Dianna Collier

Sneak Peek Into Positive Launch

I’m back from Amsterdam and Belgium—proud to report that I managed to dodge every speeding bicycle and that my carry-on was only half full of chocolate.

Now that I’m settled back at home, I’m thrilled to start counting down to Positive Launch! And today, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the real-life challenges we’ll be tackling in the program.

Picture this:

Your college-age daughter sends you a text—“Are you free to talk?” When you jump on FaceTime, you immediately see she’s in tears.

Through sobs, she tells you she’s exhausted, buried in schoolwork, missing out on friends, and now fighting off a sore throat.

As she unloads, you feel your own chest tightening. That sinking feeling creeps in—you want desperately to make it better, but you aren’t sure what to say.

Even after the call ends, the worry stays with you, replaying in your mind on a loop.

But what if that moment could play out differently?

This time, you notice your daughter’s tears and feel your own body tense—yet instead of spiraling into panic, you take a few deep breaths.

You remember the tools of empathetic listening.

You give her space to share, reflecting back her feelings so she knows she’s understood.

Gradually, the sobs soften. You remind yourself that most emotions pass through the body in about 90 seconds if met with compassion instead of resistance. You offer that presence to your daughter.

You point out the small but important ways she has already been coping—managing her classes, reaching out for support, even recognizing when she needed a break.

You don’t rush to fix or give advice. You simply stay with her. And in that safe space, both of you feel calmer, more connected, and a little more hopeful.

That’s exactly what Positive Launch is all about—equipping parents with the skills, confidence, and community to handle these moments with calm and connection.

What is Positive Launch?

Positive Launch is a small group coaching and educational program designed to support parents of young adults transitioning to college and independence that I’m co-leading with my colleague, Jennifer Hanawald, NBC-HWC, PCC.

Together, we’ll guide parents of college-age young adults through four key pillars:

Positive Launch Listening: active listening skills tailored to this stage of life

Strengths-based communication: strategies that build connection, trust and confidence

Self-care tools for the whole family with an evidence-based practice to use in tough parenting moments

Community support: wisdom, humor, and encouragement from fellow parents

By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools to:

Support emotional well-being and manage stress

Encourage autonomy and self-efficacy

Use strengths-based communication strategies

Create a calmer, more connected family environment

Program Details

Date: Sunday, September 21, 4–5:30 PM EST
Format: Interactive small group via Zoom
Includes: Guided exercises, real-life scenarios, and take-home resources
Special Introductory Price: $99
Want more information? Click here
👉 Click here to register for Positive Launch

I’d love to have you join us! If you have any questions about the program, send me an email at dianna@collierclan.net—I’m always happy to chat!

Packing, Planes, and Personal Strengths—How I’m Surviving (& Thriving!)

This week I’m doing something a little different to wrap up our Summer of Strengths.

Instead of spotlighting just one strength, I’d love to show you how all of our signature strengths can support us during times of transition. At the end, we’ll walk through a simple way you can start putting your own VIA results into action. So grab your results, and let’s dive in!

Riding the Waves of Change

The end of summer always brings shifts, doesn’t it? This time, it means moving my daughters back to college—and then, just one day later, flying to Amsterdam and Brussels with my husband, where I’ll be meeting up with my mom (fresh off her own flight.)

It’s exciting, but I’ll be real: it also feels a little scattered. Between helping my girls pack, coordinating trip details, and managing my own emotions about the return to my empty nest, I’ve been sitting in that space where joy and sadness meet.

What’s been helping me manage this transition? Leaning into my signature strengths. They’ve given me both grounding and guidance in the middle of the swirl.

My Strengths in Action

Humility & Perspective
When my mind starts racing through my never-ending to-do list, humility reminds me: I can’t do everything perfectly—and I don’t need to. I’d rather spend these last moments with my daughters in presence, not in panic.

That perspective is such a relief. I am moving tasks off my to-do list that can be delayed. I am giving myself permission to send my newsletter late.

Love
Even when my girls interrupt my work, I’m choosing to lean into love and take the opportunity to connect. Whether that’s packing together, listening as they share about their excitement for the year ahead or listening to a song by song review of Laufey’s new album (my personal favorite), I’m seeing those interruptions as opportunities.

The same goes for trip planning with my mom—discussing possible activities, weather & packing strategies. All worth the time. This trip feels even more special because it’s our first international adventure together.

Love of Learning
Between French practice on Duolingo and researching city transit maps, my love of learning is fueling my excitement for my upcoming trip. My older daughter even gave me a crash course in navigating public transportation—a sweet role-reversal that I loved.

Social Intelligence & Kindness
Transitions are complicated. They hold both joy and ache. I’ll miss my daughters’ daily presence and conversation, but I’m also looking forward to less clutter around the house and more freedom in my schedule. By practicing self-compassion and kindness with myself, I can welcome both of those feelings without judgment.

Bringing It Back to You

Now it’s your turn. Here’s a simple process you can use to work with your own VIA survey results:

Aware: Look at your top 5 or 6 strengths from your VIA survey results.

Do your highest strengths sound like you?
What surprises you about them?
Do you think these strengths are most natural and energizing to you?

Explore: Consider how your strengths have shaped you and how they can help you continue growing by answering these questions.

When you have been successful in the past, what strengths were you using?
How do you use each of your top strengths each day?
How have your strengths helped you deal with challenges?
What strengths will you need to tap into to reach your goals and best possible future?

Apply: It’s time to consider what actions you want to take to integrate your strengths into your routines.

Which strengths do you want to use in your daily life?
How can you use your signature strengths in different ways?
How will you use your strengths to reach your goals?

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you!

How will you deliberately use your strengths this week?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave me a comment and join the conversation!

New Group Coaching for Parents of Young Adults

I’m so excited to invite you to Positive Launch—a 90‑minute group coaching session (with my colleague, Jennifer Hanawald) for parents and caregivers of high school and college students. You’ll learn practical, evidence‑based tools to stay connected with your young adult while supporting their transition to independence.

When: Sunday, September 21 · 4–5:30 PM EST
Cost: Introductory rate $99
Register: Click here to sign up

Want more details? Send an email to dianna@collierclan.net

Teamwork: The Ultimate Improv Act

The pressure was on in the crowded classroom as my friends and I scrambled to create a skit using the words panty hoses, Saint Peter, and hell—with only minutes to plan. My friends snapped into character as Saint Peter and a lawyer, while I became a Legs pantyhose model determined to make it into heaven. Although I typically avoided singing in public (due to a bad musical audition years earlier), I belted out the commercial ditty, “I’ve got legs and I know how to use them,” without hesitation, focused on helping our team shine.

Our team played off each other’s strengths, supported one another, and made the audience smile. In the end, my character made it to heaven, the lawyer landed in hell (much to everyone’s amusement), and we advanced to the next round of the high school improv competition—all thanks to teamwork at its best.

The Strength of Teamwork

Teamwork isn’t just about dividing up tasks—it’s about the energy and connection that builds when people support each other. At its best, teamwork is a form of improv.

When a group gets on a roll, there’s a kind of upward spiral: encouragement sparks creativity, laughter fuels courage, and every small win boosts everyone’s confidence. The whole team starts to feel more positive, more willing to take risks, and more united. That contagious momentum is the real magic of teamwork, turning group effort into an experience that lifts everyone higher.

Teamwork in Action

Facilitating the Fundamentals in Positive Psychology Coaching course at WholeBeing Institute was a true lesson in teamwork for me. Over ten weeks, I collaborated with five different instructors, and together we mapped out how to turn each session into a learning experience that really mattered.

We’d brainstorm interactive activities—icebreaker openers to boost positive emotions and spark creativity, coaching demos using students’ real-world scenarios, breakout rooms for practicing new skills, and plenty of Q&A time.

Each class was a team effort, from planning creative approaches to seamlessly answering questions together (Improv!) and swapping teaching roles. Even when I taught solo, I felt the support of our behind-the-scenes tech expert, ready to jump in if anything went wrong. Working together made every session better, creating a positive vibe that lifted both us and the students.

5 Ways to Build Teamwork

Be open and curious about the points of view of the other members on your team (or family.) Practice active listening.

Notice the strengths of your teammates and share them. Express positive emotions including gratitude.

Volunteer for a service project that allows you to use your top strengths and skills. Find new connections and friendships while supporting your community.

Team up with an accountability buddy to set goals, check progress, and provide encouragement.

If you are in a leadership position, encourage team (or family) collaboration by promoting psychological safety, setting clear expectations, and recognizing the value of each team member.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you!

How will you build teamwork this week?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave me a comment and join the conversation!

Need Support?

If you’re craving the support of someone dedicated to helping you reach your goals (a mini-team), let’s chat! Email dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.

New Group Coaching for Parents of Young Adults

When: Sunday, September 21 · 4–5:30 PM EST
Cost: Introductory rate $99
Register: Click here to sign up

Want more details? Email me at dianna@collierclan.net

From Indulgence to Focus: My Post‑Vacation Reset

I have to confess…I was the queen of indulgence on my vacation. Soft serve ice cream? Of course! Clam chowder? Absolutely. Another drink? Sure. I let my taste buds lead the way, and my willpower happily stepped aside.

My yoga mat only made a couple of appearances, and the weights I’d planned to lift in my mom’s basement? They stayed untouched, just a good intention. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised. Self-regulation isn’t my strongest character strength, and on vacation, I give myself permission to fully relax and enjoy.

Now that I’m home, though, self-regulation takes the spotlight again. I need it to keep my energy high and my focus sharp for the things that matter most—like writing this newsletter for you.

What is Self-Regulation?

Self-regulation is basically our inner superpower that helps us keep it together when life tempts us to veer away from our plan. It’s what lets us pause before binging that third episode of Wednesday, say no to the extra slice of cake (sometimes!), or pull ourselves together when stress or strong feelings hit.

Instead of acting on every impulse, self-regulation gives us the ability to slow down, check in with ourselves, and make choices that line up with what we actually want long-term—like good health, strong relationships, or meaningful work.

On a practical level, self-regulation is about managing our reactions—whether it’s waiting patiently, sticking to a plan, or calming ourselves when everything feels overwhelming. Everyone struggles sometimes (and some of us more than others), but the good news is that it’s a skill we can build up over time—one mindful choice at a time.

Self-Regulation in Action

Think of self‑regulation as a muscle: it gets tired if you push too hard, but it grows stronger with consistent use. Since it’s not my top strength, I often lean on other strengths to help—especially my social intelligence, kindness, and love. These give me extra support for my emotional regulation.

For example, when my kids say something that pushes my buttons, I pause, take a breath, and try to respond in a way that keeps us connected rather than escalating things. Not perfect, but better.

Here’s another trick I use to make self-regulation less exhausting: routines. When I set my sights on building bone density, I wanted my new choices to slide right into my daily life—no extra fuss. So, I put strength training days on my calendar, made my calcium supplement part of my breakfast ritual, and pour a glass of milk with lunch. Turning these actions into habits means less overthinking—so I have more energy to actually follow through on them.

5 Ways to Build Self-Regulation

Break Big Goals into Micro-Goals. Large tasks can feel overwhelming and quickly zap your willpower. Try setting small, manageable micro-goals for yourself. Every little win builds momentum and strengthens your self-regulation in the process.
Pause & Create Space Before Reacting. Build in time buffers—just 10 seconds of deep breathing or a mindful pause before you respond to stress or temptation. These simple moments help you gain control and choose your reaction intentionally.

Monitor Your Patterns. Keep a quick journal or log of moments when your self-regulation feels strong or when it falters. Noticing patterns helps you figure out what supports or drains your self-control, so you can adjust your routine to suit you better.

Eliminate Distractions. If you need to focus on a task, create an interruption-free work zone. Turn off notifications & set up do not disturb (on your devices or with a physical sign.) Consider noise canceling headphones if you are in a noisy place.

Refuel Your Energy. Take short breaks throughout the day to replenish your energy. Stretch, move, laugh, talk to a friend, pet an animal- notice what works for you & make time for it. You will get more done in the long run.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you!

How will you build self-regulation this week?

Leave me a comment and join the conversation!

Need Support?

If you need help building self-regulation to reach your goals, let’s chat! Email dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.

New Group Coaching for Parents of Young Adults

When: Sunday, September 21 · 4–5:30 PM EST
Cost: Introductory rate $99
Register: Click here to sign up

Want more details? Join our free 30‑minute info session on Sunday, August 17 at 4 PM EST — register here or email me at dianna@collierclan.net

Humility- Letting Go When It’s Hard

Have you ever caught yourself holding on tightly to an idea—or finding it tough to admit you don’t have all the answers? You’re not alone.

What if letting go—just a little—could actually make life smoother?

I’ve learned this firsthand as a parent to my college-age daughters. Parenting teens and young adults brings a unique challenge: your role shifts from being the all-knowing authority to stepping back as a coach or mentor. When your kids are small, you usually know what’s best. But as they grow up, they become the experts on their own lives—and they want to make their own choices.

That shift requires us, as parents, to let go of control. We have to trust our kids to find their own path, even if it’s difficult to watch from the sidelines.

That’s where humility comes in. It is the secret ingredient that makes this transition easier. Humility allows us to admit we don’t know everything, to stay open to learning, and to accept mistakes—both our own and our kids’. When we lean into humility, we create space for real growth and deeper, more meaningful connections with the people we love.

The Strength of Humility

Humility is recognizing and accepting both your strengths and your limitations. It’s about seeing yourself honestly, without exaggerating your talents or downplaying your accomplishments—and appreciating the value in others, too.

People with humility are content to step out of the spotlight and center their attention on those around them. They are open to new ideas and learning because their sense of self is not threatened by being wrong.

Humility in Action

Confession time: writing about my own humility feels a bit like announcing my modesty on a neon billboard—now starring, the humblest! But if you’ll forgive the irony, here’s how I try to put humility to work in real life.

Before every coaching call, I pause, place a hand over my heart, and repeat to myself, “May I be useful.” This little ritual helps me shift the focus away from myself and toward being present for my client.

During sessions, I make it a point to listen more than I talk. My goal is to really understand my client’s motivations, struggles, and feelings—without judgment or jumping in to “fix” things. I search for their strengths and values, so I can reflect those qualities back and help them see their own wisdom. If I have a resource to offer, I always ask for permission first. The coaching process is about the client, not me—I strive to keep it client-centered and directed every step of the way.

I try to bring these same listening skills to my relationship with my young adult children. Sometimes, I get it right. When I do, I get a real window into their world and see how resourceful they are in the face of challenges. Our connection grows stronger, and they feel truly seen. Of course, there are days I miss the mark—when distractions creep in or I slip back into “expert” mode. Those are my reminders to apologize and practice a little self-compassion.

5 Ways to Build Humility

Notice the balance in conversations: Do you speak more than others in a group? Focus on listening deeply instead of planning your response.

Give and receive compliments with grace: Offer sincere praise when someone outshines you. Accept compliments humbly, without self-deprecation or deflection.

Seek out input: Ask for others’ perspectives when you’re unsure. Valuing others’ knowledge chips away at pride and grows trust.

Practice gratitude: Regularly thank those who support you. Practicing gratitude refocuses attention from yourself to the broader community around you.

Serve without expectation: Volunteer or perform small acts of kindness. Helping others reminds us that we’re all works in progress, learning together.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you!

How will you build humility this week?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—jump over to my blog and join the conversation!

New Group Coaching for Parents of Young Adults

I’m thrilled to introduce Positive Launch—a group coaching for parents and caregivers of high school and college students that want to stay connected with their young adults & ease the transition to independence (college, adulthood & beyond!)

Together with my colleague, Jennifer Hanawald, we’ve created a 90-minute coaching program designed to give you evidence-based tools to make this transition the best it can possibly be. Participants will explore & practice active listening, identifying & leveraging strengths and self-compassion while connecting with other parents. This idea grew out of a need that Jennifer and I saw, based on personal and professional experiences.

The Details:

Date & Time: Sunday, September 21, 4–5:30 PM EST
Cost: Introductory rate of $99
How to Register: Register here

Want more information? Join our free 30-minute info session
Sunday, August 17 @ 4pm EST. Register here, or simply reply to this email with any questions.

Shift Your Mood With Gratitude

I used to cringe whenever I heard people talk about gratitude in the media. It felt like there was this unspoken pressure to be thankful for everything, all the time—and if I wasn’t, I’d feel a twinge of shame.

Sometimes, it felt like people were just saying they were grateful because they were supposed to, not because they truly meant it.

But after more than a decade exploring positive psychology and trying out different gratitude practices, my view has shifted. I still believe gratitude—and positivity—can be misused in ways that feel forced or even toxic. But I’ve also seen firsthand how authentic gratitude can be a real source of strength.

Gratitude isn’t something we “should” feel; it’s an option, a possibility we can reach for—even when life is tough.

“Gratitude” as a Strength

Gratitude is all about truly feeling and expressing thankfulness for the people and moments that enrich our lives. It’s about pausing to appreciate both the big gestures and the small, everyday gifts, whether it’s a thoughtful act from a friend or the simple pleasure of a cool breeze on a hot day.

What is unique about gratitude is the deep sense of having received something valuable, which often brings a wave of positive emotion and a desire to connect more deeply with others.

When we make gratitude a regular practice, we start to see more of the positives around us, deepen our connections, and even shift our outlook on life, leading to more kindness, empathy, and a greater sense of purpose.

Gratitude in Action

Travel always seems to wake up my sense of gratitude. On a recent trip to Kauai, I felt it in so many moments—starting with the simple joy of being outdoors. Back home in Austin, the rising summer heat had kept me cooped up inside, but in Kauai, I could finally soak up fresh air, wander among lush plants, spot colorful birds, and listen to the waves on the beach. Each day, I found myself pausing to take it all in, feeling genuinely thankful for the beauty around me.

What made this trip even more special was sharing it with my husband and our adult daughters. For the first time in ages, none of us were working. We had the rare chance to explore, relax, and reconnect—whether we were swimming, indulging in shaved ice, or just watching the sunset together.

Even after returning home, my gratitude didn’t end. I found myself appreciating the cool blast of AC after Kauai’s sticky nights, the comfort of my own bed, and even my trusty neck wrap. As I eased back into my routine, I was grateful for my favorite yoga classes, which helped work out the travel kinks. These moments, big and small, reminded me how gratitude can shift my outlook and help me savor both adventure and the comforts of home.

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude

Express appreciation in a specific way. Instead of a quick “thanks,” try being descriptive: “I appreciate how you volunteered to pick up the dog from the kennel when I was tired from traveling. That gave me a chance to rest.” Notice how people respond to detailed gratitude versus a simple “thanks.”

Write down up to five things you feel grateful for in a journal. You don’t have to do this daily—research suggests that once a week can be even more powerful than doing it every day.

Verbally or in writing, thank the people who’ve contributed to your success. Reflect on how your achievements are shaped by others’ helpful influence as well as your own effort.

Practice mindful gratitude by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on what you appreciate in the present moment.

Reflect on challenges and see if you can find a lesson or a silver lining to appreciate, even in tough times. When my father was ill with incurable cancer, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye. I also was very thankful for his doctors that talked & cried with us; that gratitude helped me find meaning during a painful time.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you!

What have you felt thankful for this past week?

How will you practice gratitude this week?

Leave me a comment—I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Need Support for Positive Change?

If you’re ready for personalized strength-based strategies to navigate life’s challenges, email me at dianna@collierclan.net for a free consultation.

Your Purpose Awaits: Explore Spirituality

Have you ever felt lost or empty, searching for something that gives your life deeper meaning and purpose?

Many of us experience this longing, especially during big transitions—like career changes, midlife, or when our children leave home. These moments often prompt deep reflection about where we fit in the world and what truly matters.

As a positive psychology coach, I regularly work with clients who, after feeling disconnected or unfulfilled in previous roles, are seeking work that offers deeper meaning or aligns with a mission greater than themselves.

For some, this desire for deeper meaning comes as their role as a parent evolves, opening new possibilities—and sometimes, a bit of uncertainty about their purpose. It’s in these times that the character strength of spirituality can offer real direction and hope.

“Spirituality” as a Strength

Spirituality is all about discovering deeper meaning and purpose by connecting with something greater than yourself—whether through faith, personal values, or a sense of wonder. This connection brings hope, optimism, and grounding as you navigate life’s journey.

You don’t have to be religious to experience it; spirituality can be found in everyday moments, personal beliefs, or simply by appreciating the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Spirituality in Action

One of my clients found her spirituality to be a powerful anchor during a divorce as she built a new business and formed new relationships. She uses “God’s Word” as a moral compass, finding comfort in the belief that she’s part of a larger plan—even when the path ahead feels unclear. This spirituality has fueled her perserverance and humility as she trusts that she just needs to take the next right step.

But spirituality isn’t limited to religion. Other clients have connected to something greater through nature, acts of service, or by embodying qualities like compassion. These experiences show that spirituality is as unique and meaningful as each person’s journey.

5 Ways to Explore Spirituality

Practice mindfulness or meditation: Set aside time to be present and reflect on your place in the universe.

Build purpose: Take on a new volunteer role in your community to connect your actions with a greater mission.

Contemplate the sacred in everyday moments: Find meaning in ordinary experiences, such as a beautiful sunset, a kind gesture, or a moment of quiet reflection.

Engage with nature: Spend time outdoors to experience awe and connect with something larger than yourself.

Participate in rituals or traditions: Engage in practices—religious or secular—that help you feel connected and grounded.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.

How will you explore your spirituality this week?

I can’t wait to read your stories and ideas.

Turning Setbacks Into Laughter

After some thoughtful feedback and a bit of reflection, I’ve decided to switch things up and focus on just one character strength each week instead of two.

I want the blog to be easier to digest and more practical to put into action—plus, it’ll be a bit lighter and more enjoyable to read. Thanks for sticking with me on this journey of growth!

Speaking of making things easier and more enjoyable, who couldn’t use a good laugh these days?

This week, I’m excited to dive into the character strength of humor. It’s a wonderful way to lighten our moods, connect with others, and bring a little more joy into everyday life. Let’s explore how embracing humor can brighten our outlook and strengthen our resilience.

The “Humor” Strength

Humor helps us find the playful side of life, making others smile or laugh even when times get tough. It acts like a social lubricant, easing conversations and helping groups connect more easily. By viewing adversity with a cheerful outlook, humor helps us sustain a good mood and cope with stress in a positive way.

Humor in Action (Turning a Setback Into a Laugh)

It all started with a small pen stain on my daughter’s new shirt. It was just a tiny ink mark that somehow felt like a major setback. As she and I stood together, trying various stain-removal tricks (spoiler: none of them worked),

I sighed and said, “You know, if I could have any minor household superpower, I’d choose the ability to remove any laundry stain with a snap of my fingers.”

We started brainstorming other minor superpowers we’d actually want—no big powers, because that would be too easy. Here are a few of our favorites:

Automatic matching of socks in the laundry (because who hasn’t lost a sock to the mysterious abyss of the dryer?)
Always having gas in the car when you need to drive (which would save us both a lot of last-minute panic)
Instant repair of broken plates and glasses (since accidents happen)

Before long, we were laughing at our own wish list of silly, practical superpowers. The pen stain was still there, but suddenly it didn’t feel like such a big deal. Sometimes, a little humor and a shared “what if?” is all it takes to turn a frustrating moment into a funny memory.

5 Ways to Promote Humor (And a Good Laugh)

Watch Comedy Shows or Stand-Up: Schedule regular time to enjoy comedy shows or stand-up performances, either alone or with others, to keep your sense of humor sharp and engaged.
Use Self-Deprecating Humor: Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself when things go a little sideways. It makes you more relatable and helps others feel comfortable.
Seek Out Funny Content: Try listening to a funny podcast or audiobook, looking at humorous comic strips, or watching a quick video that makes you smile or laugh (silly animals anyone?). This sets a playful tone for the hours ahead.
Infuse Your Routine with Playfulness: Lighten the mood by weaving in games, or light-hearted humor throughout your week. Share funny memes or amusing stories with your friends.
Create a Humor Journal: At the end of the day, write about three funny things that happened to you during the day. Later, you can return to your writing for an instant mood boost.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you! Leave me a comment and tell me:

What’s your go-to minor superpower?

What made you laugh this past week?

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re interested in a personalized strengths exploration, I’m offering a limited number of discounted strength sessions this summer. Email me at dianna@collierclan.net for details.

How to Build Your Hope & Love Strengths to Thrive More

How do you feel when you look ahead? Are you filled with optimism and hope, or do you find yourself weighed down by uncertainty and worry?

If you’re feeling more anxious than inspired about the future, you’re not alone—and there’s good news.

This is Key! Hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s a skill you can strengthen with practice, and there are practical steps you can take to nurture it.

In my work as a coach, I strive to kindle realistic hope in every client.

Interestingly, I find it much easier to inspire hope in others than in myself.

For me, hope sits somewhere in the middle of my character strengths — reliable in some areas of my life, but harder to access in others.

When hope feels out of reach, I often turn to my greatest strengths: love and perspective. These qualities help me find my way back to hope.

The “Hope” Strength (Which Brings Meaning)

Hope is about having positive expectations for the future and believing in your ability to make those good things happen.

It involves having the motivation and confidence to pursue goals and the ability to find and follow multiple paths to achieve those goals.

When you have hope, you’re more likely to find meaning, enjoyment, and satisfaction in your life.

Hope In Action (For Precious Positive Energy)

Many of my coaching clients come to me after a layoff or during a period of burnout, feeling discouraged and unsure about their next steps. By the end of our sessions, they often feel a renewed sense of hope and see more possibilities for their future careers.

Here are some of the ways we generate that hope together:

We look back at times when they excelled at work to identify what made those experiences successful.
We brainstorm career paths that would not only be stable but also enjoyable and meaningful.
We explore their unique strengths and talk about how these can be applied to different roles.
We discuss practical ways to connect with people in new industries they’re interested in.
We explore new skills they can learn that will open up opportunities.
We work on customizing their resumes to highlight their strengths for a variety of opportunities.
We break down their goals into smaller, doable action steps, making the path forward feel less overwhelming and much more achievable.

With each step, clients begin to see that their future can be shaped in positive, exciting ways.

5 Ways to Create Hope

Break down the steps needed to achieve complex goals and make a visual map.
Celebrate small wins along the way to larger goals. Reflect on past successes to remind yourself of your strengths and resilience.
Surround yourself with supportive, optimistic people. Accept their encouragement and help when you are facing obstacles.
Prime your environment with pictures or quotes that inspire you.
Learn new skills or try new activities to open up fresh possibilities for the future.

The “Love” Strength (Relationship Glue)

The character strength of love refers to valuing and nurturing close relationships with others, especially those where caring and warmth are shared in both directions. It involves both giving and receiving affection and support, and is one of the strengths most strongly linked to life satisfaction.

Love in Action

When I’m struggling to feel hopeful, I lean on the important people in my life to help me get back on track. Since I strongly value relationships and actively cultivate them—Love is my #1 strength—I’m fortunate to have a circle of amazing friends and family who support me when I’m low. Sometimes, just a reminder that I’m not alone is all I need to spark hope. Other times, I need help seeing the bigger picture or finding a new path forward—that’s where my perspective comes in.

I make it a priority to schedule walks, lunch dates, and regular phone calls or texts with out-of-town friends, making sure these connections stay strong. Humor and shared laughter are a big part of these relationships, helping us all feel lighter and more hopeful together.

5 Ways to Strengthen Love

Practice spontaneous loving acts or share your affection in words. Example: Send a funny text to a friend—like a dancing fruit or vegetable GIF every day for a week. When a friend did this for me, it showed she was thinking about me and wanted to brighten my day.
Express your love creatively. Try writing a poem, composing a heartfelt note, or drawing a picture. For example, another friend of mine creates beautiful calligraphy notes using watercolors.
Schedule time with people you care about. Make plans to do something fun together, whether it’s a walk, a game night, or just catching up over coffee.
Develop a loving-kindness meditation practice. Guided meditations are available online, such as those from Greater Good in Action.
Show genuine interest in your loved one’s passions and challenges. Ask thoughtful questions about what excites or worries them, and offer support—this builds deeper connection and trust.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and tell me:

How will you kindle hope and love this week?

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re interested in a personalized strengths exploration, I’m offering a limited number of discounted strength sessions this summer. Email me at dianna@collierclan.net for details.

Energize Your Life: Boost Zest & Learning

Are you excited to get up in the morning and start your day? Do you approach life with energy and enthusiasm? As much as I want to answer “yes!” to those questions, I often find myself lacking that spark—even after a good night’s sleep. And I know I’m not alone.

It turns out that zest—approaching life with excitement and energy—is one of the least common strengths worldwide. Yet, it’s also one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. That’s a wake-up call! So, how do we cultivate more zest in our lives?

To tackle this challenge, I decided to lean on one of my own top strengths: love of learning. Fortunately, using our signature strengths can be energizing in itself, giving me a head start on my quest for more zest.

The “Love of Learning” Strength

Love of learning is all about a passion for mastering new skills, topics, and ideas—whether through formal classes or self-directed exploration. People with this strength are energized by the process of learning itself, not just the end result. While it’s often linked to academic success, love of learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Love of Learning in Action

Curious about how to boost my zest, I dove into books on character strengths, explored resources like the VIA Institute on Character’s website, and observed people who radiate zest—both in real life and on the screen. I even consulted my AI friend, Perplexity, for fresh ideas! After gathering inspiration, I started experimenting with different strategies and tracked how they affected my energy.

5 Ways to Activate Your Love of Learning

Learn a New Dance: Watch tutorials or take a class, then teach the moves to a friend.
Explore Languages: Pick a phrase like “hello” or “thank you” and learn to say it in as many languages as you can.
Travel and Learn: Visit new places, blending education with adventure by exploring local culture and history.
Deep Dive into a Topic: Choose a subject that fascinates you and dig deeper.
Museum Adventures: Check out a new museum and share your discoveries with friends or family.

The “Zest” Strength

Zest involves approaching life with excitement, energy, and enthusiasm, fully engaging in activities rather than doing them halfheartedly. People high in zest feel activated and alive, using their energy to the fullest degree.

My Zest Quest: What Worked

Here’s what made a difference for me:

Start with Excitement: Each morning, I asked myself what I was looking forward to. If nothing came to mind, I found a way to add a little fun.
Move Your Body: I committed to at least one energizing activity every day—walking, yoga, or weight training—and added movement breaks like dancing, stretching, or running up and down the stairs.
Connect with Positive People: I sought out energizing collaborators for work projects.
Take Playful Breaks: Every afternoon, I paused for something fun—watching a comedy clip, chatting with a friend, or diving into a good book.
Prioritize Rest: Quality sleep became non-negotiable.

These simple shifts noticeably boosted my energy, enthusiasm, and overall zest for life!

5 Ways to Spark Zest

Get Outside: Soak in the sights and sounds of nature.
Be Active: Do a physical activity you love.
Use Your Strengths in New Ways: Find new ways to flex your top character strengths.
Turn Up the Music: Listen to upbeat tunes and sing or dance along.
Stimulate Your Senses: Try minty lip balm, splash your face with cold water, or inhale an energizing scent like citrus or spearmint.

This Week’s Strength Challenge

I’d love to hear from you! Comment and tell me:

What do you love to learn?
How will you bring more zest into your week?

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re interested in a personalized strengths exploration, I’m offering a limited number of discounted strength sessions this summer. Email me at dianna@collierclan.net for details.