Get Tougher: Smart Moves for Resiliency and Performance with Daya Grant Ph.D. & Steve Magness

Original Air Date Wednesday, June 22, 2022 

Many humans are unaware of the depths of their physical and mental strength. When confronted with a task they fear, some use substances to mentally dull themselves while others say they are unable to take action. If the tools for reaching our next level of performance are all straightforward and free, why aren’t more of us shifting to become more resilient and tougher?

To reveal the secrets of high-performing individuals, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two experts in performance consulting about how we all can get tougher with a few smart moves for resiliency and performance. Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Dr. Daya Grant shares the neuroscience of yoga and why we all should be motivated to meditate. Then, Podcast Host and performance expert, Steve Magness, discusses the central tenet of resilience and key principles from his book, Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and A Surprising Science of Real Toughness.

• The neuroscience of yoga and how it affects the default mode network. [2:08]
• The emotional and physical benefits of a meditation or breathing practice. [7:21]
• Meditation protects the brain against the effects of stress and offers resilience. [11:40]
• The tools Daya Grant uses when working with high-performing athletes. [19:05]
• Integrative medicine trains the body, mind, and spirit simultaneously. [25:58]
• The importance of body movement for long-term health. [28:31]

Dr. Daya Grant holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology/Sport Psychology and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, Daya is also a certified yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience. In her private practice, she helps elite athletes cultivate mental strength and elevate performance while finding fulfillment in the pursuit.

Daya Grant
@drdayagrant on Twitter
@dr.dayagrant on Instagram

Steve Magness — Get Tougher:

• Acceptance is a key factor in overcoming resistance. [32:15]
• The difference between real and fake toughness. [34:29]
• The thin line between anxiety and excitement and finding success through failure. [37:09]
• The importance of purpose and meaning in achieving the pinnacle of performance. [40:32]
• Steve Magness shares examples of parenting and teaching styles that increase the likelihood of good outcomes with children. [45:36]
• Asking for help is a sign of strength. [48:39]
• A central tenet of resiliency, Steve says, is leaning into uncomfortability when we want to run away. [53:19]

Steve Magness is a world-renowned performance expert. He is the co-host of two podcasts: The Growth Equation podcast, with Brad Stulberg, and On Coaching with Magness and Marcus, with Jon Marcus. Magness has served as a consultant and speaker for NASA, the Houston Rockets, Murphy Oil, the Brooklyn Nets, and more. He lives in Houston, Texas.

Book: Do Hard Things: Why We Get Resilience Wrong and A Surprising Science of Real Toughness

Steve Magness
@stevemagness on Twitter
Stephen Magness on Facebook
@stevemagness on Instagram

This podcast episode about smart moves, resiliency and performance is sponsored by: 

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Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? 

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film that explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day.

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

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