We recently connected with Michael Mantell, Ph.D. and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

They were ultimately supportive, encouraging and caring. They taught me how to think rationally, kindly and respectfully towards others and myself.

Michael , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Right after graduating the University of Pennsylvania with my Ph.D., I was offered a position in child mental health in Philadelphia. We decided to take a trip to San Diego to visit with cousins, and that decision was life-changing.
One evening, we went for dinner and while standing in line to get a table, I heard someone behind us use the word, “psychology.” I turned around, again a life-changing move, and asked, “I heard you mention psychology. I just completed my Ph.D. in psychology and wonder what you were referring to?”
He said he was commenting on a job opening on the faculty at UCSD Medical School and Chief Psychologist at Children’s Hospital. My wife was holding my hand and squeezed it so tight, I think she broke some bones!
Next thing I knew, I was being interviewed by the head of the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD and the Chief Psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital. This was right before Labor Day, 1976. When we returned home to Philadelphia, we did not know if I was offered this position. I contacted the position I was to start in Philadelphia and asked for a bit of a delay in my starting. Shortly after Labor day, I received a call from San Diego Children’s Hospital and was offered the position. WOW! I called the job in Philadelphia and told them I was going to have to turn it down and fortunately they fully understood.
The rest is history…a 50 year history anchored in hearing the word “psychology” and choosing to turn around and pay attention.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 1988, I wrote the book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff PS: It’s All Small Stuff.” It was unique, original and received accolades from Albert Ellis, Ph.D. the founder of the gold standard in psychotherapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. All was good until 1994 when another author came out with “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff AND It’s All Small Stuff.” That author’s photo in a British publication of him lying on a hammock with dollar bills covering him, did not impress many.
After investing so much time, creativity, and emotion into that title and book, the first of my four, the disappointment was significant. Instead of giving up, I adapted, refocused on the value of the work itself rather than its name, and found a new path forward. That experience taught me that setbacks are opportunities to grow stronger, become more flexible, and to continue pursuing goals with determination and confidence.
That’s exactly what I did. “Hey didn’t you write that very successful ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ “Why yes I did” The many speaking opportunities, writing invitations, mentoring opportunities all came my way and led to my next book, “Violence in the Workplace.” Someone then tried to sell the idea that he wrote that book, but my resilience simply helped me move forward to my next book, “The Link is What You Think.” Indeed, when it comes to resilience, that’s what it comes down to, the way we think.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would choose no other field and profession. My media work, as a Board member of SAG/AFTRA, author, psychologist, speaker, all fulfill my dreams from my teen years to today. I still have not fully retired. I’ve brought my passion for helping people disturb themselves less, into leading creative ventures into Police Psychology, Fitness Psychology, Doctor-Patient Relationship enhancement, media psychology, etc.
I would choose the same profession and specialty again because it aligns with my strengths, values, and passion for meaningful work. Even when I faced challenges, such as many copying my forward steps, I remained committed to my goals. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of focusing on the substance of my work rather than temporary setbacks. The rewards of helping others, continuing to learn, and making a positive impact have consistently reaffirmed that I chose the right path. Each challenge has strengthened my dedication to the profession and deepened my appreciation for the opportunities it provides.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Michaelmantell.com
• Other: drmantell@me.com

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