I recently sat down with Marianne DeMello-Smith on her Message in the Middle Podcast, to record an episode that will publish in Mid-October.

Our conversation was so thorough, however, that rather than wait until it is live and write one blog post summarizing our entire conversation, I thought I would tackle it in a few separate posts, leading up to the podcast’s release.

So here is the first in a series of posts inspired by that great conversation…

First, we dove deep into the concept of resourcefulness.

Marianne opened the conversation by asking how I define resourcefulness—not just as a trait, but as a practical skill that can be developed. It was a great starting point, because resourcefulness is more than just making do with what you have; it’s about learning to access the most capable parts of your mind, especially under stress.

I explained to Marianne that we all have a duality in our brains. There’s the primitive side, which is always on the lookout for threats and defaults to fight, flight, or freeze. Then there’s the higher-order brain, where creativity, critical thinking, and connection live. The challenge is that when we’re stressed, our primitive brain tends to take over, shutting down the very faculties we need to solve problems and adapt.

At one point, Marianne reflected on how often people fall into habitual responses, especially when overwhelmed. She asked, “How can someone recognize when they’re stuck in that survival mode?” My response was that awareness is the first step. When you notice yourself reacting emotionally, repeating old patterns, or feeling like there’s only one way forward, that’s a signal your primitive brain is in charge. That’s the moment to pause and ask, “Am I reacting, or am I choosing?”

Marianne also shared her own experience leading teams, mentioning how easy it is to default to what’s familiar, especially under pressure. She wondered how leaders can encourage themselves and others to break out of those ruts. I suggested a few strategies that anyone can use:

• Pause and Breathe: When you feel triggered, take a few deep breaths. This interrupts the automatic reaction and gives your higher brain a chance to engage.
• Ask Better Questions: Shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What else could I try?” or “How might I see this differently?”
• Seek New Information: Challenge your assumptions by seeking out new perspectives—talk to someone with a different background, or read something outside your usual interests.
• Practice Creativity: Give yourself permission to brainstorm multiple solutions, even if some seem unconventional. The act of generating options itself can unlock resourcefulness.

Resourcefulness isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about cultivating the mindset and habits that allow you to find solutions, adapt, and thrive—even when circumstances are uncertain or challenging. It’s about recognizing that you have more tools at your disposal than you might think, and that your best thinking emerges when you learn to quiet the noise of fear and habit.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into these techniques that help you take control over your brain, so that it does not take control over you, out my book, MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging your Happiness and Success.

Stay tuned for more insights from my conversation with Marianne, where we explore resilience, complexity, collaboration, and reframing obstacles for growth.

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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.