In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, the power of choice remains our most profound tool. During a recent interview with John Karabatsos, from BPAA University, we dove into a lively conversation about resilience, transformation, and how Positive Intelligence (PQ) can help us live a life filled with joy and purpose. Let me share some highlights from our chat—I hope they resonate with you and spark some ideas for your own journey. And, of course you can listen to the interview by pressing the link below!
The Joyful Mindset: From Oy to Joy
John and I laughed as we talked about life’s “oy” moments—those times when things just don’t go as planned. You know the ones: stress, setbacks, and those “why me?” moments. But here’s the thing we both agreed on—every “oy” holds a little seed of joy if you’re willing to look for it.
This philosophy has been a cornerstone of my work as the Oy to Joy Champion Catalyst. It’s not about pretending challenges don’t exist; it’s about realizing we have the power to respond with resilience and optimism. I told John, “Resilience is like a muscle—you’ve got to train it.” The more we practice shifting our mindset from negativity to possibility, the stronger it becomes. It’s a process of intentional choices and small shifts.
Mental Fitness and Positive Intelligence
We also talked about Positive Intelligence and how it’s helped me reframe my thinking. John asked a great question about why our minds often seem to work against us. It’s true—our inner saboteurs can be relentless, feeding us fear, self-doubt, and negativity. But PQ gives us tools to fight back by tapping into our sage powers: empathy, curiosity, innovation, and action.
I shared a metaphor with John: imagine your brain as your own internal AI system. Just like external AI helps solve problems, our internal AI can be trained to focus on solutions, positivity, and growth. It starts with recognizing where our energy flows and making conscious choices to redirect it. John loved that analogy—and I think it’s one we can all relate to.
The Power of Choosing Resilience
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was sharing my personal story with John. We talked about pivotal moments in my life—like leaving a long-standing career in education and navigating the uncertainty that followed.
I told John how the support of my family, embracing vulnerability, and having the courage to step into the unknown helped me find a new path that aligned with my values and strengths. Choosing resilience isn’t about ignoring struggles; it’s about seeing setbacks as setups for comebacks. And when we make those choices, we inspire others to rise above their challenges, too.
Practical Tips for Joy and Resilience
John asked for some practical tips, and I was more than happy to share! Here’s what I told him:
⭕️ Pause and Breathe: When stress hits, take a moment to pause and breathe. It’s such a simple act, but it creates space for thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions.
⭕️ Shift Your Perspective: I asked John (and now I’m asking you!), “What’s the opportunity here?” This question can transform obstacles into stepping stones.
⭕️ Celebrate Small Wins: Joy doesn’t have to come from big, life-changing moments. Look for gratitude in the little victories—those add up.
⭕️ Train Your Brain Daily: PQ exercises (or “PQ reps” as we call them) are a great way to build mental fitness. They help strengthen your sage powers and keep you grounded.
⭕️ Living a Champion’s Life
John wrapped up the interview by asking about my biggest takeaway for anyone listening. My answer? We all have the power to be champions in our own lives. Whether it’s through choosing joy, building resilience, or creating meaningful connections, our choices shape our reality.
⭕️ Your mindset is your most powerful tool. You have the ability to transform “oy” into joy, challenges into growth, and setbacks into comebacks. The choice is yours.
What’s Next?
Well, if you are in Las Vegas make sure you come and visit our BPAA conference! I will be there Jan 20! And, f you’re inspired by this conversation, I invite you to connect with me and together explore Positive Intelligence and the principles of resilience further. Together, we can unlock the champion within and create a life filled with joy, purpose, and possibility. If interested in listening to the podcast, you can find it here
And, as always,
Be yourself, Be Positive, Be the champion you want to see!
PS: If you enjoyed this email, don’t keep me a secret- please share it and always connect if you have a need for a speaker!
As always,
Be Yourself, Be Positive, Be the Champion you want to see
About Dorice Horenstein
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice Horenstein, renowned as the “Oy to Joy” International Resilience Speaker, transforms tactics into practical strategies! As a Positive Intelligence expert and best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly, Dorice energizes and motivates global audiences to uncover their inner champions. With a background in educational leadership, she has made the world her platform, fostering positive cultures by empowering individuals to overcome challenges, build resilience, and find joy, leading to personal and professional growth.
Dorice is a dynamic speaker whose energy and charisma have a global impact. Her core superpower is her ability to present, train, and coach effectively. She redefines “T.E.A.M.” as “Together Everyone’s Attributes are Magnified,” inspiring others to recognize their strengths, enhance effectiveness, and joyfully step into their destined leadership roles. Her mission is to cultivate healthy, positive relationships that reduce stress, increase retention rates, and create a more positive culture both at work and at home.
