When it comes to work, we usually think of two contexts: Working for yourself; and working for another. In reality, the proper motivation is to work for yourself at all times. The premise of work is that the activity is … Continue reading
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
Elusive “Closure”
“Closure” is a vague but popular concept. On the surface it means seeking a neat, painless ending–or hoping for the cool, detached perspective of time which cannot be rushed. Seeking closure usually doesn’t get you what you want. Closure is … Continue reading
Hostility to Criticism
People who can’t be criticized–and who react with great hostility at any hint of criticism–are revealing something important about themselves. They reveal that they don’t hold their convictions and viewpoints about various matters through carefully reasoned out, fact-based judgments. Instead, … Continue reading
Crisis of Confidence
A crisis of confidence is not so much a time to pause and reflect as it is a time to plan rational action–and to remind yourself of what have done well in the past. Low confidence isn’t so much an … Continue reading
The Number One Cause of Anxiety
Religion is probably the number one cause of anxiety. Think about what religion emphasizes: What you don’t have control over, and how you have to surrender your will, your mind, your “fate” to a higher power or other, often unnamed … Continue reading
Competition Is Not Motivation
It’s one thing to compete with others, and another to be inspired by them. It’s one thing to think: “She’s done this well. I have to do better.” It’s another to think: “She did that well. If she can do … Continue reading
How to Love
If you love someone, you love someone as they are. If you find them not yet ready for what you envision in a relationship, then so be it. If you can love him as he IS NOW, then the green … Continue reading
Can Do, Must Do
There’s a difference between a “can do” attitude and a “must do” attitude. The can do attitude is based on confidence, competence and realism blended with optimism. The must do attitude is based on anxiety, resentment and a false belief … Continue reading
Being Prepared
If it’s true that chance favors the prepared, then it’s equally true that preparation is everything. Preparation centers on your mind. You keep your mind working through lifelong thought. It’s never too late to start, but you have to maintain … Continue reading
Self Inflation
When we say someone has an “inflated” sense of himself, we’re really saying that he’s inaccurate. In other words, he sees himself as having virtues that he does not have; or, he sees himself as having more virtues than he … Continue reading
No?
There are countless ways to say NO. But NO is still NO. NO is the absence of yes. Keep this in mind when dealing with others. Many don’t want to say no; they’re not comfortable with it. They mean NO, … Continue reading
Parents: Control Isn’t Love
Living through your children is not the same as loving them. Living through your children means trying to control them, to set the course of their lives–all in the name of “doing what’s best” for them. It’s dishonest. It would … Continue reading