Neill Dunwoody is a passionate professional who thrives on innovation and collaboration. He is the founder of Spryt, Chief Talent Strategist, and Head of Ireland with Tribes.
If there’s one thing I’ve realized, it’s that my brain is like a chaotic group chat I can’t leave. The notifications? Endless. The conversations? Pure nonsense. The moderator? Suspiciously absent. And yet, this is the place where I spend most of my life. So, I figured, why not redecorate and turn it into a place I actually enjoy?
Welcome to your mental Airbnb
Imagine your mind is a house. Now, ask yourself, would you book a weekend stay here? Or would you scroll past that listing like it’s a windowless basement with bad vibes? If your inner dialogue sounds like a passive-aggressive Yelp review, it’s time for some renovations.
Declutter the junk thoughts (because hoarding is so 2009)
Just like you wouldn’t keep an expired can of beans in your pantry (or at least, I hope you wouldn’t), stop holding onto expired thoughts that no longer serve you. “I failed once, so I’ll fail again.” Toss it. “Everyone secretly thinks I’m awkward.” Delete it. “What if I embarrass myself?” You already have. Move on.
Install some mental mood lighting
Nobody wants to live in a dimly lit, creepy mental dungeon. It’s time to brighten things up! Try hyping yourself up like you would a friend:
“You look great today. No, really. Model status.”
“You’re handling this like an absolute champ.”
“Are you a genius? Because that was an incredible idea.”
Trust me, self-talk is like interior design: add some good lighting, and suddenly, everything looks better.
Kick out the unwanted roommates
Your brain is prime real estate, and yet somehow, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the ghost of embarrassing moments past are all squatting rent-free. Time for an eviction. Next time your inner critic tries to pipe up, just picture them getting thrown out like a bad reality show contestant. “You are not getting a rose. Goodbye.”
Upgrade to a five-star mental stay
Here’s the deal: You’re stuck with yourself for life, so you might as well be good company. Would you rather live in a hostile, stress-filled mess or a cozy, welcoming retreat? Start treating your mind like a VIP:
Keep the playlist fresh: Play your favorite feel-good music, even if it’s embarrassing.
Stock up on good snacks: No, really. A well-fed brain is a happy brain.
Let some fresh air in: Talk to people who lift you up, not ones who make you want to throw your phone in a lake.
Final thought: Be your own favorite guest
At the end of the day, your mind is where you live. So why not make it a place that’s comfortable, hilarious, and occasionally stocked with mental snacks? The world is stressful enough; at least let your thoughts be a safe, entertaining space. And if all else fails, just remember: You’re the landlord of this brain. If something’s not working, renovate it.
Read more from Neill Dunwoody
Neill Dunwoody, Founder and Talent Strategist
As the co-founder and COO of Spryt and Chief Talent Strategist and Director at Tribes, I lead two disruptive startups transforming healthcare and tech talent and digital transformation. Spryt's AI receptionist, ASA, reduces patient no-shows by offering 24/7 appointment management via messaging platforms like WhatsApp, increasing patient engagement by 160%. Tribes connect businesses with prequalified tech talent and run an award-winning digital studio. I also advise Manna, Prommt, and HR Duo, working on cutting-edge drone delivery, payments, and AI-driven HR solutions. A HIMSS Pitchfest winner, I use my 812k TikTok and 426k Instagram followers to advocate for innovation. My focus remains on building companies that solve real problems.
