110: Mindset Shift: When Parenting Feels Hard with Penny Williams

In this episode, Penny shares her valuable insights on how to shift our mental habits and overcome negative thinking and victim mentality.    A parenting coach for neurodiverse families, Penny Williams is the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including "Boy Without Instructions," host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, co-host of the annual Neurodiversity Summits, and co-founder of The Behavior Revolution, an initiative devoted to celebrating and supporting kids with ADHD or autism through neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance.  Penny empowers parents to help their neuro-atypical kids — and families — thrive.   We start by discussing Penny's work helping families and how she discovered the power of positive psychology and mindfulness in her own life. Then, we explore why our brains are wired to pay more attention to negative experiences than positive ones, and how this can affect our mood, relationships, and decision-making.   Next, we delve into the topic of victim mentality and how to recognize when we're stuck in a pattern of blaming others or feeling helpless. Penny shares her personal story of learning to make an internal shift that allowed her to take control of her life.   We also talk about how to deal with being in the 'muck' of life, that is, facing challenges and setbacks that can be overwhelming and discouraging. Penny offers practical tips on how to stay focused on our goals, maintain a growth mindset, and seek support when needed.   Whether you're a parent, a professional, or just someone who wants to cultivate a more positive and empowering mindset, this episode has something for you.    Listen in as we talk about: [2:40] Penny's work helping families [4:05] Why we are more wired to pay attention to the negatives [9:05] Going from victim mentality to making an internal shift [13:25] How to deal with being in the 'muck' of life [17:55] Not ignoring the problems in our lives or putting them up on a pedestal [19:25] Tips to shift our mentality as parents   Notes from Natalie: Sign Up for Natalie’s Newsletter  Seeking Health: www.natalietysdal.com/favorites  Book: https://www.cyndiespiegel.com/microjoys   Connect with Penny Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennywilliams/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParentADHD_ASD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ParentingADHDandAutism  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-williams-8b601543/  Website: www.ParentingADHDandAutism.com and www.TheBehaviorRevolution.com      Connect with Natalie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ntysdal/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ntysdal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieTysdal/  Website: https://www.natalietysdal.com