Tag Archives: perception

Reality Check: Here’s to a Satisfying Holiday

For some folks, the prospect of holidays and the expectations that come with them can evoke feelings that are closer to dread than joy. And if our perception is that others effortlessly produce perfect food, gifts, and parties while surrounded … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Reaction Rut

If you’ve ever stubbed your toe, then you’re familiar with quick physical reactions. “Ouch!” (or other words) are almost instant responses to pain; no thought required. Physical pain isn’t the only type of pain though, is it? In choice theory, … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Lots on your Plate?

Busy, busy, busy. Ask most anyone how they are doing and you’ll often hear, “I’m so busy!” What are some potential consequences of that busy-ness? Harriet cares for a very sick child, looks after an elderly aunt, and has a … Continue reading

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Reality check: Forgetfulness Choices

When we met to catch up, my friend realized that she had forgotten to bring her pictures. Discussing those pictures was the main reason for our get-together. But we didn’t have them and it wasn’t practical to go get them. … Continue reading

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Reality Check: What does respect look like?

Communication is interesting. We come up with ideas—essentially pictures in our minds—that we want to communicate. Then we use words to share those ideas. We tend to assume that everybody understands words the same way. Take the word “respect.” My … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Words of Choice

Although we humans do a lot of talking (and occasionally listening), it can still be difficult to understand each other. Even the words we use with ourselves—our internal dialog—can shape how we understand our lives. Do we believe that we … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The People Business

Are you in the “people business”? Almost certainly, the answer is… yes! In their book, Have a Nice Conflict, Scudder, Patterson, and Mitchell assert that everyone is in the people business. There’s nary a line of work where people aren’t … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Offer of Information

A choice theory premise is that we can’t control other people; however, we can offer information. Someone who accepts information might learn a new fact, be persuaded to make a decision, or be influenced to act differently. Fundamentally, though, what … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Gift in the Event

Bad things can happen to anyone. While we can take action to try to prevent some bad things by driving cautiously, choosing friends carefully, eating reasonably, the reality is that many events are completely beyond our control. We do have … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Strong, Wise, or Stubborn?

Bob’s the kind of guy who always seems to know what to do and is always ready to lend a hand. He’s strong, capable, and independent. Then, Bob had a heart attack. Did that change Bob’s life? Well, the doctors … Continue reading

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