‘Inside Out’ in the Workplace

This past weekend, we saw Pixar’s mega hit (just passed $1B at the box office), Inside Out 2, with our seven and nine year old grandkids. They already have a pretty good idea about the story from friends at school. They understand that “anxiety” makes a big cameo appearance, and comprehend the importance of this emotion in their own lives and those around them.

To refresh ourselves, we all watched the original Inside Out. It conjured up all the insights from Pixar’s portrayal of sadness, joy, anger and other emotions. We could all empathize with what then 11-year-old Riley, the central character, was going through. It was gratifying to have an open convo about emotional connection. Our grandchildren, like most, have heightened levels of self awareness and language skills to capture the essence of narrative.

Interestingly, a large number of adults of all ages are showing up for Inside Out 2 in theaters. Curious as to why? Note the following from a film critic:

“I didn’t have a word for my anxiety when I was younger, and wasn’t diagnosed with an anxiety disorder until my 20s. So in watching ‘Inside Out 2,’ I wondered whether the film was speaking chiefly to an older demographic — teens and adults who have already found themselves trapped in anxiety’s domain, who have experienced adulthood as a time given more to worry than to joy.

Perhaps ‘Inside Out 2’ is providing children with a peek into the future, not as a prophecy of doom but as a route to understanding an emotion that has become more recognizable and prevalent in people of all ages.

Maybe the upshot is that when young ‘Inside Out’ fans inevitably become caught in one of those brutal storms of anxious thoughts, they can then summon a clear image of the chaos of their mind, as though it’s a bright, colorful Pixar film. Maybe then they can recognize that orange bearer of dreadful tidings and gently guide her to a seat.”

Thank you, Pixar. As I travel through all parts of the world of work, anxiety has taken a front row seat in the matter of mental wellness. Many have suffered and continue to struggle with anxiety, without even being able to adequately recognize it, let alone “name it,” or learn how to manage it constructively.

We have a long path forward in finding constructive ways of countering unhealthy anxiety in all parts of our lives. And unfortunately, current research suggests that an emerging generation of kids into the workplace have been brought up by unhealthy screen time and helicopter parents. Some psychologists believe anxiety driven issues are an epidemic requiring serious attention.

Anxiety has its place, as do all the emotions. Together, we can help identify, embrace and put those feelings to work, mostly in our favor. And making more space for joy and compassion are vital nutrients for our emotional garden. Go see the Pixar movie.

And to our character, Anxiety - take a seat when you’re becoming a bully!

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: It’s actually easy to get a little anxious when contemplating how to address anxiety, especially involving young people. Why is anxiety so prevalent? Are we mostly self-diagnosing this issue? If you’re concerned about something, maybe that’s healthy? Surely it’s better than being numb? Is the solution always a pill with questionable side effects? I have no idea, but I think I’ll go see that Horizon movie, because it needs the box office help, and while Inside Out 2 features anxiety, one thing it’s not worried about is its earnings.

- Garrett

‘Inside Out’ in the Workplace

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