Tag Archives: comparing with others

Reality Check: To Make a Difference

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Suuze

We’re in to a New Year! But before we leave Christmas 2020 behind, let’s remember the classic Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s an oldie, yet the message is still worthwhile. George Bailey gets to see the difference he … Continue reading →

Posted in Satisfaction | Tagged "should", choosing actions, choosing influences, choosing thoughts, comparing with others, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: A Strength of Less-Social Folks

Posted on November 22, 2020 by Suuze

Do you ever deliberately seek out information that you think you’ll disagree with? If so, why? One reason could be curiosity: to see what “the other side” is thinking. Another reason could be to try to reduce the effect of … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged choosing thoughts, comparing with others, responsibility | Comments Off

Reality Check: Choosing Your Advisors

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Suuze

Whether we ask for it or not, we are often on the receiving end of advice. For example, when your mother-in-law tells you that you should have put your snow tires on two weeks ago, you might not have identified … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Freedom | Tagged "should", choosing influences, comparing with others, criticism, encouragement, helpful, making choices | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Reality of Imperfection

Posted on February 2, 2019 by Suuze

There’s plenty in society, culture, politics, education and life in general that’s not perfect. I don’t believe that it’s ever been perfect. I highly doubt that it ever will be perfect in the future. Furthermore, my views of what constitutes … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged "should", comparing with others, making choices, reality | Comments Off

Reality Check: Blue Day Defenses

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Suuze

Ever had a blue day? No? You can skip this column, then. However, if “blue day” is sadly recognizable for you, read on. Our actions affect our feelings, so if you are feeling down and you don’t like that feeling, … Continue reading →

Posted in How it is sometimes | Tagged choosing actions, comparing with others, unhappiness | Comments Off

Reality Check: Your Happiness and Other People’s Stuff

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Suuze

An application of choice theory called WDEP starts with, “What do you want?” Different people want different things. Taking the time to first identify what you want helps you choose what actions to take to get it. “What you want” … Continue reading →

Posted in Satisfaction | Tagged comparing with others, examining wants, happiness, perception | Comments Off

Reality Check: The Battle of the Hummingbirds

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Suuze

If you have a hummingbird feeder, then you know the routine. A single hummingbird will sit on a perch and eat. But add another, and suddenly everybody is flitting around, hovering, staring, chasing, and squawking. More energy is spent bothering … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged "should", comparing with others, examining wants, fairness | Comments Off

Reality Check: Joe’s New Job

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Suuze

Joe’s employment history could be described as “spotty.” It’s not that he can’t find work; Joe is able to get hired relatively easily. He’s articulate and presents himself in an interview as being pleasant and intelligent. However, Joe has developed … Continue reading →

Posted in Workplace | Tagged comparing with others, criticism, examining wants, making choices, self-evaluation | Comments Off

Reality Check: Making Your Meaning

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Suuze

Sir Christopher Wren, architect and cathedral-designer, is associated with a story of three bricklayers. A cathedral was under construction, and three bricklayers were asked, “What are you doing?” The guy who was crouched over answered, “I’m working.” The guy who … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged choosing thoughts, comparing with others, motivation, work | Comments Off

Reality Check: Comparison in Action

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Suuze

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 →

Posted in Satisfaction | Tagged choosing actions, comparing with others, discouragement, making choices | Comments Off