Doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results — this is a symptom of insanity, but not its definition. The symptom comes from a lack of objectivity about oneself and one’s actions. When you see what … Continue reading
People who are hypersensitive to criticism are often people-pleasers. For example, they hold the irrational belief, in the form of an unstated emotion: “Everyone must like me at all times.” Because of this false belief, held subconsciously and emotionally, they … Continue reading
People who accomplish something significant are single-minded about it. You can’t be single-minded about multiple things; it’s a contradiction in terms. You have to decide what your passion is and pursue it with relentless vigor, at least if you want … Continue reading
You’re not responsible for what someone tells you to do — but you are responsible if you chose to listen. If someone is wrong, the error is their own, but your own error lies in that you listened to them. … Continue reading
You can’t simply hit “delete,” as with a computer file or an email, on an unpleasant memory or emotional experience. However, you can open new files. You can put whatever you want into those new files and — since you … Continue reading
Behavioral therapies can be seductive, especially to parents who want a quick fix for a difficult child. The danger of behavioral therapy, however, lies in its failure to recognize the importance of the mind, even in a young child. Granted, … Continue reading
Most people form their opinions based on the conclusions of at least one, and usually two or more significant people. It’s as if someone else holding a viewpoint makes it valid or real, but until you find a person holding … Continue reading
Take your dreams seriously. This means taking some action on your dream, almost every day. If your dream is capable of being realized, then you’ll see the progress that springs from action. If your dream is not possible to actualize, … Continue reading
Competition can absolutely be rational. I applaud the value of team sports, both for players and spectators. It’s an optional value, but definitely an objective value in life. People can compete for unhealthy or healthy reasons. You won’t likely know … Continue reading
One form of “magical thinking” is the false belief that someone can “be stopped” from a self-destructive or self-defeating course. The magical thinking starts with the belief, “I should be able to stop him/her.” What follows is, “If I cannot … Continue reading
In less enlightened times, people assumed that mental and emotional distress — severe anxiety and depression, for example — had no cause, other than maybe supernatural. Today, it’s assumed that these are totally caused by brain chemistry. But has it … Continue reading
Sometimes people rewrite history. They do so after the end of a marriage, romantic relationship or friendship. Rewriting history, in the sense I’m talking about, means altering the facts to suit your new conclusions. It means leaving your own errors … Continue reading