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Why Harsh Words Feel Like a Physical Hit · PTT Music Podcast

• 0:21
  Welcome back to the PTT Music Podcast, where we explore how positive psychology,
• 0:27
  emotional intelligence, and music combine to build a resilient,
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  purpose driven mindset.
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  I am Jordan Sterling, joined by positive behavior specialist Ava Brooks.
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  Today, we are diving deep into how to process feedback and criticism with complete
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  emotional mastery, so you can transform any input into fuel for your personal
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  growth.
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  It is fantastic to be here, Jordan!
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  As behavioral specialists, we know that how a person handles evaluation determines
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  their long term success.
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  When someone offers feedback, even if it feels direct, it gives us an immediate
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  opportunity to strengthen our focus, sharpen our skills, and elevate our mental
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  agility.
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  That is so true, Ava.
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  There is fascinating neuroimaging research, specifically functional MRI studies,
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  showing that social evaluations light up neural networks like the dorsal anterior
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  cingulate cortex, or dACC, and the anterior insula.
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  When a person hears unexpected critique, the brain instantly registers it as a
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  signal to pay close attention and adapt.
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  Precisely.
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  Understanding those neural pathways empowers us.
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  Instead of viewing feedback as something to resist, we can recognize it as an
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  invitation to activate our higher order cognitive skills and grow stronger in our
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  purpose.
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  From an evolutionary perspective, our brains are hardwired to value social feedback
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  deeply.
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  Thousands of years ago, staying aligned with the group kept us safe and thriving.
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  Today, that same ancient hardware can be directed purposefully.
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  When we train our minds to remain calm and curious, we channel that ancient focus
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  into constructive development.
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  And that is where authentic confidence comes into play.
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  When you share a creative project, write a song, or present a new idea,
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  you are expressing your passion.
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  By maintaining a high state of emotional intelligence, you welcome outside
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  perspectives as valuable tools that refine your work without shaking your core
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  conviction.
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  Exactly!
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  A key positive behavior technique we teach is called affective labeling.
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  When you receive critical feedback, you pause and silently identify your emotion.
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  You might think, I am feeling heightened alertness right now.
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  Neuroimaging shows that labeling your emotion shifts activity directly into your
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  prefrontal cortex, bringing immediate clarity and composure.
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  By using your conscious mind to quiet the emotional alarm system,
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  you open the door to cognitive reappraisal.
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  You reframe the input completely.
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  Critique becomes diagnostic data, like a navigation system updating your route to
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  ensure you reach your goal efficiently.
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  In positive behavioral science, we also emphasize building high psychological safety
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  within teams and creative partnerships.
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  When team members cultivate an environment of mutual respect,
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  constructive evaluation becomes a shared catalyst that accelerates everyone toward
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  excellence together.
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  That psychological safety allows us to decouple our personal identity from the work
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  product.
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  You learn to view feedback not as a judgment on your character or worth,
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  but purely as a collaborative refinement of the outcome.
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  That distinction gives you incredible freedom to innovate boldly.
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  We captured that exact proactive energy in the studio with the PTT Music song,
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  "No More".
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  The driving rhythm and triumphant melody were created to serve as a mental pattern
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  interrupter, reminding you to rise above distraction, harness your inner focus,
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  and draw a line against self doubt with unwavering optimism.
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  That track is pure motivation, Jordan!
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  Music is one of the most effective tools for shifting your physiological state into
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  alignment with your goals.
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  When you play an inspiring track like "No More", it locks your mind into a high
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  performance state where you feel grounded, energized, and ready to conquer your day.
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  To help you put these positive behavior principles into action today,
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  let us summarize three practical steps you can implement immediately.
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  First, practice the Three Second Pause and Label.
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  The moment you receive feedback, pause for three seconds, label your physiological
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  response silently, and allow your prefrontal cortex to take full control.
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  Second, extract the Ten Percent Gold.
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  Look past the delivery or phrasing of any criticism and pull out the single most
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  useful piece of insight.
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  Treat it as valuable data that accelerates your personal growth.
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  And third, anchor your mindset with purposeful music.
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  Build a playlist of uplifting PTT Music tracks, such as "No More",
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  to immediately ground yourself in confidence and keep moving forward.
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  Again, thanks for spending this time with us on the PTT Music Podcast.
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  We hope today's conversation left you inspired, encouraged,
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  and ready to carry that energy with you wherever life takes you.
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  I'm Jordan Sterling...
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  And I'm Ava Brooks.
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  We'll see you next time for another conversation that celebrates creativity,
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  purpose, and the power of music.
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  If you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love for you to continue the journey with us.
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  Visit PTTMusic.com to explore our latest music, official videos,
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  exclusive merchandise, artist updates, and much more.
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  You can also stream PTT Music on your favorite music platforms.
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  And be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with
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  someone who could use a little inspiration today...
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  Until next time, keep moving forward.
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  And let the PTT Music continue to move you closer to who you truly are.