Author Archives: RealityCheck

Reality Check: Purpose and Information

Nick has literally been handed his purpose in life and it certainly didn’t appear on a silver platter. No, his purpose rolled up in a stroller, in the form of his son Kyle. As suggested last column, Nick has mixed … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Purpose and Power

It’s easy to mistake the “power need” that’s identified in reality therapy for something negative. People who want to lead lives filled with good relationships might perceive that they have no need for power; that is, they don’t need or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Overcoming a longstanding upset

If you seek out self-development resources for inspiration, then you already know that gurus, teachers, and coaches suggest that it’s helpful to have a positive outlook. But what if that positivity eludes you? Tashia “knows” that anyone she meets is … Continue reading

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Reality Check: To Temper a Temper

Aren’t words fun? The phrase “to temper” means to calm, whereas a person who “has a temper” is angry. If you have a temper, do you have a choice? Or is your temper out of your control? Josie has a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Pride and Perceptions

Katie had set out in her pursuit of work with high expectations. After multiple rejections for lack of experience, she’d been recommended for a program to help her gain experience. It wasn’t glamorous, but she’d finally be working. At first, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: At the mercy of events?

Whether you are on the search for your first job or your fifteenth, during the job-hunt process, you’ll likely experience both encouraging and disheartening events. Those events can trigger feelings: excitement and optimism after a good interview; distress and discouragement … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Effective Living in a Material World

Karen, introduced last column, has bones to pick with society and its emphasis on materialism. At the drop of a hat (or shopping bag) Karen can launch into a tirade. Her theme: “We are bombarded with high pressure sales; credit … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Material World

Time and again, I hear folks say, “We are too materialistic; we buy too much; we throw too much away. We have too much debt, we have too much stress; we should stop living like this.” Does that sound familiar … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Possibilities and Potential

Lauren has a dream, and she’s talked about this dream for years. When she’s asked what she does, Lauren replies without hesitation: “My dream is to open a home for challenged youth.” People who know and love Lauren encourage her … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Virtue of Asking

Selflessness has genuine virtue. It’s wonderful to give of yourself for the benefit of others, with no expectation in return. Now consider this: Is there virtue in asking for what you want? Or does the very idea seem selfish to … Continue reading

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