Welcome to my positive psychology blog.
Your hub for science-backed articles to empower you to unlock your potential at work, and at home.
Dive into latest insights in positive psychology with a sprinkle of humour, a dash of optimism, and a very fresh perspective.
What Is Positive Mental Health? Positive mental health isn’t taught like maths or science. So, while some people figure it out as they go, for others it can turn into a lifelong struggle. Today I’ll help you unpack what positive mental health really is, why it’s harder than ever and…
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The 2025 edition of the World Happiness Report is out and I love it! It’s produced by the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. This year The World Happiness Report focuses on the theme of caring and sharing and their effects…
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As the holiday season arrives, life often picks up speed. With Christmas approaching, we find ourselves moving faster, juggling more, and prioritising everyone else. Yet, amidst the busy season, it’s easy to forget that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Think of yourself as a candle—burning brightly, offering warmth…
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In his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, Dacher Keltner delves into the profound impact of awe and its potential to shift our busy, stressed out lives. Whether you’re juggling professional responsibilities, managing a family, balancing multiple commitments, or all of…
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“I met Jodie at the suggestion of my employer, I’d lost motivation, was miserable to be around both at work and at home, and deep down I knew I wasn’t being the best “me” I could be.
The first session I had with Jodie was primarily me just sitting back and listening. There were lots of questions, time for reflection, and uncomfortable silence on occasion, but I was cautious and in hindsight I didn’t make it easy for Jodie. That evening I had time to think about what we talked about and it dawned on me that only I could make the changes I needed to make, and only if I wanted to change.
After that first session I did the homework, listened more intently, researched a little, and participated as best I could. Jodie was very insightful, and I learned a lot, mostly about myself. I learned to be in the moment, to value what’s important to me and use that as motivation to turn things around.
6 months later and I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I think I’m very close to being “me” again, even the family has noticed a big difference. I’m looking forward to the future and I’m indebted to Jodie for helping (challenging) me to find this path forward.”
Andrew Severn, Projects Manager. Peoplecare
“I loved Jodie’s presentation on positive psychology. It was completely interactive and engaging. I took away some great tips for a positive mindset and business, especially the importance of connecting with our customers.”
Carli Phillips, Solutions Specialist. Ethicon
“From a business perspective, I believe that if you’re not seeing a professional like Jodie, it’s not possible for you to be firing on all cylinders. After 10 years in the industry and 5 years in charge I was overwhelmed with the ongoing responsibilities that needed to be met on a daily basis. Having 16 staff members, controlling three different divisions was a consistent challenge of which my life was in total disarray. I had no balance in my life and it felt as though I was constantly chasing my tail.
Within two sessions, Jodie had me worked out. It was such a relief. I was delegating left, right and center and was able to focus predominantly on the areas of my business that needed me most. I have a 5 year plan and the company has grown by 20%. The ability to see the goals we put in place being met is incredible. Business is exciting as is the wonderful environment I have been able to create at work. More importantly, I am very happy from every perspective and this I give thanks to Jodie for ‘sorting me out’.”
Adam Martin, Manager & Owner. MMJ South
“Jodie’s presentation’s are uplifting, entertaining and enlightening. Her topics are refreshing, and should be shared with everyone at all levels of business from small operators to corporate! Jodie presented in a manner that is entertaining and educational and is able to get her message across to the entire audience. That’s a hard combination to achieve, but she does it with style and grace.
Jodie would be a huge asset to ANY group who is looking for an amazing, down to earth speaker. Jodie can capture her audience with your energy, conviction and the undeniable passion for her message. Your ability to connect to a variety of personalities, cultures, and ages is a true gift!”
Monique Field, Director. Business in Heels
“Jodie Cooper is amazing & I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. My positivity, drive and focus have increased and my business and family have received the benefits. Thank you!”
Jodi Thomson, Director. Designer Staging Solutions
“After 10 years owning and running a business it was time to freshen things up. My first and best move was to engage Jodie as a business and life coach. Over an initial 8 week period, Jodie provided down-to-earth psychological and emotional education and practical techniques to bring about change. I made a commitment to my myself to try these immediately at work and at home. Our company now has clearer goals, my team and I are achieving better business results, and we are happier doing it.
I also highly recommend Jodie’s Public Speaking course. In just one day our team went from zero to each presenting an engaging 5 minute talk. In my case, Jodie’s life coaching and public speaking training have given me the time and confidence to start performing stand up comedy, an ambition I had harbored since my teens.”
Dean Jackson, Owner and General Manager. Planet Footprint
“Thank you so much for delivering the Developing a Positive Culture workshop with my senior Managers group at Blayney Shire Council. The energy in the room was great and they all have said how productive the afternoon was learning more about themselves as leaders and their communication styles.
A positive and supporting culture in an organisation permeates from the top and you reinforced the message of why personal wellbeing is critical for leaders to manage and supervise a group of people in the workplace. We look forward to having you back again.”
Rebecca Ryan. General Manager, Blayney Shire Council
“Jodie helped me achieve a shift that I wasn’t sure was possible. In ten session I felt transformed. She has this special way of holding you and honouring who you are whilst empowering you to move to where you want to be. Jodie is a phenomenal human and an exceptional coach. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Jodie and would recommend her in a heartbeat.”
Jeanine Kaplan, Student Services. University of Wollongong
“I have had the pleasure of attending several executive coaching sessions and public speaking workshops with Jodie.
I am in awe of Jodie’s energy, positiveness, genuine and sincere support and understanding of the key issues that relate to the individual.
I strongly recommend Jodie’s executive coaching skills, advice, skills and current knowledge to those who want a competitive edge.”
Karen Gardner. TAFE NSW
Jodie spoke at our recent Annual Staff Update Sessions on the topic of wellbeing and positive mindsets. Jodie’s presentation was engaging, positive and very real to life. We received numerous positive comments regarding Jodie’s presentation that kept staff engaged while providing tools that can be applied to their personal and professional lives.
Annette Martin, Group Employment Relations Manager. Mounties Group
“Your Public Speaking course helped me to structure my speech really well. Everyone was laughing at the first line, which was my intention and made me feel at ease. I got them hook line and sinker! NO NOTES OR ANYTHING!! WOW! I felt so good!!”
Shaz Harrison-Shaw, CEO. Need-a-feed
“I learnt so much from your presentation and have taken many of the tips on board. The presentation was just amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the style of presentation, which was very relaxed, informative and in a comfortable space.”
Alfred Chidembo. Ph. D. Founder. Aussie Books For Zim
“I had the opportunity to engage Jodie Cooper to fundamentally improve my approach to business success through executive coaching. Jodie’s clear, honest and tailored executive program has seen a shift in my ability to be a sales leader, develop more meaningful stakeholder relationships – and ultimately focus on growth drivers for business and personal success.”
Matthew Becker, National Business Manager. Coca-Cola Amatil
“We have engaged Jodie on two occasions to speak at our events which are attended by small business owners. Jodie is a delight to work with and delivers engaging, relevant and inspiring content. The feedback from our audiences has always been positive and she certainly draws the numbers for attendance. I would recommend utilizing Jodie’s skills, knowledge and excellent delivery.”
Kerrie Elliott. Small Biz Connect
“Having recently participated in the Public Speaking Workshop at UOW, it gave me an introduction to the skills and the courage to put what I learnt into practice with opportunities to speak in front of two audiences so far. Jodie’s sound knowledge and her personality were so beneficial to me and how I participated.”
Debbie Critcher, Student Services Officer. University of Wollongong
“Jodie spent time with our corporate services team helping us to develop a wellbeing framework and reinforcing the importance of embracing positive emotions in the workplace. Jodie’s delivery style is personal and engaging and has inspired the team to continue with the many techniques and practices explored during her work with us.”
Steven Testa, Assistant Director of Finance, Facilities & Planning. Catholic Education Office Wollongong
“Thanks for sharing your presentation Breaking The Cycle Of Stress recently, it was one of the most practical and easy to understand sessions on this topic I have ever attended!
It’s great to have the information to understand why we get stressed in the first place and some practical exercises we can use straight away to help manage stress. Highly recommend!”
Sam Bailey, Risk & Safety Officer. Meander Valley Council
“I’m so pleased that I decided to work with Jodie. Initially I was focused on building my professional capacity but Jodie’s mentoring has positively influenced so many aspects of my life. The skills and knowledge that I’ve developed have allowed me to successfully achieve my professional goals, though importantly build a strong foundation to be a more resilient and nurturing parent, friend and person. I can’t thank Jodie enough for her awesome inspiration and support.”
Andrew Williams, Senior Coasts and Estuaries Officer. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
“Jodie has a very relatable style, and the workshop was fun and practical. Jodie is generous with her knowledge & I love all the different activities over the two days. Exceeded expectations big time!”
UOW Speaking with Confidence Participant
“I have been in business for 39 years and had this thought in my head “What could Jodie possibly teach me? She is so young.” Well I was pleasantly surprised. Jodie not only helped me with my business but also in my personal life. Jodie helped me to understand and handle myself and my relationships better.
I achieve so much more in a day with the simple but effective tools that Jodie has given me. I can now face my fears and just do it. I am so much more organised I have more time and my life is more balanced.
The sessions with Jodie more than met with my expectations and I now have a completely different opinion on Business and Life coaching than I did before. Thank you Jodie Cooper!”
Maralyn Young, Managing Director. Casa Mia
