Tag Archives: examining options

Reality Check: Turn Around

Posted on November 3, 2013 by RealityCheck

Relationships have differences. If those differences aren’t handled well, they can lead to unfortunate consequences: marriage breakup, financial hardship, traumatized children. Differences at work can lead to people quitting or being fired, to stress, anxiety, lost productivity, and lost opportunities. … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Turn Around

Reality Check: The Dragonfly’s Options

Posted on September 22, 2013 by RealityCheck

A dragonfly trapped himself in the porch the other day. You know how that goes, don’t you? For a long time, he beat his head and wings against the closed window, while the open door stood beckoning barely six inches … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Dragonfly’s Options

Reality Check: Pattern Making

Posted on June 28, 2013 by RealityCheck

We’re all familiar with habits. We do the same thing over and over; a choice becomes so ingrained that it seems automatic.  For example, I wake up; I drink coffee. No thought involved! Rick has a habit of buying exercise … Continue reading →

Posted in Making a Change | Tagged , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Pattern Making

Reality Check: Both Sides Now

Posted on June 28, 2013 by RealityCheck

No matter how close two people are, they will have differences. What do we do when we differ? Sometimes we blame: “It’s your fault…” We might try bribery: “If you come home, I’ll let you go fishing.” Or we might … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Both Sides Now

Reality Check: Mirror, Mirror continued

Posted on May 26, 2013 by RealityCheck

Last time, I introduced you to Sam, who has been having conflicts with just about everyone, most recently including the law. As you care about Sam, you want to help. Sam has already told you that he doesn’t want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Mirror, Mirror continued

Reality Check: Rise or Sink?

Posted on March 24, 2013 by RealityCheck

Much like a community or a family, a workplace has its own atmosphere and culture. Some places are productive, filled with industrious people who are happy at their work. Other workplaces seem angry or sullen, where even simple tasks take … Continue reading →

Posted in Workplace | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Rise or Sink?

Reality Check: Evaluate your Information

Posted on February 3, 2013 by RealityCheck

Is depression linked to drinking diet drinks? Do teenage drivers have more daytime accidents than at night? And can you really prevent diabetes by eating more cheese? A new day; a new study. The media breathlessly reports what we now … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Evaluate your Information

Reality Check: Hoped-for results

Posted on January 13, 2013 by RealityCheck

Many of us like to think that we base our important decisions on facts and logic. Sometimes, however, our “hoped-for” results crowd out our logical assessments. Let’s look at Molly and Bill, whose life together includes a home and small … Continue reading →

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Hoped-for results

Reality Check: For Real?

Posted on November 18, 2012 by RealityCheck

There’s a thought-provoking TV commercial where a beautiful young woman expresses, “I believe the earth is our future; our children’s future.” The love-struck young fella across the table agrees, “We are so the same! For real!” What a coincidence! What … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: For Real?

Reality Check: Shaking Off External Control

Posted on November 10, 2012 by RealityCheck

Last column, I described a mother-daughter conflict where mom, Sandy, tried to compel her daughter Chloe to study in a specific way. Sandy is convinced that she knows what’s best for Chloe. Now, let’s look at the situation from Chloe’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Personal Freedom | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Shaking Off External Control