In my almost 40 years talking to people professionally, I have discovered that most people’s fears are not rational, i.e., not based on facts. Much of what we feel as fear is nothing more than avoidance just for the sake … Continue reading
A growing volume of research appears to indicate that self-esteem might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Studies have shown that many people – from valedictorians to low-achieving students and everyone in between – think quite highly of … Continue reading
A website visitor tells me about her friend who is divorced from a man who was somewhat abusive. Her friend enjoys being with her new boyfriend because he is kind to her. However, the reader’s friend confides in her that … Continue reading
In these days of political squabbles where everybody seems to have an opinion, the saying, “Let’s just agree to disagree” appears to be a reasonable statement. But by saying that, one is “agreeing” to disown, or renounce, what they believe. … Continue reading
The time has arrived for champagne, those little quiches, cocktail wieners, onion dip and lampshade hats. For those who go “all out” for the new year, these activities can sometimes result in pretty outlandish resolutions. It can be a challenge … Continue reading
In the comic strip “Peanuts,” Lucy van Pelt referred to the beginning of the new year as “post-Christmas letdown,” when you mourn for the gifts you wanted but didn’t get. Interestingly, it’s also around this time when I get questions … Continue reading
Around this time of year, so many people tell me how they find the gift-giving process stressful and/or downright unpleasant. (Not everybody does, mind you, but some definitely do.) There’s got to be a better way to enjoy Christmas! I … Continue reading
I have to admit that I’m a private person. Though I welcome the opportunity to interact personally with so many people, I also like quiet and a bit of solitude when the day is finished. I got to thinking about … Continue reading
You can set your watch by the time it takes for the holidays to appear and for people to start complaining about “greed” and “materialism”. It even comes up in my office, especially from parents. My answer is sometimes met … Continue reading
‘Tiz the season for some people to set their holiday expectations very high. Sometimes too high. The requirement for “comfort and joy” can sometimes set the stage for tension, particularly among family and couples. Clients often admit to me that … Continue reading
I have an acquaintance who owned successful businesses and employed people his entire life. He is now retired. In order to fill his spare time, he took a job working in a small specialty store. Money was not really a … Continue reading
Few things are more annoying than being nagged (except perhaps being accused of it). Nagging stems from the false belief that repetition creates motivation. It never does, and in fact, it lowers respect and reveals weakness by implying, “I have … Continue reading