Category Archives: Choosing Behaviour

Reality Check: Demonstrations of Love

Posted on October 23, 2016 by RealityCheck

Dr. Wm. Glasser says that all humans need love and belonging. Some people need a lot; others not so much, but everybody has this genetic need. We have other genetic needs too, but for now, we’ll just look at love. … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged basic needs, choosing actions, improving relationships | Comments Off

Reality Check: Another Route to Self-Esteem

Posted on October 16, 2016 by RealityCheck

Last posting, I recounted Brady’s story. Brady’s high self-esteem as a youngster came crashing down in adulthood when he encountered a boss who didn’t interpret awesomeness as just showing up. The profuse praise Brady was accustomed to receiving for minimal … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged choosing actions, confidence, motivation, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: Routes to Self-Esteem

Posted on October 9, 2016 by RealityCheck

Is self-esteem a double-edged sword? Too little self-esteem? You can find yourself living an unsatisfying life with little confidence. You may treat yourself as if you have low value or worth. Others may take your behaviour as a cue, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged confidence, offering information, perception, work | Comments Off

Reality Check: Bears, Breakdowns & Choice Theory

Posted on October 2, 2016 by RealityCheck

The anecdotes and characters in my columns are usually composite characters and fictionalized situations. However, occasionally, I do write about an actual situation or person (after asking permission, of course.) Such is the case for this column, where the behaviour … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged blame, choosing actions, choosing thoughts, gratitude, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Work Hard, Be Nice, Keep Commitments

Posted on September 12, 2016 by RealityCheck

Work Hard; Be Nice; Keep Commitments. Is that bossy? How about: Do you want a life filled with choice and opportunity? The Knowledge IS Power Program (KIPP) schools in the US serve students in educationally underserved communities. The goal: “college … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged choosing actions, internal & external control, work | Comments Off

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

Posted on July 10, 2016 by RealityCheck

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 →

Posted in Making a Change | Tagged examining options, examining wants, motivation, perception, win-win | Comments Off

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

Posted on July 3, 2016 by RealityCheck

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 →

Posted in Making a Change | Tagged choosing actions, frustration, offering information, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: Lessons from Puzzles

Posted on June 12, 2016 by RealityCheck

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 | Comments Off

Reality Check: OPAAT

Posted on May 15, 2016 by RealityCheck

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 | Comments Off

Reality Check: Terminal Choice

Posted on March 20, 2016 by RealityCheck

Some choices have longer-lasting consequences than others. The choice of a career, schooling, or home has consequences. The choice of a spouse can have life-changing consequences. Even choices that may seem trivial at the time, such as whether to choose … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged choosing actions, making choices, offering information | Comments Off