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"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses Mental Health Month and the One Foot Forward Challenge for the Black Dog Institute.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As the calendar flips to October, a month of real significance unfolds – it's Mental Health Month, and here in Queensland, we kick it off with Queensland Mental Health Week from the 7th to the 15th. This year's Mental Health Week theme, 'Awareness, belonging, connection,' underscores the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and providing a space for conversations about mental wellbeing. It's an invitation to unite, learn, and support one another on our mental health journeys. My plan therefore during the month is to use this column to raise awareness and understanding about mental health and wellbeing within our community.
This week, I wanted to give a big shout out to our team at IMPACT Community Services, who are committed to making a real difference during this Mental Health Month. We've taken up the Black Dog Institute's One Foot Forward Campaign, a challenge that encourages us to walk with purpose. This campaign is a step toward understanding, empathy, and support for the one in five Australians who experience a mental illness every year.
The One Foot Forward Campaign invites participants to set their own goals, be it 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km, or any distance that feels right to them. This symbolic journey reflects the real-life struggles faced by those living with mental health issues. By taking part, we not only raise awareness but also crucial funds for mental health research and support services provided by the Black Dog Institute.
I believe that our collective efforts can make a real impact. To capture the essence of our mission, I've asked some of IMPACT’s dedicated team members to share their thoughts on being part of this challenge:
Zoe Hastie: “I signed myself and the organisation up for this event because I want to help create a better future for those living with mental illness, including myself. There are still so many unknowns in mental health and the more research that can be conducted now, the stronger and more informed future generations will be.”
Amanda Ryan: " I am taking part because I have experienced mental health issues personally and don’t want anyone ever to feel alone and lost like I did and so am giving back to help support others."
To support our team and contribute to the cause, please visit www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/impactcommunityservices and sponsor us. Every step we take, every dollar we raise, brings us closer to creating a society where mental health is a priority, and no one walks alone.
Join us as we put One Foot Forward on this journey throughout October, a month dedicated to improving community awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing. Together, we can make a difference—one step at a time.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses mattering.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
We all want to matter — mattering is a fundamental human desire that can significantly influence our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Mattering isn't just a personal pursuit; it's a community endeavour that can uplift individuals, schools, workplaces, and our community.
At its core, mattering is the feeling that we are a significant part of the world around us. It's the belief that we are noticed, important, and needed right now. When we make others feel this way, we not only improve their lives but also strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together.
Research has shown that experiencing mattering has a multitude of benefits. It boosts self-esteem, fostering confidence in one's worth. It even increases serotonin levels, often referred to as the "confidence molecule," which can positively influence our overall mood and reduce anxiety.
Moreover, mattering provides us with a sense of purpose, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin – the "happiness trifecta." These chemicals not only control our mood but also motivate us to contribute to our communities.
So, how can we create experiences of mattering? Studies have identified three key components: attention, importance, and dependence. Attention means realising that others notice us and care about what's happening in our lives. Importance is feeling uniquely significant and valued, while dependence involves knowing that someone relies on us.
Individually, we can make a difference by ensuring that the people around us regularly feel noticed, important, and needed. In schools, it means emphasising to every student that their presence completes the classroom. In workplaces, it's about recognising that each person and their work are essential for the whole. In our communities, we must work towards rebuilding systems that affirm the dignity and value of every individual.
Mattering is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it's deeply personal. It's about fostering connections, offering kindness, and acknowledging the unique contributions of each person in our lives. It is about taking notice, being prepared to look outside our own internal world and recognising the value being created by someone else. It may seem insignificant at the time, yet the impact that we can have on others – it can be truly powerful. Creating households, neighbourhoods, communities, workplaces, schools, and even a nation where every single person felt like they mattered to someone else.
Simple, effective, lifechanging. Each of us playing a role in the change that we would like to see.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the Strawman Fallacy.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As someone who's been in the trenches of emotional conversations, both at home and work, I've learned that misunderstandings can turn even the simplest of instructions into a tangled mess of misinterpretations. It's during these moments of heightened emotions that we might unknowingly fall into the trap of the Strawman Fallacy.
The Strawman Fallacy is like a magician's trick. It's when someone distorts your argument into a version that's so exaggerated and distorted that it's easy to topple over, like a straw-filled scarecrow. They reframe your point of view into something no one would actually believe. They then proceed to knock down this exaggerated version, claiming victory in the debate.
Let me illustrate this with a couple of real-life examples. Picture this: you ask a colleague for a simple favour, but they've had a rough day. Instead of agreeing or politely declining, they twist your words, accusing you of being demanding and inconsiderate. They take your straightforward request and turn it into a monstrous demand. That's the Strawman Fallacy in action.
Or think of a heated argument with a friend. They start making exaggerated claims about your past behaviour, distorting your words and actions to the point where you barely recognise yourself. They're not addressing your original point; they're attacking this strawman version they've created.
So, how do we recognise and combat this fallacy? First, don't get drawn into the exaggeration or distortion. Stick to your original point and calmly restate it. Ask the person to go back to the source of truth – what you actually said or meant. If they can't, point out the exaggeration.
Emotions can run high during these exchanges, but it's crucial to keep a level head. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and then restate your request or point, acknowledging their feelings but emphasising the importance of clear communication.
When you encounter someone using the Strawman Fallacy against you in a conversation, remember to be a role model by not using it yourself. Keep the conversation clear and straightforward without twisting things around – that's how you have productive discussions.
In a world filled with emotional conversations and misunderstandings, recognising and addressing the Strawman Fallacy can help us navigate these treacherous waters. By sticking to the facts, seeking clarity, and modelling clear communication, we can build bridges instead of strawmen.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses Liptember and how 'the lipstick effect' drives the agenda on women's mental health.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
It’s amazing the power that something as simple as a bright shade of lipstick can hold. I recently read an article sharing the story behind Liptember, and the campaign to drive the agenda on women’s mental health.
The statistics speak for themselves. In 2022, the Liptember Foundation's research revealed that one in two Australian women struggled with mental illness last year, with one in four of those facing a severe form of mental illness. What’s more, only 49% of women will seek help because they don’t have the time or money to get help, or are too ashamed to admit they’re struggling.
These numbers are not just figures; they represent the lives and well-being of our mothers, sisters, friends, and colleagues.
Despite these staggering statistics, there's a silver lining. The power of a simple lipstick, or as economists put it, "The Lipstick Effect," can be harnessed for good. The Liptember Foundation has turned this concept into a ray of hope. By encouraging women to add a pop of colour to their lips during September, we're not only boosting our own spirits but also starting a conversation about mental health that needs to be had.
Until recently, mental health research and support services often lacked a gender-specific lens, even though women are 58% more likely than men to experience mental illness. We know women's mental health can be influenced by a multitude of factors – biological, psychological, social, and cultural. From menstruation to menopause, pregnancy to cancer, each life stage presents unique challenges. But it's not just biology; it's also societal and cultural pressures that affect women's mental well-being.
The Liptember Foundation, founded in 2010, has stepped in to fill this crucial gap. To date, they've raised over $14 million that has helped to deliver research, programs, and services tailored to the unique needs of women across Australia.
You can read more about Liptember at liptember.com.au.
Good mental health isn't merely the absence of illness; it's the ability to engage fully and effectively in society. By supporting Liptember, we're not just raising awareness; we're contributing to a brighter, more mentally healthy future for all women.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the importance of listening to and being present with our children.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As Child Protection Week 2023 draws to a close, it's a fitting time to pause and ponder the significant message this week carries each year. "Every child in every community needs a fair go." This year's theme, "Where we start matters," has served as a poignant reminder of the vital role our homes play in shaping our children's well-being. Within the walls of our own households, we've been presented with a golden opportunity to be fully present, to truly listen, and to lay the foundation for our children's futures.
In a recent Stronger Together column, I explored the essence of deep listening. It’s not merely about hearing words; it's about understanding the unspoken, tuning in to non-verbal cues, and being fully present. When we engage in deep listening with our children, we create a safe space for them to express themselves, fostering trust and resilience.
When we link the themes of Child Protection Week with deep listening, we unearth a powerful synergy. By being present with our children and attuned to their needs, we equip them with the emotional tools to navigate challenges, express their feelings, and seek help when necessary. In doing so, we fortify their resilience and provide a strong foundation for their growth. It’s within our homes that children learn their first lessons about love, respect, and resilience. It’s here that they form their initial impressions of the world, and it’s within these walls that their sense of security is nurtured.
To truly appreciate the significance of "Where we start matters," we must take stock of our roles as caregivers, parents, and guardians. We must acknowledge the profound influence we wield over our children's development. Our actions, words, and attitudes set the stage for their future interactions with the world.
Our latest episode of the Stronger Together Podcast went live yesterday on the topic domestic violence, and it’s a stark reminder of the painful reality that some children experience violence within their homes. Child Protection Week compels us to confront this harsh truth and take action.
As we reflect on Child Protection Week 2023, let’s remember that where we start does indeed matter. It starts within the walls of our homes, where the seeds of a child's future are sown. I urge you to commit to making your home a place of warmth, support, and understanding, where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can ensure that every child in every community truly gets a fair go, setting a brighter course for our collective future.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses glimmers, and how they can help us to fill our emotional cup.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
It’s pleasing that in today’s society, we are starting to talk openly about our mental health. Prioritising the importance of our mental wellbeing and shining a light on the source of a person’s pain. With this comes a desire to better understand what might be sitting behind a person’s reaction or behaviour. When people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or emotional, we usually become curious about what might have set them off, perhaps using words like trigger or trauma or even fear to make sense of what may be going on.
Looking for and expecting to be surrounded by triggers on a daily basis has become our modus operandi, and depending on the day and what is going on for us, we may be more or less affected. I was therefore delighted to learn recently that there is an opposite reaction to trigger, a concept that’s delightful and uplifting and personally, warms my heart. The alternative is glimmer, an internal or external cue that brings you have to a sense or joy or safety. Think a smile from a stranger, a beautiful sunset or seeing a picture of your pet.
Often, we are encouraged to be grateful, and each day I personally write down three things that I am grateful for. I have a diary that I keep these in, and I am up to 131 consecutive days; I’m finding that my gratitude bucket is overflowing! It’s a lovely practice and the power of it cannot be understated, however some days it’s more like a thing to cross off my to do list than a genuine reflection of gratitude and can therefore feel like a bit of a chore.
Glimmers, those fragments of joy scattered throughout our days, hold an extraordinary power – the power to fill our emotional cups. Like droplets of positivity, they accumulate, gradually enriching our lives with a sense of contentment and resilience. Just as a cup is filled sip by sip, these glimmers, whether in the form of a kind gesture, breathtaking view, or a heartwarming connection, gradually replenish our inner selves.
I was therefore heartened to learn about glimmer and have flipped my practice to instead note some of those precious moments of glimmer that I experience in my day, like:
Every day we each experience these tiny moments of glimmer. These tiny moments of warmth in our hearts, a small rush of joy through our veins. Please don’t let them pass you by, and instead pause, and suck in those moments. Take notice of them, notice the feeling that you experience, write them down so that you remember them, and come back to them when you need them. That moment is unique to you and has the power to change the way that you experience what is happening around you.
What glimmer have you experienced today?
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses deep listening.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Dadirri, a word from the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri languages of the Aboriginal people of the Daly River region. My initial introduction to this word was unexpected, shared with me after expressing a desire to be more consistent with my meditation practice. More than just doing it, meditation provides an opportunity to contemplate and create space for the deep listening that can occur from within. Deep listening involves more than words, instead tapping into the deeper meaning that includes unspoken needs and feelings.
Too often, we are using our head to guide our decisions and interpret the world around us. We are looking for answers from outside – seeking solutions, asking questions, hoping that someone else will step in, perhaps even step up and take responsibility. If that was the answer, people would be easily able to navigate through the complexities of life and most of the population would be experiencing a state of flourishing or mental wellbeing. Instead, research suggests that only 20% of the population experience states of flourishing at any one time (Keyes, 2005).
What if deep listening provided an alternative way?
Aboriginal writer and senior elder Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann describes deep listening as:
"Dadirri is inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. It’s something like what you call 'contemplation'.”
Shirleen Campbell, proud Warlpiri and Arrente woman and third generation resident of Alice Springs Town Camp, Lhenpe Artnwe (of Hoppy’s Camp) is a family and domestic violence activist who shares her own story of deep listening. ‘In Aboriginal culture, our country and its landscape are our classroom. We connect to country as we learn and grow as adults. Our country is always ready to teach our mob and look after us.’ Shirleen refers to a painting entitled Deep Listening, that shows two grandmothers, sitting around the campfire surrounded by young boys and girls using deep listening to learn about country. This year, NAPCAN is using this beautiful artwork to prompt deep listening with children and families and to begin conversations in communities about connection, culture and belonging.
I understand. Taking time out for introspection and understand the practice of deep listening may seem to be a luxury that few can afford at the minute. Taking time to put down the phone, and just be. Taking time to walk in nature, swim in the ocean, plant the soles of your feet on the earth. Lying on the grass, looking up at the stars, holding the hand of someone you love. And allowing yourself a moment to pause, and just listen. Notice what is coming up for you in that moment. Notice how you feel, without judgement. Nothing that you need to do, nothing that you need to hold onto, just a willingness to open yourself and your heart to whatever comes next.
Too often we rely on our head to make sense of things. Yet what I am slowly learning, is that our head is limited in its capacity to provide what we often need. Our head is simply a computer processor, often bringing up thoughts that are unhelpful or choices that do not always serve us. However, there is an alternative, and that involves connecting to our heart and our soul, which, not surprisingly, will boost the power to our brain. Building community by encouraging people to explore and learn from the ancient heritage of Aboriginal culture, knowledge and understanding.
Creating better decisions, kinder humans, greater consideration for ourselves, the people around us and the land that supports us. I don’t think we can afford not to do it.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses patience.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Mother Teresa said, "Without patience, we miss out on learning, seeing, feeling, and hearing. Funny thing is, rushing often leads to getting less." Her wisdom deeply resonates with me and has caused me to think about patience on a deeper level.
We live in a world dominated by rapid-fire updates, endless options, and the allure of instant gratification; the once-cherished virtue of patience seems to have faded into obscurity. Let's face it, in today's turbocharged life, patience feels like an endangered species. We're all about "now, now, now," and taking a breather? That's so last season. As I reflect on this, I'm drawn to the teachings of the Stoics, who were all about living a balanced life – something our modern lifestyle has left behind.
The Stoics, those wise ancient Greeks, embraced a philosophy of virtuous living and moderation—a stark contrast to the prevailing excesses of our times. They sagely declared, "Nothing is ever enough when you are always wanting more," a sentiment that resonates more than ever in our age of unquenchable desires. In this era of constant connectivity, our attention is hijacked by digital distractions, our aspirations manipulated by the algorithms of social media. We're lured into a relentless cycle of comparison and consumption, entrapped by the notion that greatness can be instantly achieved, and that success and fulfilment is just a click away.
Consider the relentless march of self-proclaimed "influencers" hawking their shortcuts to stardom. It's as if we're willing to exchange our authentic selves for the hollow promise of fame and influence. This impatience-driven pursuit erodes our very essence, leaving us one-dimensional and susceptible to a crisis of identity.
The consequences of impatience ripple through our lives. It sows the seeds of burnout, anxiety, and disillusionment. We grapple with depression and resentment when our hasty actions yield unsatisfactory outcomes. We become prisoners of our own unrealistic expectations, perpetuating a cycle of discontent.
Yet, there is a remedy—a revival of patience as a deliberate, cultivated art. Consider these pillars on the path to patience:
Realism: Cast aside the allure of instant solutions. Embrace a pragmatic assessment of your goals, acknowledging the time investment required for genuine progress.
Deliberate Planning: Craft a comprehensive blueprint for your aspirations. Endeavor to map out a strategic route toward your goals, allowing the journey to unfold organically.
Reflection: Regular introspection serves as a compass for the journey. Celebrate milestones, pivot when needed, and recalibrate your course as you progress.
Gratitude: Incorporate a daily practice of gratitude. By anchoring your perspective in the present, you mitigate the restlessness that impatience often fosters.
Joyful Engagement: Infuse each day with activities that bring joy. Strive to strike a balance between ambition and contentment, nurturing a harmonious existence.
Seeking Guidance: There's strength in asking for help. Mentors, peers, and professionals can offer invaluable insights and help you find your way.
Proactivity: Cultivate a proactive mindset. Regularly contribute efforts that inch you closer to your objectives.
Mindful Rest: Acknowledge the merit of strategic breaks. Temporarily stepping away can yield a fresh perspective, enhancing your ability to navigate challenges.
Mother Teresa's words led me to reflect on my own life and what I can do to be more patient. I urge you to pause and consider where in your own life can the art of patience unlock doors and bring more fulfilment. In our relentless pursuit of success, may we find solace in the measured rhythm of patience, sculpting a life of purpose and grace.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses Hope Theory and nurturing a more hopeful community.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
‘Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.’ Some of you will be familiar with this Eleanor Roosevelt quote, and it will mean different things to different people. For me, this quote serves as a form of conversational compass, guiding and directing my conversations in a way that inspires me and aims to evoke curiosity and interest from others. Today, it’s rare to read a social media feed or newspaper that is not about someone (usually a famous person) who has done something. Or there has been an event that has created harm or problems for the planet, a country, or maybe even a community. It’s therefore easy to lose our focus on ideas when distracted by so many other ‘newsworthy’ things. Things that prevent opportunities to create groundswells of change – particularly change that creates a positive effect on the people around us.
This article is therefore written from a place of sharing an idea with the residents of our local community – an idea that if we all took the time to try it, would create a community of more hopeful people. The idea is not a new one and is grounded in theory and research, yet Charles Snyder’s Hope Theory may be unfamiliar to some. This powerful psychological concept stands out as a beacon of light – hope - with the theory based on creating Goals, Pathways, and Agency, that when put into place, can have a transformative impact on a person’s life. And there’s some great news – hope is a learned response, therefore everyone of us can improve their hopeful thinking.
At its core, Hope Theory revolves around three key elements.
Goals serve as the foundation, urging us to think with purpose and direction. Setting goals, whether they are ambitious dreams or pragmatic aspirations, creates progress and propels us forward with intention and conviction. The magic happens when these goals are both challenging yet attainable, as this duality fuels the fire of hope, driving us towards success.
Pathways thinking, the second element, embodies our unwavering belief that there are always alternative options when faced with obstacles. Letting go of fixed ways of thinking and instead bringing some creativity to the pursuit of pathways demonstrates our resilience and determination, leading to increased levels of hopefulness. By imaging and planning for potential hurdles and having a plan B in place for when we need it, we position ourselves to overcome challenges that may otherwise derail our progress.
The final element of Hope Theory is Agency – the persistent belief that we can achieve the goals we set for ourselves. This mindset is essential, especially when faced with setbacks. Because there will be setbacks – that is the reality of life. We therefore need to be ready to adapt, pivot, and confidently explore new avenues, even when we feel like giving up.
Hope is inextricably linked to psychological well-being and extends its benefits beyond immediate situations. What this means is that people with hope, will experience higher levels of life satisfaction, less stress, and an overall improved sense of resilience. Moreover, studies have shown that those who embrace hope are more successful in achieving their goals, resulting in greater self-esteem and well-being, and leading to a perpetuating cycle of self-positivity.
In a world where challenges seem to outnumber solutions, hope becomes a precious resource that everyone needs in their personal toolkit, a guiding light that keeps us moving forward. Charles Snyder's Hope Theory has the potential to enhance our lives - it's not only a beacon of light in the darkest times but a skill we can cultivate to create a brighter future. The journey of hope begins with each step we take towards our goals, armed with the knowledge that we can shape our destiny.
I encourage you to set aside time to reflect on your goals, explore pathways with resilience, and nurture an unwavering belief in your ability to instigate change. Remember, hope is a learned response, and with the right tools and mindset, we can all cultivate a more hopeful, purpose-driven life for everyone in our community.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses using the Situation-Behaviour-Impact model to handle difficult conversations.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Those who know me are aware of my love for buying weekend papers, grabbing a coffee, and sitting on our deck to enjoy the content. As expected, I skip straight over the stuff of least relevance, including Dr Judith Locke’s parenting articles given that my kids are now adults and there is no hint of grandchildren on the horizon. But last weekend was different, and as much as I love Dr Locke’s work, the article’s headline caught my attention.
'When the parent TED talk falls on deaf ears' jumped out at me from the page. Probably because it was me to a T - every word. The well-prepared speeches we used to have in the kitchen or on the way to school or swimming. To me, those small gems of useful information shared with the kids were informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring, just like a good TED talk should be. They came from a place of good intention – a genuine belief that it might motivate them to make different choices.
TED talks are designed to motivate people into different ways of behaving and thinking. As parents, we only want the best for our kids therefore we use these talks to guide and assist, while leaning into the idea that as they get older, we will step back and support them to make their own choices. Continually nurturing and encouraging, with the odd parent TED talk peppered in. The penny will eventually drop and they’ll thank me for it one day, won’t they?
The reality of the experience for my kids when I launched into manifestos like ‘not doing your homework will limit your future choice of jobs’ was closer to ‘Blah, blah, blah, limit, blah, blah, blah, future.’ And they have certainly never thanked me for it.
Is the experience any different for adults? People locking in on and firing off their own ‘gems’ of personal advice to family, friends, and work colleagues, perhaps even with the occasional emotionally loaded statement woven in for extra effect. Do we genuinely believe that this is the key to creating change and getting a different outcome?
But is there a better way?
As adults, we often find it challenging to have conversations with others if we fear they may view it as confrontational. Instead, we look for other ways to ‘soften the blow’ and may resort to storytelling to inspire and motivate the necessary change.
What if we tried a less is more approach and found a way to create a shortcut between intention and impact? What would this look like in practice?
If we used the Centre for Creative Leadership’s Situation-Behaviour-Impact (SBI) model, we would start by describing the situation or issue, highlighting why it is a problem. ‘Two weeks ago, you accepted the invitation to attend last night’s mandatory staff training session held at 6pm that covered important changes to our practice.’
We would go on to outline the behaviour that was witnessed (remember, stick with the facts). ‘As you chose not to attend, you were not trained in the current standards that come into effect next month.’
Finally, the impact. We need to be clear on the consequences that will result from their decision. ‘You will therefore no longer be eligible to provide services until you have successfully completed the training. Unfortunately, your hours with our service will be reduced as a result.’
Similar to Dr. Locke’s advice, whether for adults or children, we must clearly articulate the problem, the necessary behaviour change, and the consequences. In some cases, like our kids, the adult will only hear ‘blah, blah, blah, accepted, blah, blah, blah, changes.’
For these people, the necessary change will therefore only ever happen once they experience a consequence for their choices. Believe me, they won't thank you for it. It is hoped, however, that it will inspire a sense of ownership and accountability, and the opportunity to reflect on how things could be done differently in the future.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the power of 'The 5 Whys'.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
This week has been a profound journey into the realm of social innovation, as I had the privilege of sharing my insights at CQUniversity's Lunch and Learn event. As the managing director of IMPACT Community Services, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible power that lies within innovative thinking. In a world that is in a perpetual state of change, embracing the status quo is no longer a viable option.
During my presentation, I introduced the concept of "The 5 Whys," a problem-solving technique that involves asking "why" repeatedly to get to the root cause of an issue, helping us understand the true reasons behind it and find effective solutions.
Take the case of IMPACT's own social enterprise, New iMAGE Laundry, which began as a means to fill a funding gap. At first glance, it appeared to be a straightforward solution. However, when we applied "The 5 Whys" formula, we unearthed something much more significant - the pursuit of autonomy from funding bodies and the creation of employment opportunities for locals facing mental health challenges and disabilities.
By asking "why" repeatedly, we delved deeper into the heart of the issue, exploring its root causes and understanding the broader implications. This discovery prompted a paradigm shift, elevating the purpose of New iMAGE Laundry to new heights, and transforming it into a force of social innovation, empowerment and inclusivity.
But the power of "The 5 Whys" is not limited to those in positions of leadership or authority. It is a tool that can be wielded by anyone, in any setting. Take, for instance, the Solar Cow program, which tackles the issue of child labour in third world countries. On the surface, it sought to incentivise parents to send their children to school by allowing them to charge electronic devices there instead of walking long distances to charge them for their parents.
Yet, as the program implemented "The 5 Whys," it unravelled a more profound revelation - the root cause of children not attending school wasn't solely a matter of charging devices, but rather a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and educational barriers. This realisation paved the way for a comprehensive approach, addressing the broader issue and creating lasting change.
The power of social innovation lies not in settling for quick fixes but in relentlessly questioning and digging deeper. "The 5 Whys" serve as a compass, guiding us to the heart of challenges and illuminating the path to solutions.
Knowing your true why is essential to drive change, and social innovation and change are intricately interconnected. While some may argue that I don’t deal with change (I’ve been at IMPACT since 1999), the reality is quite the opposite. Since joining IMPACT in 1999, I have witnessed and actively participated in a multitude of transformative events. Within six months of my start, IMPACT experienced a major contract loss, leading to a significant downsizing from over 60 staff members to just 20. This challenging period required us to innovate and find new ways to deliver our services effectively. The journey didn't stop there; we faced further upheaval when the devastating 2013 flood hit the region, leaving us with the daunting task of rebuilding both our organisation and the community we served. Throughout these years, change has been a constant companion, reminding us that adaptability and openness to innovation are essential qualities in making a lasting impact.
Recognising the interplay between knowing our why, social innovation and change has been an important lesson. I have come to understand that social innovation doesn't merely involve developing novel ideas and initiatives; it also demands the ability to embrace change and navigate through uncertainty.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses TOPIC
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
It’s rare that I get rumbly or ruminate about stuff, however this year has left me waning. Feeling like the year should be closer to November than July (yep, it has been one of those years), I have somewhat surprised myself at the level of equanimity that I’ve managed to maintain through some challenging, and at times unnerving moments. Staying upright, composed, self-assured and all the time reminding myself that I’ve got this.
Interestingly, it’s often not those big moments – the chaos, disappointment, loss, trauma – that tip us over the edge. Those are the moments we often take in our stride, head held high, dignity and confidence in check. Instead, it’s those seemingly insignificant yet irritating moments that send us into a tailspin. Like last week, when my husband accidentally spilled some water from a saucepan onto the cooktop. Oh my, in that moment I completely lost my mind.
Like a cork being released from a champagne bottle, my emotions spilled over, and my poor husband stood there, mouth agape, while I reminded him that if he didn’t clean it up straight away it would bake onto the cooktop. Hands in the air and yelling at him “Don’t you understand, if you don’t remove it now you’ll never get it off!!!”
There was so much pent-up frustration, disappointment, anger, sadness and hurt that spilled over in that moment. None of it had anything to do with a bit of spilt water, or my husband. So often it’s the small stuff that ignites the switch, the stuff that breaks the proverbial camel’s back. These small, seemingly insignificant things have a way of sneaking up on us. Snowballing, layer upon layer, increasing in size and significance, slowly gathering momentum until suddenly… BOOM! Out of nowhere, the lid is lifted and whatever we’ve been stuffing down is released, like firing a ball from a cannon.
Life is full of tough stuff we need to navigate, and at the end of each day, we have a choice. We have an opportunity to pause, reflect and recover from whatever has been thrown our way during the day. The reality, however, is that we don’t always make this choice, and instead get consumed in routines and habits that don’t always support us.
Numbing ourselves from the day with alcohol, TV or other activities like online shopping that enable us to ‘take our minds off things’. Refusing to open up about our day, or in some cases, not having anyone to share it with. Reneging on social engagements with friends or family or ditching our usual exercise routine because ‘I have had a big day and really don’t feel like it.’
We must find ways to re-energise from our day, find things that support us to rest and recover so those small things stay just that – small and insignificant. Get an early night, do some breath work, meditation or journalling, maybe even end your shower with cold water (I promise this works, even if you only do it for 15 seconds you’ll see the benefits).
My recent outburst was a great reminder that some of my daily recovery practices may have slipped, or perhaps I have simply not realised the effect some of the events of this year have had on my mental wellbeing. I therefore encourage you to use this as a reminder to check in on how things are going for you.
Anything happened recently that resembled my ‘spilt water on the cooktop’ moment? Anything that in the big scheme of things, you look back on now and think was probably an overreaction?
If so, what’s one thing that you’ll start doing today that will better support you next time?
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses skilling our youth for success and breaking the cycle of generational welfare dependence.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As we approach World Youth Skills Day on 15 July, I find myself reflecting on how we can support the young people in our community to break the cycle of generational welfare dependence. This year's theme, "Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future” highlights the essential role that educators play in providing skills for youth to successfully transition into the workforce and actively engage in their community.
In the current social climate, it’s more important than ever that we equip our young people with the tools they need to thrive in the workforce. I’m proud that IMPACT Community Services has a wealth of experience in supporting the young people in our communities to gain the skills they need to find and keep work, and to improve their life skills along the way.
Preparing our young people for the workforce is critical, particularly now with current modelling predicting that Queensland will need an additional 280,000 workers by 2024-2025. Equipping our young people for this surge in jobs will require some planning and understanding of workforce skills required, with a predicted 38% of workers requiring a vocational and education training qualification to meet the workforce needs. It is therefore imperative that families and educators are having conversations with young people now, to better understand their interests to ensure that we are adequately preparing them for the opportunities that lie ahead.
However, it’s not enough to enrol young people in training. To truly break the generational welfare cycle, we must raise awareness among our youth about the advantages of employment compared to relying on welfare. By instilling this understanding early on, we can empower them to make informed choices that lead to a brighter future, for them and their future family.
Employment offers more than just financial stability; it fosters a sense of purpose, personal growth, and self-reliance. Through employment, young people can gain valuable experience, develop crucial skills, expand their networks, build confidence and learn responsibility and discipline in addition to achieving financial independence. Employment also cultivates a sense of pride and accomplishment that cannot be replicated by welfare dependency.
To support our youth effectively, it’s essential that school, parents, and the broader community work together. We must create an environment where young people are encouraged to pursue education, training, and apprenticeships. By forging partnerships with local businesses, we can facilitate work experience opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs, further enhancing the independence, practical skills and knowledge of our youth.
This World Youth Skills Day, let’s consider how we can work together to support our youth in breaking the cycle of generational welfare dependence, and the role we all play in empowering them to build a transformative future both for themselves and our community.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses decision fatigue.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Life is filled with countless choices. From the moment we wake up until we lay our heads on the pillow at night, we are confronted with decisions—some trivial, others life-altering. According to University of Leicester lecturer Eva Krockow, we make upwards of 35,000 decisions each day. It's no wonder that decision fatigue, that overwhelming feeling when faced with choices, can leave us feeling mentally drained and emotionally exhausted!
But how do you know if you're suffering from decision fatigue, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
Signs of decision fatigue are often subtle but pervasive. Feeling overwhelmed when faced with too many choices, avoiding decision-making tasks and an inability to think clearly or focus are telltale signs that decision fatigue has taken hold. Frequent procrastination, a sense of ‘stuckness’, overthinking, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, poor sleep, and headaches are also common indicators. If you find yourself acting impulsively or without thorough consideration, wasting time unnecessarily or if you're unsatisfied with the choices you ultimately make, decision fatigue may be at play.
So, what are two things in your day that you could automate so that you don’t have to make a decision about them? For me, the two things are always what to eat and what to wear.
Let’s start with food. Tip 1 is to work out what meals you wish to eat throughout the week and repeat. Once you set the menu up, prepare your grocery list and choose your preferred supermarket, the hard work is complete. My breakfast and lunch are prepared on a Sunday and can get me through the week, therefore I only need to prepare dinner. The mental load associated with deciding what to cook, mindless wandering in the supermarket aisles or trying to decide what to pick up for dinner - gone.
Personally, it leaves me feeling way less frazzled and able to turn up better when I arrive home to my family. When we get tired of the routine or are feeling less overwhelmed, we change it up. Until then, this simple act of planning ahead and repeating the same plan each week is guaranteed to not only bring a sense of structure and organisation, it will also free up valuable mental energy so that it can be redirected to more important things.
So, let’s move onto clothes. What to wear is such a mind numbing, yet complex task for the majority of us. So, tip 2 is all about how we can simplify this important, yet mundane task of dressing ourselves.
If you work or volunteer, perhaps choose a ‘work uniform’ if you don’t have a standard uniform. On weekends, keep things simple. I often find myself wearing the same things and here’s the thing - no one cares what I wear. We sometimes get sucked into this vortex of having too many choices – trying to mix this, or match with that. Very nice for a special event, however, for many of us, those special events are the exception rather than the rule.
My strategy is always to automate decisions wherever possible, and I therefore promise that these two simple, well-tested strategies will save you hours of planning and reduce potentially hundreds of unnecessary, energy draining decisions from your day.
Decision fatigue is a common challenge we all face from time to time, therefore decluttering our physical and mental spaces can work wonders. Taking control by streamlining and automating simple daily practices will not only reduce the number of decisions you make each day, it will also support you to ‘turn up’ in a more positive way, whilst developing a greater sense of peace of mind and clarity.
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses burnout, and the three Fs to look out for.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Damian Hadwick, Mark McGowan, David Koche, and Jacinda Ardern have one thing in common: they all recently quit high-profile jobs because they had enough. While job resignations have become common during the pandemic and the "great resignation" trend, their cases go beyond the usual reasons. Something more sinister is leaving them feeling worn-out and unstable.
Jacinda Ardern summed it up perfectly when she said, "I am human. We give as much as we can for as long as we can and then it's time." This sentiment aligns with psychiatrist Gordon Parker's analogy of an elastic band. Just like an elastic band loses its elasticity when stretched repeatedly, humans lose their ability to bounce back when pushed beyond their limits. This can lead to burnout, where individuals feel completely depleted.
Recognising the symptoms of burnout and acting before losing the ability to bounce back is crucial. Personally, I’m always mindful of these three F’s: fear, friction, and fatigue, which can hinder my physical and mental wellbeing, and to address them before running out of fuel.
People are feeling more stressed and fearful than normal, with the media continually showering us with stories about the escalating cost of living, housing shortages, war in Russia, relations with China… it feels like we’re being bombarded with new and escalating challenges, many of which feel (and often are) outside our control.
Fear is an innate reaction within us all. It’s a mechanism to keep us safe, yet when we register a threat stimulus it triggers a response in the amygdala (part of the brain) that prepares us to fight, flee or freeze. The issue is that the mere perception of threat is enough for the amygdala to be activated. In the current environment, the perception of threat can be constant, creating layer upon layer, and resulting in a genuine sense of concern and overwhelm.
Friction is a force, a feeling that we can encounter when interacting with people, systems or things. These things can be outside of our power, and could be related to toxic workplaces, people or the feeling we get when something does not quite align to our values or beliefs. When the force pushing on us exceeds the energy we have, or are willing to push against, friction can leave us feeling stuck and powerless. Too much friction can be painful and destructive, both physically and emotionally.
And then there’s fatigue, which refers to our emotional and mental muscle when it’s overused or not exercised enough and so stops working at its best. Imagine pulling away from social events, friends, family, because isolation feels simpler. Shutting down from the outside world - physically, mentally, emotionally - because everything feels too hard, and you just crave some quiet. An escape from the relentless bombardment of life.
Many of us have experienced fear, friction, and fatigue at some point. The key is not to avoid these feelings but accept them as part of the human experience, knowing they will pass. The challenge lies in not allowing these feelings to consume us and prevent us from experiencing other positive emotions.
If fear, friction, and fatigue seem to be taking control, reflect on three important questions: Can I still recognise and accept things beyond my control? Can I distinguish between behaviours that help me and those that harm me? Am I still engaging in activities that energise and support my emotional and mental wellbeing? Answering "no" to any of these questions may indicate a need to make changes to ensure the three F's are not hindering your ability to live your best life.
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