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articles and observations inspired by the work of Dr. William GlasserCategories
Author Archives: RealityCheck
Reality Check: Making Your Meaning
Sir Christopher Wren, architect and cathedral-designer, is associated with a story of three bricklayers. A cathedral was under construction, and three bricklayers were asked, “What are you doing?” The guy who was crouched over answered, “I’m working.” The guy who … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Perspective
Tagged choosing thoughts, comparing with others, motivation, work
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Reality Check: Lessons from Puzzles
You might recognize the name Will Shortz if you are a puzzle enthusiast. Mr. Shortz is the New York Times Crossword Puzzle editor and he knows a thing or two about puzzles. Life can sometimes seem like a puzzle. When … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Behaviour
Tagged choosing actions, choosing influences, choosing thoughts
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Reality Check: Wisdom from Whys
The “5 Whys” is a technique that’s sometimes used in workplaces to analyze and solve problems. We use 5 Whys because it can help us figure out the “the root cause” of a problem. The root cause is like the … Continue reading
Posted in Develop Understanding
Tagged examining wants, internal & external control, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: The Little Red Hens
Do you visualize how things should be? For example, do you picture how kids should act? What your spouse should do? How friends should behave? Perhaps you have bigger pictures, such as how the county should progress, how the country … Continue reading
Posted in Control and Choice
Tagged conflict, improving relationships, internal & external control
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Reality Check: Pigs, Cows, and Perceptions
A guy is driving down the road minding his own business. An oncoming car approaches; the woman driving rolls down the window and yells: “Pig!” Instantly the guy takes offense! How dare she call me a pig! I wasn’t doing … Continue reading
Posted in Choosing Perspective
Tagged choosing actions, conflict, perception
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Reality Check: OPAAT
One Person At A Time: OPAAT. Haven’t seen that acronym before? No surprise; I made it up—with a purpose! It reminds me of what I am able to do. News, opinions, and commentaries often point out systemic problems—big wrongs (or … Continue reading
Posted in Making a Change
Tagged confidence, discouragement, offering information, power
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Reality Check: A Step in the “Take Charge” Direction
The word “crisis” conveys a sense of urgency and it’s sometimes associated with the mental health system, accompanied by commentary that there aren’t enough resources and things are getting worse. Perhaps that’s true; perhaps it’s not. Allocation of resources will … Continue reading
Posted in Personal Freedom
Tagged improving relationships, offering information, unhappiness
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Reality Check: Tell Yourself a Story
Are you a storyteller? Do you like to tell a tale to a group? Do you enjoy entertaining your friends with anecdotes or creating stories for your grandkids? If you don’t, you may not think of yourself as a storyteller. … Continue reading
Posted in Perception & Reality
Tagged choosing thoughts, perception, self-evaluation
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Reality Check: The Reluctant Leader
In a workplace, folks sometimes find themselves “promoted” into a position they’d really rather not have, but perceive that they have no choice but to accept. Shelly has been appointed the informal leader of her team. At the time, it … Continue reading
Posted in Workplace
Tagged improving relationships, motivation, power
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Reality Check: Relationships and the Power Need
Last time, I suggested that a marriage where both people have a high need for power and low need for love and belonging may present challenges. However, that doesn’t mean that such a couple is doomed to a life of … Continue reading
Posted in Relationships
Tagged blame, examining wants, improving relationships, need satisfaction
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