The Human Optimization Project

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project
The bar for human performance is higher than it’s ever been. As a result, we all feel the need to do MORE. At the same time, we are becoming increasingly aware of the value of sleep, rest, recovery, and wellness. Accordingly, we also feel the need to do LESS. If you’re like most people, it can be challenging to reconcile this conflict of feeling the need to do MORE and LESS simultaneously, and that is likely contributing to high rates of burnout and decreased performance. So how do we reconcile these seemingly competing desires? That is where Human Optimization comes in. Human Optimization is the process of achieving more (however you define that for yourself) while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being. Although it’s not easy, it’s certainly possible. Not only is it possible, but it is becoming increasingly essential. In this Mayo Clinic Talks Mini-Series, we are going to dive into the topic of Human Optimization and will focus on a few key areas including: exercise, nutrition, culture, emotional intelligence, and finding joy in all you do.

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Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project 34: E34 Self-Management: The Second Step in Improving Your Emotional Intelligence

15 de octubre de 2025 casimedicos The Human Optimization Project 00:55:16 0 Comments

Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Chrissy Holm Haider, Ed.D., MSc, MS, LPCC, CMPC, Athletic Counselor, Certified Mental Performance Consultant | Premier Sport Psychology

 

 

We all need to improve our emotional intelligence, and one of the main pillars of that is learning to manage ourselves. We’ve said before that first step of Emotional Intelligence is “Understanding Ourselves.”  After that, the next step is “Managing Ourselves.” This concept of self-management is critical to improving our emotional intelligence and interacting with the world. Our expert here to help us with this today is Dr. Chrissy Holm Haider.

 

The three big questions we have for her are: 

1. What is “Self-Management” and how does it fit into “Emotional Intelligence?”

2. What makes self-management so challenging in our modern lives?

3. What are the actual steps I can take to finally master my ability to manage myself?

 

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

  1. Chrissy Holm Haider defines self-management as the «action piece» that follows self-awareness, emphasizing using emotions to guide behavior rather than blocking them out. How often do you consciously use your emotions as signals to inform your actions, rather than trying to suppress or ignore them? 

  2. The podcast distinguishes self-management from rigid discipline, highlighting flexibility and adaptability. Think about a time when a rigid approach to a goal backfired. With your pod club members, discuss alternate approaches- what are some more flexible, self-managed approaches that may have yielded a better outcome? 

  3. Chrissy notes that 85% of our daily thoughts are negative and repetitive, rooted in survival. Have you observed this negativity bias impacting your daily life? Identify one small, intentional step you will take to prevent it from affecting your actions this week. 

  4. The discussion links the modern struggle with self-management to a lack of genuine social connection, despite increased electronic connectivity. How do you prioritize and cultivate real-life, face-to-face interactions to support your emotional well-being and self-management? What is one additional way that you and your pod club teammates agree is a feasible approach for you to try as a group? 

  1. Chrissy introduces the «awareness, acceptance, action» framework for self-management. When faced with strong emotions, which of these three steps do you find most challenging? Select one small practice to help you strengthen it. 

  2. The «wheel of emotions» is suggested as a tool to expand emotional vocabulary beyond «happy, sad, mad.» This week, commit to being more precise in naming your feelings to enhance your ability to manage them and to communicate your needs to those around you! 

  3. The podcast emphasizes the mind-body connection in emotional regulation, suggesting practices like slow breathing and increasing your «stress threshold» through sleep, nutrition, and movement. Which of these physical strategies do you find most effective in managing your emotional state? 

  4. The challenge encourages listeners to practice the «awareness, acceptance, action» framework by pausing and reflecting on their emotions during a daily routine. What specific routine (e.g., commute, brushing teeth) could you integrate this practice into this week? What do you hope to learn about your emotional landscape? 

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project – YouTube
Email: optimize@mayo.edu

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