Empower Learn Method
The Empower Learn Method is an approach we developed to support individuals who feel insecure when learning something new or making a change in life.. We combine our expertise in Positive Psychology, Coaching, Neuroscience, and over 20 years of experience working with people in education and the business sector to help individuals unlock their potential, build self-confidence, and make learning more effective and accessible.
Our method focuses on creating a positive and psychologically safe environment for classes, mentoring, or coaching sessions. We believe in openness and sharing, including our own experiences with self-doubt, to foster connection and trust. Before each session, we encourage participants to reflect on something positive about themselves, reinforcing confidence and setting the tone for a supportive learning experience.
The Science Behind It
The Role of Positive Psychology in Learning
Positive Psychology, founded by Dr Martin Seligman, emphasises the importance of strengths, optimism, and well-being in achieving success. His research highlights that people who focus on their strengths and keep a positive mindset are more resilient, motivated, and perform better in learning environments.
As Seligman states:
“Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can redirect your energy towards growth and learning.”
By incorporating Positive Psychology principles, the Empower Learn Method helps learners overcome self-doubt and fear of failure. When students feel supported and encouraged, their dopamine levels increase, enhancing motivation, focus, and memory retention.
The Neuroscience of Positive Self-Talk
From a neuroscientific perspective, our thoughts shape our brain’s responses. Positive self-talk reduces stress by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing serotonin and endorphins (the “happy chemicals”).
Studies show that self-affirmation can activate the brain’s reward system, improving self-regulation and emotional resilience. According to neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf, “What you think about the most grows. Your thoughts shape your reality, and positive self-talk rewires your brain for success.”
By encouraging self-affirmation before each session, we help learners:
• Reduce stress and anxiety, creating a state of readiness for learning
• Increase pain tolerance, helping them persist through challenges
• Strengthen their immune system, improving overall well-being
Growth Mindset: The Power of “Yet”
Dr Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset Theory states that our beliefs about learning influence our success. A fixed mindset sees challenges as failures, while a growth mindset views them as opportunities to improve.
Dweck explains:
“The power of yet – when you say ‘I can’t do this yet,’ you keep the door open for learning and progress.”
In the Empower Learn Method, we reinforce a growth mindset, helping learners replace self-doubt with empowering beliefs like:
• “I may not understand this yet, but I am capable of learning.”
• “Every mistake is an opportunity to grow.”
