Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all creatures of habit. In small ways and sometimes in big ways, we like what we like when we like it and we are not happy nor are we comfortable when someone tells us we are no longer allowed to …. Enter a pandemic.
As we’ve heard said a hundred times, at this point, there is no rule book or manual for this and we are all trying to navigate our way through. But what we didn’t count on was having to navigate it without our friends, Tuesday night ball hockey, or 3rd Saturday date night and that is where this all gets a bit uncomfortable.
The power of language on expectations
In this Candid Conversation, OVATION communication expert Jan Bailey and counselling therapist Kimberly Schaschl talk about what Jan calls deprivation mentality. Likely not an official psychological term, it nicely describes something we can all relate to – I can’t have it so now I REALLY want it.
As Canadians, we enjoy a sense of freedom of movement and action that we all take for granted and as restrictions are placed upon us by government and social responsibility, many people are finding the tension and anxiety in their lives increasing as their freedom decreases. In those moments where frustration, restriction and perceived deprivation come together, we often encounter bad behaviour.
As we share a little bit of humour, a personal anecdote from Jan and some well-placed advice from Kimberly, you may recognize that you are not alone as you struggle with deprivation of freedom and the feeling it creates. Sometimes our behaviour in stressful times is easily justified and sometimes it is simply bad behaviour; learn to recognize the difference in yourself and choose better, next time.
About the contributorS:
In their highly interactive workshops, OVATION speaker trainers have helped countless individuals transform their ability to connect to their audience and deliver authentic and meaningful messages with impact. Now, more than ever, communication with some oomph is an essential skill. At a time when our emotions swing from overwhelmed to irrational, our ability to communicate effectively follows suit and it can be hard to remove the anger, frustration or even fear from our voice, let alone from our message … and that can have all manner of consequences.
Shona Welsh, BA, MCEd, CHRL, CCC is a communication and speaking expert who has won numerous speaking, writing and learning design awards. The author of several books and designer/facilitator of hundreds of international workshops in speaking and communications, she has held international senior executive positions over three decades. She teaches extensively about leadership, communications, and innovation with numerous universities and colleges.
Jan Bailey BA, MAEd is a communication and speaking expert who has designed and delivered hundreds of workshops internationally on public speaking, stage presence, on-camera presentations, and communication. Along with writing and producing a ten-part career development series of books, Jan’s 27-year career has involved extensive on-camera experience as a television host along with being a long-time professor of communications.
Kimberly Schaschl BA BEd M.Ed Psych is a counselling therapist who has worked in the field of mental health and education for over 30 years. She has a wealth of experience assisting clients from school age to adulthood on a wide range of mental health and life management issues. She is a registered member of the College of Licensed Counselling Therapists of New Brunswick.