Category Archives: Helping Others

Reality Check: The “En” and “Dis” of Courage

Posted on July 17, 2022 by RealityCheck

In Take Charge of Your Life, Dr. William Glasser lists seven relationship-building habits. One of those habits—encouragement—has popped up in these columns numerous times over the years. Notice how “en-courage” and “dis-courage” both involve “courage.” One increases courage; the other … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged discouragement, encouragement, offering information, perception, responsibility | Comments Off

Reality Check: What does it mean to be strong?

Posted on June 20, 2021 by RealityCheck

When people face difficulties, observations are often made about the strength of those who are suffering. It is admirable to be strong in the face of adversity. Strength is also beneficial for a helper who wants to support others through … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged choosing actions, helpful, perception, total behaviour | Comments Off

Reality Check: When We Recommend

Posted on May 9, 2021 by RealityCheck

Have you ever written a letter of recommendation? Some people, especially teachers, managers, or business and community group leaders, are often asked to write recommendations for people they know. If you are not involved in the world of formal, paid … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged choosing influences, encouragement, perception, work | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Encouragement of Youth

Posted on May 3, 2021 by RealityCheck

The recent passing of Prince Philip reminded me about the Duke of Edinburgh award, and that it’s important to encourage youth in positive directions. Encouragement—or a lack of encouragement—can make a significant difference for us, whether we are youthful or … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged confidence, encouragement, examining wants, happiness, persistence, responsibility | Comments Off

Reality Check: Providing Information

Posted on October 11, 2020 by RealityCheck

“Other people can neither make us miserable nor make us happy. All we can get from them or give to them is information.” At least, that’s what Dr. Wm. Glasser says in Choice Theory. We exchange all kinds of information. … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged helpful, learning, offering information | Comments Off

Reality Check: To Speak or to Avoid?

Posted on September 27, 2020 by RealityCheck

Illnesses, losses and tragedies happen. When you know someone who is experiencing a significant difficulty, it can be hard to know what to say. How do you react when you see that person coming down the sidewalk? Do you think, … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged anxiety, encouragement, helpful, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: When Kids Get Scared

Posted on June 21, 2020 by RealityCheck

Choice Theory and Reality Therapy has touched people all around the world. The pandemic has also touched people all over the world, mentally as well as physically. Understanding Choice Theory could be more helpful now than ever. In Australia some … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged anxiety, offering information, perception, worry | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Compassion of Listening

Posted on February 17, 2020 by RealityCheck

If you have an active imagination, you may have a conversation going on in your head right now while you’re reading this. Perhaps you are arguing with yourself over whether you should have said that thing you said to your … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged encouragement, helpful, improving relationships, offering information | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Helping Professions

Posted on August 17, 2019 by RealityCheck

Many people have a genuine wish to be helpful; that is, to take actions that are of service to others. Wanting to help is a fine aspiration. To be of service benefits both the helper and those who are helped. … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged choosing actions, helpful, reality, work | Comments Off

Reality Check: Greater Expectations

Posted on November 12, 2018 by RealityCheck

I’d caught the tail end of a conversation about math scores and a possible connection with the practice of moving students along in grade level regardless of whether they’ve mastered skills. It’s possible that I misunderstood. I’m sure what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged learning, need satisfaction, persistence, power | Comments Off