Someone once said everybody has a story but not all of them have a pen. Fortunately, Dr. Taryn Stejskal had one because she had a story to tell; the one that involved overcoming internal and external odds. She found her feet in the world after enduring two decades of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while remaining an undiagnosed dyslexic. However, the sense of worthlessness that gripped her soul was slowly turned to dust with resilience and a revivified sense of life. But she did not do this alone.
As a trained neuropsychologist with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Dr. Taryn frequently met people who survived accidents and traumas because of a strong inner structure of resilience. This resonated with her and she found her true calling. Dr. Taryn Stejskal unveils and shares more insights on her journey, career, and life as a celebrated executive and a recognized Marshall Goldsmith Top100 coach.
Adversity is the beginning of resilience
It’s possible that the worst situations we face get the best out of us, believes Dr. Taryn. She also adds, “There is a struggle in every good life. And then, there is life at the heart of every good struggle. Struggle, it seems, is life’s shadow, sometimes strong, other times less so. But it’s there.” Dr. Taryn uses the example of the Japanese Kintsukuroi tradition of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer which connotes that the ceramic is more beautiful for having been broken.
Chaos will have its way, so will resilience
Chaos exists right underneath the surface of life, shake but just a little and you’ll find yourself seized in its deviant grip, shares Dr. Taryn. Psychologist Carl Jung was among the first modern psychologists to understand the chaotic underpinnings of human nature. It’s at its worst when unrecognized. Unfortunately, most of us keep it tactfully hidden from ourselves. This, perhaps, more than anything, has created unnecessary problems in our minds. Dr. Taryn faced this untamed wildness at a concert where in the pit area, next to the stage, a group of men cornered her, and got aggressive. Where she could have folded, she was reminded of the countless women who endure harassment or even worse and don’t quit. “If they would stay the course, so would I! Resilience might be a good companion to have in tough situations,” added Dr. Taryn.
Reconcile contradicts with resilience
Dr. Taryn has come to believe that flexibility and intelligence go hand-in-hand. In her opinion, “While facing any trial, we often receive conflicting advice – stay the course and don’t be afraid to shift gears. However, resilient leaders can navigate through the polarity of this contradictory advice by understanding when to invest and when to exit.”
Dr. Taryn seems to be encouraging her clients and people in general to accept that life is suffering and full of contradictions. But at the same time, it’s also a rich firmament for resilience and intelligence to thrive and overcome the negative forces that co-exist with all of life.
Global executives as well as Hollywood actors, musicians, and influencers as the leading resilience coach to support them in reaching their most authentic, vibrant, and inspirational aspects of their creative voice, along with ensuring their sustainability in pursuing their craft. In particular, I have helped my A-List clients work through psychological barriers such as: creative blocks, imposter syndrome, low self-confidence, and self-sabotage. These clients have been drawn to me in light of my gentle approach, expertise in resilience, dual certifications in mental health, psychology, and executive coaching, as well as my commitment to confidentiality to support high profile people in becoming the very best of themselves.