Tag Archives: choosing actions

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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Reality Check: Thank you; I accept your offer

Do you find it hard to accept gifts? If you fret about what other people think about you, accepting can be difficult. Gillian has money woes. She lost financial ground after a job loss and went into debt. Although she’s … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Lean for Life

You may choose to be pleasantly surprised when you see that the “lean” in this column has nothing to do with dieting! Rather, this “lean” refers to lean manufacturing, and it’s been around for decades. The goal is to reduce … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Mistake-Proofing for Relationships

Mistakes happen. When you make a mistake, you probably take some kind of action to try to correct it. But wouldn’t it be great if we could prevent mistakes from happening in the first place? Businesses that intend to survive … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Comparison in Action

Last time, I suggested that it can be helpful to compare oneself to oneself. This comparison can help you see more clearly whether you are, in fact, making progress toward your goals. The example I had chosen was that of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Impulse to Vent

Have you ever felt that frustration has control of you? That you can’t hold back; you have to let it out somehow? If so, how well has that “letting out” worked for you? Venting can feel really good at the … Continue reading

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Reality Check: When Your Body Speaks Out

Do you listen to your body? If you’ve ever had an aching back from lifting too much, a foggy brain from sleeping too little, or an upset stomach from eating unwisely, you know there are times when the body can’t … Continue reading

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