The YouSchool Podcast Scott Schimmel

Without realizing it, people want, desire, and pursue goals and ambitions that others pursue first. We are an imitating people, subconsciously reaching for goals not purely because we value them but because of our innate need for approval and acceptance. It’s also how we learn, starting at birth, where we mirror and mimic the faces of others. It’s how we learn to speak and behave.

It’s also the secret that advertisers play on. We aren’t just fed ads about attractive new products; we watch people like us obtain those shiny new objects, and the subsequent joy and implicit fulfillment they receive awakens desire within us. But at some point, we need to stop mimicking the desires of others and discover our own. 

Tune into this week's episode to hear more about discovering your own desires.

In this episode of the YouSchool podcast, host Scott Schimmel chats with Dr. Evie Trevino, a quantitative psychologist, about the transformative power of hope. Key insights for parents and educators include:

Definition of Hope: Hope is more than wishful thinking; it's the belief in a better future combined with the power to make it happen.
Components of Hope: Dr. Trevino outlines three critical elements of hope - goal setting, finding pathways (strategies to achieve goals), and willpower.
Hope vs. Optimism: Unlike optimism, hope involves active pursuit and planning for a better future, making it a more powerful predictor of well-being.
Teachability of Hope: Hope is not just a feeling but a skill that can be taught and developed, especially important for youth facing challenges.
Impact of Hope: High-hope individuals set achievement-oriented goals and are better at coping with stress and adversity, leading to greater life satisfaction and success.
Resources and Further Learning: Dr. Trevino recommends her website for more resources on understanding and cultivating hope.

This episode provides valuable insights into how hope can be a transformative force in both personal and educational settings. 
 
About Dr. Evie Trevino: 
 
As a quantitative psychologist, my commitment has always been to the tangible—data, evidence, and the scientific method are the cornerstones of my practice. But amidst figures and studies, I found Hope—a factor that intrigued yet challenged my professional skepticism. It was the undeniable evidence, the research spanning decades, that converted my doubt into belief. Hope, I learned, isn’t just an emotion; it’s a strategic mindset, one that can be taught and harnessed to drive wellbeing and success. With extensive experience consulting for various organizations, from non-profits to corporate groups, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact of Hope. Allow me to introduce you and your organization to the measurable benefits of this powerful mindset and the difference it can make in living not just well, but optimally. 
 
Learn more about Evie and her work at evietrevino.com

You've probably heard the old adage, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." Sounds wise, right? But what if I told you that aiming straight for a career that promises you personal happiness might be a misstep?

 

In today's episode, we're going to dive into why chasing happiness, especially in your career, might not be the golden ticket we've all been told it is.

We spend a lot of time focusing on college admissions and career planning with kids but not much regarding life planning. As a result, they’re unprepared for the type of character and clarity they’ll need to put together the most important aspects of their life, the parts that bring deep meaning, fulfillment, and satisfaction. 

It’s a mistake to plan for your career but not your life.

The best research on talent reveals a truth that, in one part, is common sense staring us in the face: when it comes to long-term success and achievement, talent is NOT as important as effort is. According to Angela Duckworth, a famed author and TED talker, effort is twice as important for achievement as natural talent. 

In other words, people willing to maintain consistent effort with less talent will always beat a talented person unwilling to put the effort in.

“Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” - Every Graduation Speaker Ever.

You’ve heard that advice before, right? Probably given it a couple of times, too, I bet. I know I have. Well, maybe not exactly verbatim, but something along the lines of: now is the time to figure out what you enjoy and what makes you come alive, then find a career path that suits you. Or, I’ve said contrary advice: whatever you do, don’t do something that doesn’t bring your energy or life.

Either way, the message is the same, and yet it’s notoriously difficult to follow. 


What do you do if you don’t feel ‘passion’ towards a work activity?
What do you do if something trivial interests you, like In-n-Out or chasing girls?

It’s not a helpful thing to say because it adds stress to an already stressful decision process. Not only do you have to pick something that will pay the bills, but you also need to choose a path that won’t lead you to drudgery or destruction.

It’s not helpful advice, but it doesn’t mean it’s untrue. As my son asked me recently, “How do I figure out what I want to do?” He’s asking for help, guidance, and support—not a blanket platitude that actually brings more anxiety than clarity.

That’s where interest discovery comes in—an iterative process to grow in self-awareness.

Tune in to this week's episode...and read the full article available on our website theyouschool.com/blog