Personal responsibility and mental health are closely interconnected. You don’t have one without the other. Case in point: The false, but widely held, notion that other people can “make” you feel a certain way. Not true! When you feel a … Continue reading
The overriding goal of psychotherapy, and mental health more generally, is thought to be: Feeling good. In the realm of self-esteem, the goal is thought to be: Feeling good about yourself. In the realm of emotions and depression, the goal … Continue reading
Money may not buy happiness, but money buys choices. And having choices contributes greatly to happiness.
Don’t give mistakes more power than they deserve. Usually, if you’re conscientious, you don’t make major mistakes. When you do, learn from them. Learn from them, but don’t dwell on them. Dwelling on them won’t change them and won’t make … Continue reading
Don’t be too bogged down by bad, harsh or aggressive, nasty people. They’re weak. They don’t have much influence in the world, at least not the kind that’s of any use. They put others down, but they don’t create or … Continue reading
Q: I know you wrote that shame isn’t productive, but I still have a problem with shame. I tend to dwell on regrets over my mistakes. How can I stop this? A: People make mistakes and the important thing is … Continue reading
Networking is part of successful business. There are basically three types of networking. One is to do good work, and let satisfied customers speak for themselves. Another type of networking is to make sure people know about your good work. … Continue reading
If you were buying a television, a house or an automobile, you wouldn’t deliberately buy one you knew didn’t meet your needs on the reasoning that, “Once I own it, it will change.” If appliances don’t change upon purchase, why … Continue reading
The following are based on a review of the research and the experiences of many people I have encountered over the years: Get up at the same time every day. Wake up by the clock. That should be within one … Continue reading
Toxic people are people who are bright and articulate — but deeply wrong. They invite you to think less of yourself, to question yourself for no particular reason. A toxic person does not say, “I don’t follow your reasoning” and … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I feel conflicted about my loneliness, because sometimes I think the people around me, who are seemingly rejecting me, are not worth knowing anyway. On the one hand, I want to know more people and feel less … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I have heroes I admire, and I try to live up to the standards of those heroes. But sometimes I make mistakes and I’m disappointed in myself for not living up to my standards. I also become … Continue reading