Welcome to The New Mind Studio, your weekly space to think with intention, lead with clarity, and recognize your own impact.
CONNECT
Let's be honest: Most of us can remember a hurtful comment from years ago. But we struggle to remember the last three nice things people said about us.
Here's a simple way to flip that: A compliment shower.
You'll gather real, specific proof of your value in just 10 minutes.
Why it works:
Your brain loves spotting problems 5x more than good things. You especially feel this when things are changing, uncertain, or overwhelming.
A compliment shower floods your brain with real proof of your worth. It feels great (hello, dopamine). And it builds quiet, lasting confidence.
I tried this two years ago in a leadership program.
We sat in a small virtual circle with people I'd known for about a week. We shared what we genuinely saw and appreciated in each other.
The feedback was specific, surprisingly precise, and honestly? It felt amazing.
I still use some of those words today.
Let's get into it.
REFLECT
Step 1: Audit yourself (3 minutes)
Grab a note (phone or paper, I'm team paper) and answer these 3 questions quickly:
What do people often come to me for?
What feedback have I heard more than once?
What feels easy for me that others say is hard?
This is your self-view.
Step 2: Ask 5 people (your compliment circle) (3 minutes)
Choose 5 people who see you in different contexts: a manager, colleague, friend, someone you lead, or maybe a client.
I know this might feel strange and uncomfortable at first, but the results will be worth it.
This is the exact message I used for a family member. You can use this message and adapt it to your style:
“Hey, I’m doing a reflection exercise and would love your help.
What qualities or strengths do you genuinely appreciate in me?
Just a few quick lines are perfect. Thank you”
Copy their answers into one note. This is your external view.
Step 3: Connect the dots (2–3 minutes)
Look at your answers and their answers side by side:
Highlight what repeats.
Notice strengths you tend to downplay.
Circle any words that surprise you.
Turn them into 3–5 "identity" sentences, for example:
I bring calm in stressful moments.
I help people see clearly when things feel messy.
People feel safe being honest with me.
Now, enjoy your compliment shower.
Read them before tough meetings, decisions, or change conversations.
GROW
You can do a live compliment shower with 2–3 people you deeply trust.
Two of my best friends and I did this for a whole day in Berlin, casually sharing what we respect, love, and appreciate about each other. Honestly, it became a core memory.
In a small circle, this practice deepens connection, safety, and trust.
And trust is the foundation for change.
Warmly,
Nadia
P.S. Tried the compliment shower? Reply and tell me how it went.
(I read and respond to them all)
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