Tag Archives: perception

Reality Check: Optimism or Entitlement?

Which do you think leads to a happier, more satisfied life: Expecting that life will be easy and becoming disappointed when you learn that it’s difficult? Or expecting life to be hard and being pleasantly surprised when some things work … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Barriers to Happiness

To start this New Year, I’m choosing to focus on happiness. For some time now, I’ve been interested in the question of why some people are happy while others are not. As I’ve studied this question, I’ve found books, articles, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Memories can be Beautiful

I feel a chill whenever I hear of someone being prosecuted for a crime that’s said to have happened many, many years ago. It’s particularly disquieting when the prosecution is not based on physical evidence but rather, based solely on … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Joy of Mastery

In a talk on mastery, Sal Khan discusses the difficulty inherent in an educational process that pushes people to learn new material before they’ve mastered fundamentals. Mastery of learning is an appropriate topic for Khan. He’s the founder of khanacademy.org, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Purpose of Difficulty?

At some point in your life, you will probably go through a difficult patch. Perhaps you perceive that you have had more than your share of difficulties already. Maybe you’ve witnessed someone whose life seems to be filled with one … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Routes to Self-Esteem

Is self-esteem a double-edged sword? Too little self-esteem? You can find yourself living an unsatisfying life with little confidence. You may treat yourself as if you have low value or worth. Others may take your behaviour as a cue, and … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Bears, Breakdowns & Choice Theory

The anecdotes and characters in my columns are usually composite characters and fictionalized situations. However, occasionally, I do write about an actual situation or person (after asking permission, of course.) Such is the case for this column, where the behaviour … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Shamrock Plant

On a special occasion years ago, my Aunt Kathleen gifted me with a shamrock plant. For years, I’d admired hers. It flourished beautifully and was always in bloom. Now, I had my own! My plant, however, isn’t quite so consistent … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Velcro or Teflon?

According to psychologist Rick Hanson, PhD, knowledge from neuroscience, positive psychology, and contemplative practices can be connected to help people develop greater contentment, resilience to stress, and peace of mind. In “Just One Thing,” (Hanson’s newsletter) he offers practical suggestions … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Choosing Your Restore Point

To counteract some of the computer problems that occasionally occur, there’s a handy little built-in mechanism that enables you to set or choose a “restore point.” Think of it as a way to do some backwards time- travelling. Something’s wrong? … Continue reading

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