Category Archives: Choosing Behaviour

Reality check: Forgetfulness Choices

Posted on September 21, 2014 by RealityCheck

When we met to catch up, my friend realized that she had forgotten to bring her pictures. Discussing those pictures was the main reason for our get-together. But we didn’t have them and it wasn’t practical to go get them. … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Worried about becoming my dad (or mom) syndrome?

Posted on September 14, 2014 by RealityCheck

It seems that marketers will do anything to convince us that their product is the one for us. (Sounds like I’m choosing skepticism, eh?) Just for fun, picture this as your problem: You’re trying to market a product to young … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Fluffy, Revisited

Posted on August 31, 2014 by RealityCheck

A few posts ago, I presented this classic quandary: Is it appropriate to deceive someone if you believe the deception is kinder than the truth? Here’s the scenario: Maria’s beloved cat, Fluffy, went missing. Maria responded to the reality of … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Truth or Kindness?

Posted on August 3, 2014 by RealityCheck

Here’s a quandary for you. Martin and Maria are happily married and devoted to each other. Maria has a cat, Fluffy. Fluffy was Maria’s mother’s companion, and since Maria’s mom passed away, Fluffy has become even more precious to Maria. … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: More Choice Language

Posted on July 27, 2014 by RealityCheck

The language we use can both reflect and shape our attitudes. While “choice language” usually refers to something a little spicier, in this column, choice language refers to words and phrases that reflect our choices and our areas of control. … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: The Words of Choice

Posted on July 20, 2014 by RealityCheck

Although we humans do a lot of talking (and occasionally listening), it can still be difficult to understand each other. Even the words we use with ourselves—our internal dialog—can shape how we understand our lives. Do we believe that we … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Remembering the “Why” of To-do

Posted on July 13, 2014 by RealityCheck

It’s a beautiful day. You, however, have to go to work. And mow the lawn. And take the kids to practice, the cat to the vet, and visit the in-laws. Does it seem that your to-do list goes on and … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: So, you’re angry. Who’s in charge?

Posted on June 15, 2014 by RealityCheck

Anger, like many negative emotions, can ruin your whole day, eh? Depending on the severity, anger can leave a bad taste for weeks, months, or even a whole lifetime. It may be tempting to believe that we can’t control our … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Entertaining Options

Posted on June 8, 2014 by RealityCheck

Are there actions in your life that you do mindlessly? For example, when you sit down to watch TV, do you choose the program? Or do you sit in front of whatever happens to be on, perhaps complaining (verbally or … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: The Offer of Information

Posted on June 1, 2014 by RealityCheck

A choice theory premise is that we can’t control other people; however, we can offer information. Someone who accepts information might learn a new fact, be persuaded to make a decision, or be influenced to act differently. Fundamentally, though, what … Continue reading →

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