Blame and shame are not reasonable, healthy motivators. People will sometimes try to motivate you via shaming and blaming. Sadly, these methods are such a part of daily life that most of us take them for granted and tolerate them … Continue reading
We hear a lot about the “entitlement mentality” in politics and government. But probing deeper, what does a sense of entitlement actually mean? To be entitled to something means to feel or believe that you deserve it. A sense of … Continue reading
Recently, I posted a Peanuts cartoon that said: “Worrying won’t stop the bad stuff from happening…it just stops you from enjoying the good.” I found the comments, in reply to the post, quite interesting. One comment: “Agreed, but easier said … Continue reading
Watch out with people who claim, “No judgments! I never judge!” This can mean only one of two things. Either they’re lying; or they mean what they say, and they judge through their emotions. You have to understand what emotions … Continue reading
Occasionally, when somebody does not have a response to a point I make, they reply by saying, “You’re making a straw man argument.” For example, “Socialists do not wish to coerce or force people to do anything. It’s a straw … Continue reading
Can meditation eradicate racial prejudice? Are Shirley MacLaine and Mark Zuckerberg right, that mind-altering calmness and unconditional, unthinking love could bring about world peace and knock the terrorists flat? New research has supposedly found that just seven minutes of loving-kindness … Continue reading
Avoidance of risk is a major cause of personal problems.We hear a lot of talk about depression. What is depression? A lack of energy, motivation or purpose. What kills purpose? Very often, a habitual tendency to avoid risks. There’s actually … Continue reading
From a reader: Your article (on Donald Trump) was interesting to me, but not because it had anything to do with politics. Instead, I saw it as being applicable to relationships of all kinds, and perhaps particularly, to close personal … Continue reading
A DrHurd.com reader writes: I totally agree with your view that alcoholism is not a disease. In January 2009 I had my doctor enter me into hospital rehab for a week for my alcoholism. I have been in and out … Continue reading
“Do you crave Facebook likes?” asks Martin Graff, Ph.D., in a recent article and study. ‘The attention I get from social media is important to me’, ‘I consider someone to be popular based on the amount of likes they get … Continue reading
Hi Dr. Hurd, I have a “reader question” for you. I work as a mental health clinician in a school-based setting, and over the past couple of years, I’ve seen the term “executive functioning” thrown around quite a bit. However, … Continue reading
When you want somebody to do something for you, you’re COUNTING on their self-interest, whether you know it, or think so, or not. Just the other day, a man approached me and acted like he was entitled to a session … Continue reading