Tag Archives: choosing actions

Reality Check: Another Route to Self-Esteem

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

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Reality Check: Bears, Breakdowns & Choice Theory

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

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Reality Check: You’re a Character!

When you hear someone say, “He (or she) is a character!” the implication is usually that the person is kind of…quirky. On the other hand, when someone shows a lot of character, the implication is that they’ve demonstrated strength in … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Work Hard, Be Nice, Keep Commitments

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

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

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

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Reality Check: Lessons from Puzzles

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

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Reality Check: Pigs, Cows, and Perceptions

A guy is driving down the road minding his own business. An oncoming car approaches; the woman driving rolls down the window and yells: “Pig!” Instantly the guy takes offense! How dare she call me a pig! I wasn’t doing … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Building a Happier Marriage

Fundamental to choice theory is its emphasis on our basic human need for love and belonging. One way we attempt to satisfy that need is through marriage. The idea of marriage is great. Two people publicly declare their love and … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Terminal Choice

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

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Reality Check: A Model of Motivation

I have some ambivalence about the positive thinking business. It is a business, after all, with books, articles, and motivational speakers. Much of our culture encourages positive thinking, and you’ve even seen suggestions here in this column. Positive thinking complements … Continue reading

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