Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: Velcro or Teflon?

According to psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD, knowledge from neuroscience, positive psychology, and contemplative practices can be connected to help people develop greater contentment, resilience to stress, and peace of mind. In “Just One Thing,” (Hanson’s newsletter) he offers practical suggestions … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Battle of the Hummingbirds

If you have a hummingbird feeder, then you know the routine. A single hummingbird will sit on a perch and eat. But add another, and suddenly everybody is flitting around, hovering, staring, chasing, and squawking. More energy is spent bothering … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Choosing Your Restore Point

To counteract some of the computer problems that occasionally occur, there’s a handy little built-in mechanism that enables you to set or choose a “restore point.” Think of it as a way to do some backwards time- travelling. Something’s wrong? … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Joe’s New Job

Joe’s employment history could be described as “spotty.” It’s not that he can’t find work; Joe is able to get hired relatively easily. He’s articulate and presents himself in an interview as being pleasant and intelligent. However, Joe has developed … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Can I Ruin Your Vacation?

Just to be clear, I don’t want to ruin your vacation! Nor am I asking, “May I ruin your vacation?” as in, “Will you give me permission to ruin your vacation?” No, my question is, “Do I have the ability … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Elevator Problem

Regardless of your occupation or your life situation, you will always find some kind of problems. So, the ability to solve problems is a valuable skill to develop. An early step in most problem-solving processes is “define the problem.” Now, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Going My Way?

Are you stressed? Most of us feel stressed some of the time. Some feel stressed all of the time. One perception of stress is that it’s caused by things outside of us that we can’t control. Whether it’s our jobs, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Change–Like It or Not, Part 2

According to Rick Maurer, resistance to change occurs on several levels. Last column, I indicated that one level is intellectual—“I don’t understand it.” That resistance can be addressed by providing information and engaging in logical discussions. The second level of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Change–Like it or Not? Part 1

If you’re a person or group promoting a change that’s being met with opposition, it can be comforting to blame the opposition on the assertion “people don’t like change.” When you believe that you are facing resistance because other people … Continue reading

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Reality Check: I Heard a Story

I heard a story recently. Here’s how it goes: “When mom was admitted to the hospital, the nurse asked me to come in and show them how I handle mom’s feeding tube.” What was your first reaction to that statement? … Continue reading

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