Tag Archives: encouragement

Reality Check: “Good Thing” Accountability

Accountability. We know it’s good for us. Yet, it sounds kind of naggy and judgey. Like, “You said you’d do this and now I’m holding you accountable. So ‘fess up; did you do what you said you would do?” It’s … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Overcoming Reach-Out Hesitancy

Even when our lives are going poorly, it’s still possible to feel satisfied if we have good connections with people. Dr. Wm. Glasser refers to a basic need for love and belonging. While he suggests that the need is universal, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The “En” and “Dis” of Courage

In Take Charge of Your Life, Dr. William Glasser lists seven relationship-building habits. One of those habits—encouragement—has popped up in these columns numerous times over the years. Notice how “en-courage” and “dis-courage” both involve “courage.” One increases courage; the other … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Effect of Small Encouragements

Vera is a seasoned citizen, and like every other grown-up, she’s becoming more seasoned by the day! Because she wants this phase of her life be as positive and productive as possible, she’s adopted various practices. Her plan is to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: When Times Are Tough

At some point, I suspect that everyone faces a tough time. Your tough time could look quite different from my tough time. However, all of our tough times may have more in common than we’d think. When something interferes with … Continue reading

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Reality Check: A Spirit of Hope

“Work without Hope draws nectar in a sieve.” If you are a poetry fan, then you may know this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge entitled, “Work without Hope.” Work is more satisfying when it comes with the hope that you … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Pep Talk

Could you use a pep talk? When you look around, does it seem that everyone is in festive spirits but you? Whether you are having life-changing struggles or just feeling vaguely uneasy, you may have days when it’s hard to … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Finding the Courage to Compliment

Do you feel weird when giving someone a compliment? If so, you’re not alone. I know this because Dan Pink, best-selling motivational author, created a short video on “How to compliment people without feeling like a weasel.” This sounds a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: When We Share Stories

Our culture includes so many forms of story-sharing. There are documentaries, movies, books, TED talks, and so on. We share stories of difficulties, actions, triumphs and disasters, both truth and fiction. Do you share stories of your life? Do you … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Getting around to procrastination

I’ve been meaning to write about procrastination for a while, but I couldn’t seem to get around to it. Now you’re wondering, “Was that a joke?” Or did she mean it? The answer is yes to both questions. But procrastination … Continue reading

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