course, I was pioneering “Shrink Rap” ™.)

 

However, my invented neologism wasn’t simply clever thinking.  I had broken out of the semantic box by integrating two seemingly contradictory knowledge-emotion-role sets – the serious mind-space of psychotherapy as well as the playfully evocative world of applied humor.  (As outlined in Part II of this series, perhaps even then I was putting what I now call my new KISS into action:  Keep It Simple and Smart; email stressdoc@aol.com for the essay.)

 

And when wearing a Blues Brothers hat, black sunglasses, and banging a black tambourine, and prancing around the room while performing a “Shrink Rap” ™, I can imagine folks speculating on from where the “Stress Doc” had recently “broken out.”  (In fact, most are amazed at my courage.  I simply aver that despite years of all kinds of therapy, I have just one singular accomplishment:  Absolutely no appropriate sense of shame!)

 

Being able to poke fun at my own psyche not only is self-effacing but also liberating, e.g., I casually say to audiences:  “I’ll let you all decide where the emphasis on the word ‘psycho-humorist’ should go.”  I’m comfortable being out there, fulfilling my existential mission…being a wise man and a wise guy.  And I’m standing out even more by being “Out-Rage-ous”!

 

Harnessing the “Rage” in Out-Rage-ous

 

These days, akin to the newscaster in the classic movie “Network,” a lot of folks are verbalizing – whether dramatically or more covertly:  “I’m mad as hell and I’m not taking it anymore.”

 

Clearly, we need leaders who can reach out to these folks and, as Lincoln hoped, acknowledge their base pain, (recognize and respond to the political-economic inequality and moral issues facing the country), and encourage our “greater angels.”  We certainly don’t need more communicators stirring up a hornet’s nest of “buzzin, bloomin confusion” and scapegoating division.  Invariably, the so-called authority’s self-righteous rant becomes a smoke and mirrors cover for personal egotism and venom as well as consuming ambitions.

 

We hunger for enlightened communicators who will purposefully and compassionately touch rather than provocatively trigger rage.  A healing and harmonizing leader wants to harness and transform individual and/or group frustration or aggression into constructive discontent. The aspiring inspiring communicator wants to turn that aggression into proactive vision, purposeful and hopeful energy, and collaborative action.  Such a challenging figure believes in breaking down barriers – whether personal or social, mental or external – in order to build “performance and partnership” bridges of expanded openness and opportunity, of greater trust, productivity, and team synergy.

 

Pushing the Boundaries

 

To do this may require pushing the boundaries of the predictable and comfortable.  In fact, the Old French derivation of outrageous is “to push the bounds” or “to be highly unusual or unconventional”; okay, sometimes it means “being shocking.”  One appears unrestrained (if not on the edge) regarding behavior or temperament.

 

Not surprisingly pushing bounds or borders often challenges perspective, e.g., upending “black or white” assumptions or creating shades of gray in someone’s “only one right way” world.  That is, a key component of being out-rage-ous involves challenging a person/position bounded or blinded by rage or self-righteousness or rigid expectations.

 

A conscious boundary pusher, not wanting to be arrogantly righteous, often generates contrast through contradiction, but not by pummeling the head nor by shaming the heart of a message target.  (This only numbs the brain or eventually fuels more rage.)   Remember, optimal contrast is neither full of rage nor full of itself; it is “out-rage-ous.”  Such contrast pushes boundaries until they loosen up, perhaps reveal a crack in the armor, or even break; but “out-rage-ous” does not blow up boundaries or bodies for dominance or violence sake.  You are trying to have others consider a less rigid and more open world view.  Contrast used “aware-ily” (with awareness and some wariness, or, even better, playfully or humorously) is less likely to evoke defensive reactivity; it has a better chance of stirring a degree of mind-opening cognitive dissonance and reassessment.

 

The Other Side of Conflict:  Of Four Minds

 

If not feeling personally threatened or attacked, a previously one-sided individual may now tolerate some immediate confusion, and move through initial angst or discomfort to see another side of contradiction or conflict.  Building upon the Free Dictionary, “conflict” is not only the clash or struggle of individual or social positions or ideas.  From a psychological perspective, conflict is “the opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible wishes or drives, sometimes leading to a state of emotional tension and thought to be responsible for neuroses”…but as frequently a generator of mind exploration and expansion as well as creative expression.

 

Consider these four insightful and varying shades of – out-rage-ous viewpoints on the mind-expanding power of integrating or transforming contradiction and conflict:

 

1.  Sign of Vital Intelligence.  As F. Scott Fitzgerald penned, and many other leading scientists and artists have averred:  The test of a first rate intellect is the capacity to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.  For example, one should see things as hopeless yet be determined to make them otherwise.

 

2.  Surprising Example of Wit.  National author and humorist, Mark Twain, further activated and consolidated this “higher contradiction” process by defining “wit” as the sudden marriage of ideas which before their union were not perceived to have any relation.  (So opposites may attract; how long this provocative union will last, and whether it will sire any brainchildren…only tension, some talent, and time will tell.)

 

3.  Challenge for Higher Synthesis and Flow.  The tension of opposites – thesis and antithesis – challenges the mind to achieve greater synthesis, to integrate contradiction with Janusian perspective.  Such a conception reflects the double-profiled, Roman god, Janus, the mythological figurehead of both leavings and returns.  For psychiatrist and author Albert Rothenberg, “Janusian thinking” is a Western version of the ancient East’s Yin/Yang paradoxical perspective, that is, the holistic and synergistic relating and flowing together of opposing elements or forces.

 

4.  Mind-Body Link across Creative Domains.  And 20^th c. political novelist-philosopher and student of creativity, Arthur Koestler, saw a mental and vocal linkage when connecting unexpected or seemingly disparate ideas or elements, but not just within the field of wit and humor.  Koestler made a cognitive-expressive association in the arts and sciences as well:  When we suddenly “get it” or “see it”…when appreciating a piece of art we say, “Ah”; with scientific discovery we exclaim, “Aha”; and when we laugh it is, “Ha-ha!

 

Closing

 

Conflict, seeming contradiction, and “out-rage-ous” contrast…all have the potential to be communicative and creative catalysts.  To quote John Dewey, 19^th century pragmatic philosopher and father of modern American education:  Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory; it shocks us out of sheep-like passivity.  It instigates to invention and sets us at noting and contriving.  Conflict is the sine qua non of reflection and ingenuity!

 

And I have come up with a moniker, actually, a conceptual tool kit, for “standing out” and “being out-rage-ous,” for adding communicational, ideational, and inspirational PUNCH:  Passion-(the) Unexpected-Novelty-Creativity-Humor.  Will share more shortly.  Until then, in F. Scott fashion… be “Out-rage-ous” and Practice Safe Stress!

 

Mark Gorkin, MSW, LICSW, "The Stress Doc" ™, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a national keynote and webinar speaker and "Motivational Humorist & Team Communication Catalyst" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN programs for both government agencies and major corporations.  A training and Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Consultant for the National EAP/Wellness Company, Business Health Services in Baltimore, MD, the Doc also leads “Stress, Team Building and Humor” programs for various branches of the Armed Services.  Mark, a former Stress and Violence Prevention Consultant for the US Postal Service, is the author of Resiliency Rap, Practice Safe Stress, and of The Four Faces of Anger.  See his award-winning, USA Today Online "HotSite" – www.stressdoc.com – called a "workplace resource" by National Public Radio (NPR).  For more info on the Doc's "Practice Safe Stress" programs or to receive his free e-newsletter, email stressdoc@aol.com or call 301-875-2567.

 

Part III: Stand Out…Don’t Just Be Outstanding (Section A); Be Out-Rage-Ous…Not Just “Out of the Box”: (Section B)

Section A:  Stand Out…Don’t Just Be Outstanding

 

As the first two essays of this four-part series – “Less Is More…More or Less and Play to Strengths” and “The New KISS:  Keep It Simple and Smart” – illustrated, leaders, really all communicators, more than ever need to consciously craft clear and concise yet also compelling messages.  (Clearly, the Stress Doc is still learning to “heal thyself.”)  The never ending digital/media bombardment, a) not only strains attention spans, and b) fosters ever-lurking “d and p” – distraction and procrastination, but c) can foster social isolation d) rigid fixation, and e) drain energy for even looking at another message, let alone thoughtfully ingesting and responding.  (And being so digitally sedentary and sedated is not good for the brain, back, or belly.)  Is today’s new mind-body mantra, Time to detox from your digital inbox?

 

In fact, with this ever-present “brain-body strain” and constant cacophony of data, dalliance, and diatribe, as one author succinctly asked:  Are You Being Heard or Are You Just Making Noise?

 

Designing the Pass in the Impasse

 

In a TNT – Time-Numbers-Technology – driven and distracted world, being “clear and concise” are increasingly necessary conditions for a message to be noticed.  However, these two message components may not be sufficient for your missive to be recognized and received, let alone engaged and embraced.  In a media jungle one must have distinctive verbals, visuals, and nonverbals (including body language, volume range, expressions, gestures, tone, pacing, etc.).  Even being loud or commanding may fall short.  One must project a message that radiates compelling contrast.  And my “Contrasting Message Mantra”:

Ø  Stand Out…Don’t Just Be Outstanding

Ø  Be Out-“Rage”-Ous…Not Just “Out of the Box”!

 

So let’s examine both components for fighting “digital distraction” and “in-box burnout”:

1. Stand Out…Don’t Just Be Outstanding.  Outstanding or exceptional knowledge and experience in a complex skill- and practice-based endeavor or field typically requires ten years and thousands of hours of trial and error learning and practice.  An extended apprenticeship is necessary for consistently performing consciously and skillfully and for improvising as needed.  High performance relies on both overt and implicit or “muscle memory.”

 

With this rite of passage, an insightful communicational leader develops well-honed “Substance and Style, Structure and Strategy” concepts and skills, tools, and techniques.  Such a conceptual-performance matrix is foundational for launching a truly meaningful and compelling – or “outstanding” – message and media platform.  And, once into a mutual engagement process…an authority’s savvy, integrity, and wisdom (or lack thereof) will often be affirmed (or exposed).

 

Finally, three key components of savvy, integrity, and wisdom:  a) a well spring of conscious and unconscious knowledge and memory along with comfort with uncertainty or complexity; at the same time, a drive to learn continuously, b) an ability to engage in both decisive action and judicious restraint, and c) a capacity for discerning the need for intimate involvement and emotional detachment; a recognition of the yin-yang nature of pain, partnership, and progress, i.e., to achieve “growing pains and evolving paths” wisdom.

The Challenge of Getting Started

However, there’s that start-up/engagement problem.  Let me provide an analogy.  Most of us know the time-honored adage:  “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  Alas, these days that text/book may never be sighted, picked up, or downloaded, let alone evaluated, without an eye-catching and mind-grabbing verbal-visual or audio-video “brainbow”-colored jacket.  (Brainbow comes from 2013 Surfaces and Essences by Douglas Hofstadter and Emanuel Sander, a ground-breaking work on the power and omnipresence of analogical thinking.  A brainbow is an analogy that vividly connects diverse or distant minds).  When folks are in scan (or emotional stress) mode, they may not have the focus and persistence nor take the time to begin distinguishing foundational or underlying excellence from a seemingly hot, smoke and mirrors façade…unless you fight smoke by providing some brain fire.

 

The Triple “A” of Audience Engagement:  Attention-Anticipation-Action

Three steps for powerful engagement:
1) In multi-sensory fashion, your first task is to grab an actual or potential audience’s attention.

2) You want them on the edge of their seat in anticipation of your next communication or action.  (And being seen as edgy or quirky or deemed a “firecracker” – as personally dubbed by a Ft. Hood Senior Sergeant – is often a differentiating plus.)  So in addition to being eye-catching or “brilliant,” increasingly you must bring and trigger energy, illumination, and “heat.”  One must risk being provocative, even at times generate mind-challenging friction and conflict.  (Of course, a danger as a communicator is that your heat mostly morphs into message smog and “hot air”; e.g., while some may find her “hot,” I’m most aware of Fox News pundit Ann Coulter’s “light-weight” yet deceptively oppressive and often toxic “air quality” index.)

 

3) Finally, to solidify your connection with an audience, and to stimulate their sense of commitment and involvement, provide an opportunity for group’s to take meaningful problem-solving action.  I always introduce or illustrate a concept or skill with a “hands on” small group activity: buying-in to a new vision or viewpoints, skills and strategies, or tools and techniques requires applied knowledge.

Soular and Lunar Power

 

This engaging “Triple ‘A’” will help you reach your “stand out” goal:  achieving genuine and meaningful connection and contrast!   You must be the solar (and “soular”) power among the competing planetary platforms and programs.  And even if smaller, you can still be unpredictably lunar by possessing dimensional variability or bring a touch of divine lunacy; loom in the shadows, disappear and return, have ebb and flow (obvious and subtle) influence on the currents and characters of change; cast an indelible, luminous image on the waters, place events in a bewitching light or mysterious perspective, etc.  All of the above help you both exert a gravitational-motivational pull while out-shining other “stars” in that swirling and swarming social media galaxy.  Such an uncommon performance would truly be “outstanding.”

 

 

Mark Gorkin, MSW, LICSW, "The Stress Doc" ™, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a national keynote and webinar speaker and "Motivational Humorist & Team Communication Catalyst" known for his interactive, inspiring and FUN programs for both government agencies and major corporations.  A training and Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Consultant for the National EAP/Wellness Company, Business Health Services in Baltimore, MD, the Doc also leads “Stress, Team Building and Humor” programs for various branches of the Armed Services.  Mark, a former Stress and Violence Prevention Consultant for the US Postal Service, is the author of Resiliency Rap, Practice Safe Stress, and of The Four Faces of Anger.  See his award-winning, USA Today Online "HotSite" – www.stressdoc.com – called a "workplace resource" by National Public Radio (NPR).  For more info on the Doc's "Practice Safe Stress" programs or to receive his free e-newsletter, email stressdoc@aol.com or call 301-875-2567.

Natural SPEED: Stress Resiliency Shrink Rap ™ – Safe Stress Survival Strategies

Are you the “poster child” for stress and duress?
Should you try Prozac?  Is it time to confess
To Ebay shopping – which may be a warning
When you're clicking madly at three in the morning?

But relax, have no fear...
The Stress Doc is here. So lay worries to rest…
Now listen and learn to Practice Safe Stress!

As you sprint to the wire with blood pressure higher
Timeless mind-body tips to heed
For slowing down, getting feet on the ground
And building Natural SPEED – Sleep-Priority-Passion-Empathy-Exercise-Diet.

Now don't be cheap with your need for “Sleep.”
Maximum learning must be REM deep
To be a beauty with mental acuity
Not that snooze-button bashing BLEEP!

For when it comes to daily slumber
All night gaming is dumb and dumber.
You may call me a grouchy old toad:
“Pull the d_ _n plug on ‘just one more’ download.”

Chorus:
When it comes to stress – it’s a lock
Who you gonna get – the Stress Doc!

Did you know that sleep adversity
May be related to obesity?
Does sneaking and snacking mean values are lacking
Or a health issue needing attacking?
Forever “burning the candle” is not just a scandal –
More a waxy shellac that fuels brain-clogging plaque.

And who knew the “S”-word was also allied
With that tempting “S”-pair – a deadly Bonnie and Clyde.
Alas, “S and S” mania oft riddles "Sleep" criteria
As sly friends “Salt and Sugar” excite one’s insomnia
While Old Father Time and your family history
Weave deep-rooted drama and medical mystery –
Perhaps diabetic disorder, a staged trifecta:
First act, silent high blood pressure
Next, a warning: mini-stroke ischemia.
(Resist lifestyle changes…risk another seizure.)
And last, who can forget early onset dementia.
Tell me…have I finally captured your attentia???

So, can you get seven hours, at least
Without an Ambien or Bud-Lite feast?
(Or make one for the road a pie a la mode.)
Why not mind travel down a pine-scented road.
Or let sounds of the ocean sing a lullaby potion.
Slowly sway to the chords – “deep sleep of peace”
Fast food for thought brings no dreamy release…

When stress from your head still crawls into the bed
And virals as a nightmarish beast...
Despite what you think you’ll need more than a shrink:
How do you find – without losing your mind...?
Hey, it’s a snap, there must be an app
For a “multi-HYPER-texting ‘n tubeing-always on-Facebooking-
Virtual nutritionist-Skype-savvy” exorcist (just for the hell of it) Priest!

Chorus:

Ready to confess – join the flock

Who you gonna get – the Stress Doc!

 

"P" stands for "Priority"

You can't do it all every day.

Urgent means now but important can wait.

Do you know how to "N and N"? –

Just say "No and Negotiate!"

 

Now I hope you’ll pardon my asking:

“Must you always be multi-tasking?”

Oh, it’s just me, honey, your Energizer Bunny.

Running from quiet, your life is a riot.

Hmm…what is that “ADD” masking?

 

Chorus:

Is your life a mess? – you need a rock

Who you gonna get – the Stress Doc!

Another “P”-word is “Passion”

And we’re not talking sex, shoes, or fashion.

Don’t try to impress, better…

Learn to play chess

Or dig, dream, and dance in your garden.

"E" is for the "Empathy"

Found in a caring shoulder.

But all give without take is a big mistake

For now you shoulder a boulder.

Find a stress buddy who knows TLC

Someone honest and self-aware –

One who gives “Tender Loving Criticism”

Yet also takes “Tough Loving Care!”

Chorus:

Doing more with less – better take stock

Who you gonna get – the Stress Doc!

The second "E" is for "Exercise"
Start pumping iron or those thighs.
You may not need SSRIs.
Try thirty minutes of non-stop spin
For your mood uplifting endorphin.

Being fit physically

Goes beyond stress resiliency.

Try this new math for a more vital path:

Pumped up brain agility

Times emotive tranquility

Now equals mind-body integrity!

 

And, finally, "D" is for a healthy "Diet"
Alas, many would rather die than try it.
To manage foods so often craved
Grieve, "let go," and then be brave
Sending diet fads to an early grave.

So eat those fruits and veggies
Try omega fish and bean protein.
For too much fats and sugar
Excess alcohol and caffeine
Is a rollercoaster formula
For a brain-fogged and artery-clogged machine.

Chorus:

When it comes to stress – you’re on the clock

Who you gonna get – the Stress Doc!

It's time to end this Shrink Rap
With final tips for you –
"A firm 'No' a day keeps the ulcers away, and the hostilities too."
So to lessen daily woes, "Do know your limits; don't limit your 'No's

Ponder this Stress Doc wit and wisdom
Try to live it day after day:
Burnout is not a sign of failure
You simply gave yourself away

Remember, sometimes less is more
And more is really less.
Balance work and play, faith and love
And, of course...Practice Safe Stress!


© Mark Gorkin 2014
Shrink Rap ™ Productions

Going MADD – Media Addiction and Digital Distraction: Better Detox from Your Inbox – A PSYCHO-Cultural Perspective: Part I

The enthusiastic response to my “Shrink Rapping” ™ at a health fair sparked the writing of  a new “Resiliency Rap” on Going MADD – Media Addiction and Digital Distraction.   Another reason for the inspiration was that my partner, Nurse Bonnie, and I are developing a Media and Digital (MAD) Addiction Speaking/Workshop Program for companies and government agencies, etc.  See blurb/objectives following the two-part Rap.  I think both the Raps and the program are winners.  Enjoy!  Mark
---------------------------------

Going MADD – Media Addiction and Digital Distraction:
Better Detox from Your Inbox – A PSYCHO-Cultural Perspective:  Part I

It’s a multi-media age

With ADD all of the rage.

Instant gratification

Simply one more frustration.

Waiting five seconds…OMG a delay!!!

Knots in the stomach; your hair’s turning gray

Starting to panic; can’t keep BOREDOM at bay.

Only one thing to do:  Start texting away!

Better detox from that inbox
Life can be tough without the “right stuff”
Like when your smartphone
Is never quite smart enough.
Stop comparing yourself to high-tech and text jocks
Better detox from your inbox.


Headsets and smartphones
Grow from every ear
And soon Google glasses
Will make it appear
That early adapters
Have their heads up their asses
But with cutting-edge glasses
Ha, they can look out front and rear.


Better detox from that inbox
Being “all thumbs” once made you a clod.
Today you’re a text-wizard…
You don’t find that odd?
Way past the time for taking stock
Better detox from your inbox.


All night gaming is mind inflaming.
Does it inspire or trip a brain wire?
Net addiction is hardly a fiction:
Quick, damn…need a connection!
A video injection will do me just fine
Who needs to see when you're flying blind.
Sure it’s insane to deaden all pain...but
You never pine for that dopamine line?
Just gotta play, “As the World Columbines!”


Better detox from that Xbox
Always textin and tweetin
All that Candy Crush cheatin
Only feeds junk food thinkin
About online sex, shopping, and stocks
Better detox from your inbox.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Going MADD – Media Addiction and Digital Distraction:  Better Detox from Your Inbox – It Takes Two to Tangle:  Part II

Conflict with a colleague
Just two cubes away…
Dirty Harry fantasies:
Go ahead…Make my day!
Just blast an e-message
Forget face to face.
The ‘e’ in email
Stands for “escape.”
(By the way, your email makes such a loud whistle
Are you sending a text or an e-missile?)


Better detox from that inbox
When texts always SCREAM – “Right NOW!” attention
Might this just mean a power addiction?
What comes through is a “Little Napoleon”
Who needs to be exiled, some time on the rocks
Better detox from your inbox.


Your “so-called” emergency
Will not be my anxiety.
And who made you
Queen of the sorority?
Just like me, you put on pants and socks.
Might be time for the school of hard knocks
Better detox from your inbox.

Well let me reach closure
Before I break bad
On those always bragging
About their iPad.
Some words to consider
They are pretty rad:
I do not mean to sound unkind…
Keep your iPad; I prefer an I-Mind!


Better detox from that inbox
Any more words would just be a crock.
Will you stand out or be just one of the flock?
Better detox from that game box
Better detox from your inbox.


©  Mark Gorkin  2014
Shrink Rap ™ Productions

stressdoc@aol.com
www.stressdoc/com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Program Synopsis of Is Your Workplace Going MADD?

It’s a TNT – Time-Numbers-Technology – Driven and Distracted Brave New World, when “Everything Happens NOW.”  While some see a half-full glass of unprecedented access and data…others perceive rampant “Infomania” – continuous stress and distraction caused by the combination of message overload, incessant interruptions, and “Time Urgency Syndrome.”  Through his Fun-Interactive-Thought-provoking (Get FIT) program, let the Stress Doc help you transform the MAD-ness:  Gain tools for 1) assessing individual/workplace addiction and 2) designing self-monitoring and team building structures and strategies for a stress resilient work environment.

-------------------------------

Is Your Workplace Going MADD?: Stress Resilience, Self-Control, and Strategic Team Building for Mastering Media and Digital Distraction

In a TNT – Time-Numbers-Technology – Driven and Distracted World, now promising “wearable technology…that keeps us in the moment,” always on takes on ever looming Brave New World dimensions.  When “Everything happens NOW,” is it more a time of breakthroughs or time for a breakdown?  While some see a half-full glass of unprecedented access and data…others perceive rampant “Infomania” – a mental state of continuous stress and distraction caused by the combination of message overload, incessant interruptions, and “Time Urgency Syndrome”.  (Did you know the average knowledge worker is interrupted every three minutes while working on a task?  When having conflict with a customer or colleague, do you tend to send emails or launch e-missiles?  Are you “Practicing Safe Text”?)  Through his Fun-Interactive-Thought-provoking (Get FIT) program, let the Stress Doc help you transform the MAD-ness:  Get FIT with Fun-Interactive-thought-provoking tools and techniques for 1) assessing individual/workplace distraction or addiction and 2) designing self-monitoring and team building structures and strategies for stress resilient employees, teams, and work environment.

Attention spans are shrinking and self-absorbed instant gratification and self-centered entitlement is growing; increasingly, people expect you, 24/7, to immediately reply to their “high priority” texts and emails.  It may be time to ask:

Ø  Is your digital world spinning out of control?  Are you ready to Practice Safe Stress?

Ø  Are work-life boundaries eroding; are you overwhelmed juggling work and personal-family time?  Do you crave or feel pressured to always be on the technological edge?

Ø  Do you know when to multi-task and when to be mindful?  Do you understand why this is a trick question?  Do you engage in restorative downtime?

Ø  Does lack of tech-gadget access evoke intense anxiety and discomfort, impatience and frustration, distraction and impaired concentration?

Ø  Do you keep rechecking your gadgets like some put quarters in one-armed bandits?  Do you need to detox from your inbox and dopamine-driven juicing?

Ø  Is video gaming or electronic shopping hurting your sleep, human touch, and productivity cycles?  Can you distinguish between capacity and usability, novelty and adaptability?

Ø  Does flitting between texts and tweets keep you in a constant/habituated state of high arousal; does downtime leave you feeling empty and edgy?

v  Are you or individuals in your work and social space dealing with MAD (Media and Digital) Addiction?

Is it time for you and your organization to address and redress the ever-growing MAD-ness?

Program Objectives

Have no fear…With their Fun-Interactive-Thought-provoking “hands on” concepts, assessment guides, tools, and lively and relevant small group exercises, “Nurse Bonnie, DNP and the Stress Doc ™, LICSW” are here to help you:
 

1.  Rapidly recognize signs of ‘Infomania,” “junk-food information diet”/empty Internet calories, battlefield burnout, and MAD Addiction

2.  Understand how ‘Workplace ADDD” – Aggressive Dysfunctions-Digital Distractions – adversely impact productivity, morale, team coordination…your “bottom line!”

3.  Recognize parallels between MAD and other common addictions:  eating, drinking, smoking, gambling, drugging, etc.; recognize the dopamine-induced cyclical dangers of rapid responding-revved up reward cues while dismissing the future for the immediate-impulsive NOW

4.  Learn how to grieve and “let go” while exercising emotional-bio-psychosocial-behavioral regulation re: bad habits, compulsions, and addictions; gain face-to-face conflict problem-solving skills and courage; learn to “keep the best and toss the rest”

5.  Create a safe climate for enabling management and employees to problem-solve ways of bridging “High Tech—Human Touch” in the workplace

6.  Develop stress-reducing, team building structures and strategies for reducing and preventing isolation and tech-compulsion; learn to redesign a stress resilient work environment

7.  Grasp the Stress Doc’s Natural SPEED Formula for Stress Resiliency, Brain Agility, and Emotional Integrity.

Seek the higher power of Stress Doc humor:  May the Farce Be with You.

Don’t miss your appointment with “Nurse Bonnie and the Stress Doc!”


Mark Gorkin, the Stress Doc ™, www.stressdoc.com, acclaimed Keynote and Kickoff Speaker, Webinar Presenter, Retreat Leader and Motivational Humorist, is the author of Practice Safe Stress and The Four Faces of Anger. A former Stress & Violence Prevention consultant for the US Postal Service, the Stress Doc leads one-day "Stress Resiliency" workshops for "METRO" Managers and Supervisors of the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA).  "The Doc" is also a Team Building and Organizational Development Consultant as well as a Critical Incident/Grief Intervention Expert for Business Health Services, a National Wellness/EAP/OD Company.  Mark leads highly interactive, innovative, and inspiring programs for corporations and government agencies, including the US Military, on stress and brain resiliency/burnout prevention through humor, change and conflict management, generational communication, and 3 "R" -- Responsible, Resilient & Risk-Taking -- leadership-partnership team building.

Email stressdoc@aol.com for his popular free newsletter & info on speaking programs and phone coaching sessions.  And click https://vimeo.com/69053828 for the Stress Doc's wildly pioneering "Shrink Rap" video.