Tag Archives: basic needs

Reality Check: Staying Alive

Posted on July 14, 2026 by RealityCheck

Have you ever taken a CPR course? Or maybe you can recall music from the ‘70s? If so, I imagine that the words, “Staying Alive” bring a little tune to mind. Feel free to hum along as you read. Staying … Continue reading →

Posted in Needs | Tagged basic needs, conflict, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: Love and Belonging

Posted on July 6, 2026 by RealityCheck

According to Choice Theory, we have basic needs, and much of what we do is an attempt to satisfy those needs. Some actions are effective; others not so much. Most of the time, we likely don’t think of needs as … Continue reading →

Posted in Belonging | Tagged basic needs, improving relationships, need satisfaction | Comments Off

Reality Check: Positive Power

Posted on June 29, 2026 by RealityCheck

The Choice Theory approach to human behaviour includes the idea that we have basic needs. There are just five of those needs, and in recent columns I’ve explored two: freedom and fun. This time, I’ll take a look at another … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Are We Having Fun Yet?

Posted on June 22, 2026 by RealityCheck

When was the last time you said, “That was fun!” Not sarcastically, but with genuine appreciation for time spent laughing. Was it today? Yesterday? Last week? Or maybe you have some vague memories of fun times when you were a … Continue reading →

Posted in Fun | Tagged basic needs, choosing actions, examining wants, fun, happiness | Comments Off

Reality Check: What Does Freedom Mean To You?

Posted on June 19, 2026 by RealityCheck

“How do you want your life to be?” In these columns, I’ve chosen to use the structure of basic needs as outlined in Choice Theory to help us answer that question. We’ll start by taking a look at our basic … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: Could Organizing Your Wants Change Your Life?

Posted on June 12, 2026 by RealityCheck

I have an important question for you and it’s only four words long: “What do you want?” Perhaps you can easily produce a detailed list of exactly what things you want, what people you want in your life, what values … Continue reading →

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Reality Check: What is a Positive Action?

Posted on May 18, 2026 by RealityCheck

If you decide to follow through with Dr. Bob Wubbolding’s steps in, “A Set of Directions for Putting and Keeping Yourself Together,” then you may have already made some progress! First, you’ll have assessed your current reality. That is, you’ve … Continue reading →

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

Reality Check: A Little Encouragement; Big Results

Posted on April 20, 2026 by RealityCheck

We can get news from all over the world. Some good; some awful. Along with current events, we also get information about what others are doing. That news often includes their notable accomplishments and tremendous success. Like so much of … Continue reading →

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

Reality Check: A Fresh Start

Posted on October 24, 2025 by RealityCheck

Autumn mornings are the best in my opinion. The air is fresh, the sun shines; it’s a new day. It could get us thinking that “each day is a fresh start.” Put our past troubles and trials aside; we’re starting … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged basic needs, choosing actions, choosing thoughts, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Wisdom of the Second Look

Posted on October 13, 2025 by RealityCheck

When we cross a busy street, we look both ways to make sure the coast is clear. It’s often prudent to take a second look before we set out, as we might overlook a potential threat the first time. If … Continue reading →

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