Monika Staab ((soon to be Dr.) is awaiting her certificate for a PhD in adult and continuing education—specifically related to international comparison in educational processes. She shares about the need for courage and vulnerability to step into joy and ease on the academic path. As a dissertation coach, she is in a “learning rhythm” with the clients. And, she reminds us all that when we let go of what other people think (or what we think they think), we can lead with excellence. Monika and I have different characters, peaks, and valleys, but our story is the same...We used our pain to fuel the desire to create higher vibrations in higher education one professor, one lecturer, one PhD student, one person at a time. Systems are slow to change, but we can keep reflecting on our why, what we need, and what do we want to change? Other key takeaways include: Join us in a guided breath practice: Andrew Huberman’s lab at Stanford found that these 2-3 breaths can calm us (before presentations, whenever we need). It’s an instinctive breath. Give yourself more space From the outside—everyone said you’re so successful, organized, perfect, etc., but there’s a different story when we look inside. Want to be the person I missed throughout my journey- someone by my side to save time, energy and pain so that’s what she’s providing 1:1 coaching What do I want, and need? What are my values? In academic, it seems like everyone is perfect. Has it all together. So, in order to belong, I have to be miserable and perfect COVID let Monika see that professors were struggling- their faces, health issues, etc. Check in: what do I need now? Maybe meditation is no longer working. Self-care has misconceptions Yes, there are always concerns for money for self-employed/entrepreneur, but it is worth it If you keep thinking “if I have this degree, I’ll be happy” ; we put too much pressure on ourselves: you have to look into yourself, your soul Takes courage to step in believe and redefine success Where did we get the idea that the professors have why, anchor point, joy? PhD students afraid to share mistakes and struggles because it’s so competitive Mind your PhD namesake: what is important to me courage to share I’m not ok and I have struggles. Release mask and façade Be clear on passion, values and purpose. You can pick a career and pivot. Find your why and purpose can change over time There is no direct word to translate flourishing in German—and in English, it’s a word you can feel Flourishing isn’t an end goal, and achievement, it’s a continuous process, check in We don’t need another slide deck, we just need to connect Change our own lives and have a ripple effect More at: www.mindyourphd.com https://www.instagram.com/mindyourphd/ Sign up for a coffee chat!