Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Kate Lund The ability to bounce back from a setback and move forward. It is the ability to navigate challenges and still succeed. SHIFT Overwhelm is a very dangerous thing as an entrepreneur. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I immediately take a step back, reevaluate and shift directions. Not an easy process by any means, but one which is vital.
I want more Learn more about Kate, her book and programs at her website: drkatelund.com
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November 2018 • Business Masters Magazine
I’m a clinical psychologist and a mom. I am also the author of the best-selling books Bounce: Help Your Child Build Resilience and Thrive in School, Sports and Life and Putter and the Red Car: A Cross Country Family Adventure. Both books share the central theme of resilience, although in very different ways. I was drawn to writing about resilience because I grew up with a medical condition called hydrocephalus, which set me apart from my peers in various ways and got me in touch with a need to bounce back and move forward, despite the setbacks along the way. I was helped in this process by a great support system that allowed me to see the person I was, as opposed to the challenges I happened to have. I came to see and focus on what I could do rather than what I could not do. As time passed, I internalized the idea that I could do things. I could do most everything that my peers could do; only a few activities remained challenging, and in the big picture they were no big deal since I could do so much else. My work as a clinical psychologist in a range of medical, school, university, and private practice settings over 15 years has added depth to my focus on resilience. My experiences working with children and families to overcome challenges and create a new sense of normal, when things are anything but, have been powerful reminders of how vital it is to develop the skills to conquer challenges early in life and to find ways to not let the challenges define you. Watching my own children grapple with life’s trials and tribulations has further contributed to my interest.
Mastering Resilience Dr. Kate Lund
My current practice is based on working with children, families and student-athletes to live as resilient a life as possible within their own unique context. Much of this work is based on the seven pillars of the resilient child outlined in my book Bounce: Help Your Child Build Resilience and Thrive in School, Sports and Life. These seven pillars include: • Managing Emotions and Tolerating Frustration • Navigating Friendships and Social Pressures • Sustaining Focus and Attention • Developing Courage • Building Motivation • Finding Confidence • Creating Optimism
Daily rituals that keep me on track include staying fit through biking and swimming, walking my dog, good nutrition and stress management. Does it always work? Not even close, but these are the things I know will get me back on track if I get overwhelmed, or sidetracked in some way.
How did you start? I started developing my skills as a psychologist as a young child and through high school, as I was always drawn to understanding the world and people around me. This, combined with the many medical ordeals I faced related to Hydrocephalus added to my interest and made me resilient in the process. So it all fits together. From there, I majored in psychology and minored in journalism in college. I interned at the White House in the Clinton Administration and this experience solidified my long-term goal to pursue a graduate degree in psychology as opposed to pursuing a career in journalism or media. Yet, I knew at some point I would merge writing with work as a clinical psychologist. Are there mental and physical strategies to master to keep that alive? Mastering the ability to remain flexible and fluid in my life and work has been vital to my success as a psychologist, author and Mom. What is your why or your purpose that keeps you pushing through even when you are tired? My overall purpose in my work is contributing to the well-being of my family in a meaningful and fulfilling way. I cherish my time with my 11-year-old twins, husband and West Highland White Terrier and do my best to create a balanced approach to my work and life with them.
Is there value in hiring a coach to help you with that? Hiring a coach can be a very useful and powerful move as long as there is synergy between client and coach. Coaches are not onesize fits all. Do you model people? Not really. I try to be at my best within my own unique context. While I think modeling can be powerful, I also believe it is essential that people honor their own unique context. What maybe doesn’t work… Overwhelm is a very dangerous thing as an entrepreneur. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed, I immediately take a step back, reevaluate and shift directions. Not an easy process by any means, but one which is vital.
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Kate Lund
What is the advice you would give to people to stay determined to win? Stay focused on the possibility. Stay flexible in your thinking and approach. Stay persistent and never give up. Are there daily rituals? Daily rituals that keep me on track include staying fit through biking and swimming, walking my dog, good nutrition and stress management. Does it always work? Not even close, but these are the things I know will get me back on track if I get overwhelmed, or side-tracked in some way.
November 2018 • Business Masters Magazine
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