Happiness and self care go hand in hand. As psychotherapist and coach Ana Melikian, Ph.D., points out, if we do not prioritize ourselves, we will never be our best selves, nor will we have enough to give others.  We tend to believe that we somehow earn our happiness through sacrifice and self-denial, but research shows that nothing could be further from the truth.

In this inspiring episode, Melinda and Ana dive deep into choosing happiness and the importance of self care, a topic that is near and dear to them both.  As coaches, we need to lead by example and practice what we preach, and prioritizing ourselves and our needs is at the top of the list. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary. These two experts can show you how.

In this episode we discuss:

• How does self care relate to happiness?
• What constitutes self care, and why is it important?
• Can a person really choose happiness if everything is not going their way?
• How does choosing happiness open up new possibilities?
• What are the consequences of denying self care?
• What is the Happiness Fallacy?

“Often, people don’t take the time for self care, because they feel selfish, so they are always in the last bit of patience and the last piece of energy. When they start to recognize that by taking care of themselves, they have much more to give others, that is when the magic really starts to happen.”

Ana Melikian

Ana Melikian, Ph.D., is an optimist who had to overcome two bouts with cancer to learn that pursuing happiness is a fallacy. To choose happiness is a much more powerful strategy to tap into our highest human potential. Either by working with leaders and their teams, or other coaches and consultants, Ana supports her clients to break through their mindset limitations and upgrade their psychological operating systems so that they achieve better results than ever in work and life while enjoying the process.

Born in Portugal, Ana now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, daughter, and dog Puffy. 

Resources or websites mentioned in this episode:
MiraseeCoaches Console
Ana’s website
Ana’s LinkedIn

Credits:
Guest: Ana Melikian
Host: Melinda Cohan
Producer: Cynthia Lamb 
Executive producer: Danny Iny
Scripted and assembled by: Michi Lantz 
Audio Post Supervisor: Evan Miles, Christopher Martin
Audio Post Production: Post Office Sound
Music soundscape: Chad Michael Snavely

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If you have a question for Just Between Coaches, put the show title in the subject line and send it to podcasts@mirasee.com

Music and SFX credits:
Track Title: Clouds
Artist Name(s): Acreage
Writer Name: Marshall Usinger
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

Track Title: Coastline Dream
Artist Name(s): Wild Sky
Writer Name: Adam Simons
Publisher Name: BOSS SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTIONS

Track Title: Coo Coos
Artist Name(s): Dresden, The Flamingo
Writer Name: Matthew Wigton
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION

Track Title: Stars & Trees
Artist Name(s): Outside The Sky
Writer Name: Dustin Ransom
Publisher Name: A SOUNDSTRIPE PRODUCTION