Tag Archives: comparing with others

Reality Check: Choosing Your Advisors

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

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Reality Check: The Reality of Imperfection

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

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Reality Check: Blue Day Defenses

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

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Reality Check: Your Happiness and Other People’s Stuff

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

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Reality Check: The Battle of the Hummingbirds

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

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Reality Check: Joe’s New Job

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

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Reality Check: Making Your Meaning

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

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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 Comparison that Works

If you’ve been reading Reality Check for a while, you know that I suggest not comparing yourself to others. Why? It’s futile, as you can’t control how others are doing. Further, your comparison may lead you to believe that you … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Scorekeeping Relationship

Last time, I made a case for keeping score in our lives. Keeping track of data about how we spend our time, what we do with our money, or even how much we eat can be helpful. It provides us … Continue reading

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