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This week's episode of Flying Solo focuses on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of being a solo entrepreneur—our personal wellbeing and resilience.

Melli O'Brien, renowned coach, mindfulness educator, and author of Deep Resilience has aided over a million individuals worldwide in finding inner calm and clarity. She shares her personal journey from dealing with mental health crises to becoming a beacon of mindfulness and strength.

In this conversation, Melli dives into the key skills necessary for cultivating resilience, breaking down her four-part method designed to empower you through life's adversities. Whether you're feeling burnt out, caught in overthinking traps, or simply eager to strengthen your mindset, this episode is filled with practical insights and strategies to help you reconnect with your inner strength and values.

Key topics

Melli O'Brien's Background and Journey

Her experience with a difficult childhood leading to mental health challenges.
Hitting a crisis point with mental health issues like an eating disorder, depression, and suicidal ideation.
Discovering resilience and happiness as skills and seeking guidance.

Development of Skills and Writing of "Deep Resilience" Book

Encounter with teachings from Buddhism and psychology about resilience.
Development of skills leading to significant personal transformation.
Motivation to write her book based on patterns observed in others.

Discussion on Resilience and Inner Strength

Difference observed between those who struggle and those who thrive under adversity.
Introduction to the "deep resilience method" and its foundational skills.

The FEAR and RISE Models

Explanation of the FEAR model, outlining elements leading to spirals of struggle.
Introduction to the RISE model as a counteracting strategy to FEAR.

Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions

Addressing skepticism around mindfulness and its practical benefits.
Explanation of how mindfulness helps manage thoughts and emotions effectively.

Practical Application of Mindfulness and Managing Overthinking

Real-life example from Melli's personal experience with her cat's health emergency.
Implementing mindfulness techniques and regulating negative thoughts.

Addressing Burnout and Maintaining Balance

Understanding and recognising the signs of burnout.
Importance of balancing life activities through an inventory of "drainers" and "sustainers."

Timestamped overview

06:17 Deep Resilience and Personal Growth

10:05 Overcoming FEAR Pattern

11:52 Managing Emotions and Stress Wisely

15:52 Staying Connected to Your Values

18:53 Overcoming Anxious Thoughts

21:14 Mindfulness Simplifies Emotional Awareness

27:20 Resilience Framework: 3 C's for Wellbeing

28:49 Mastering Skills Through Practice

34:57 Mindfulness to Combat Burnout

38:47 Burnout Check-In: Drainers vs. Sustainers

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Summer Session 2025 Highlights: Essential resilience skills for solopreneurs