This is the first episode in a three-part series with our first guest, Jordan Hollander. As supporters, one of our primary objectives is to ensure the person we support is happy and feels good, right? Jordan joins us to talk about his thoughts on the
broader definition of happiness and how thoughts can sometimes be a barrier to achieving a more meaningful life.
We know that consistent, planned support is important to skill development and for working on goals. We will talk about a tool that can help supporters weave their support into someone's day and activities.
Have you ever made assumptions about what the person you support can and cannot do? Sometimes our brain takes shortcuts that lead to unintentional bias towards others, including the person you support. We will talk about ways that you can shift even unconscious bias and always view the person you support as a lifelong leaner.
We all have a choice in how we react to something that isn't working for us. So too for the people we support. But, do they have the skills to react in a way that is productive? We will talk about those skills and how you can help someone cope with situations that may not be working for them.
Choices and decisions made by the person you support - what's in it for you? We are going to talk about checking yourself in how you support someone to make these choices and decisions when they may impact you, as a supporter.
Can you simply coax or convince people to change their habits and
behaviors? Sure, but not when you are looking to create behaviors and habits
that will stick around for the long run. We will talk about ways that we can
support people to create new, healthy habits -- ones that become as automated
as driving a car.
What is happiness and why is it important for supporters to think about how we help people make happiness in their lives? We will talk about those habits that can increase happiness and, in turn, positively impact one's physical, emotional, and social
well-being.
Finding your purpose or meaning does not just happen by chance. It takes action and perseverance to find that thing or things that make you passionate and move you. Having that higher purpose or meaning is important to anyone's overall well-being.
We will discuss ways that you can help the people you support find their purpose or meaning.
How do we decide what is most helpful when we are supporting someone to acquire new skills or engage in new activities? We will offer consideration of three options and discuss ways to find the "just right" approach.
As a supporter, how do you view your role? We know it is much more than keeping people safe. We will discuss the influence you have on the people you support and challenge you to think beyond just safety.
A Supporter's Toolbox