The final reflection questions in the MindShifting Conflict and Collaboration course were:

1. How has this course affected the way you would commmunicate with others who oppose you, disagree with you, or otherwise might make you upset, anxious, or angry?
2. What will you take away from this course?

Here are three representative answers.

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From an Elementary teacher:

I feel that I am able to think more calmly in the moment and step back without getting so emotionally involved with the situation. I feel more “grown up” during the middle of a situation. I will be able to put my sage mind on and step out of my limbic self easier. I am going to try this in all of my life situations.

I would highly recommend this course. I learned so much from the presenters and the other teachers in the break out rooms. I already feel that this class is making a huge positive impact on my life both as a teacher and in my personal life. I am much more aware of my own responses and I am trying to be more of a problem solver and stay in my safe mind rather than my limbic mind. Even just knowing when I am moving from one to the other has given me more ownership of my own emotions and actions in daily life. Thank you! I am looking forward to taking more courses in Mind Shifting for Educators.

From a Special Education teacher:

One of the things I’ve realized is that reactions given to me are usually not personal, but are based off of the situations that someone else is going through (hurt people hurt people). Knowing that, and having a mindset of empathy, it’s easier to talk/work to someone who is upsetting me.

The ability to not only define sage mindset, but also to be able to identify how to use it in different conflicts I find myself in. I’m also able to think more critically when using the OODA loops, which has taught me to take a step back and comprehensively think about a situation before reacting (the Yes, And… strategy has also helped here).

From a High School teacher:

With these tools and strategies we discussed (and practiced), I think I’m more likely to approach conflict with a clearer, calmer, and more empathetic mindset. Instead of getting caught up in my emotions or reacting impulsively (a very limbic response), I’d focus on understanding the other person’s perspective and express my needs in a more constructive way.

I think getting into and/or breaking the cycle with a sage mind, and using motivational interviewing, will be my best applications. I think I can build on my personal traits and strategies that I have been using for many years with a sage mind and MI, as they seem to be very natural and intuitive for me.

One of the big takeaways from this course is the power of motivational interviewing, especially in terms of how it can be used to support and guide people through change, particularly when fear, anxiety, fight, freeze, etc., are happening. I don’t think I have done enough of looking at this situations in an empathetic view and the course woke me up to the limitation of mine.

If you’re interested, the next class, MindShifting: Flexible Mindsets for Long Term Success starts on April 22.

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About MindShifting with Mitch Weisburgh

MindShifting is transforming how individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential—whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or personal growth journeys. Developed by educator, author, and thought leader Mitch Weisburgh, MindShifting combines the latest insights from psychology, neuroscience, and practical experience to help people overcome barriers, shift mindsets, and achieve lasting results.

Through his writing, keynote talks, and engaging workshops, Mitch empowers educators, corporate teams, and life coaches to embrace new ways of thinking and problem-solving. His unique MindShifting framework provides practical tools for building resilience, resourcefulness, and collaborative skills that drive real-world change.

To continue your exploration of MindShifting, visit www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com.