How would you finish the phrase, “Young people today…”?
A frequent theme is, “Young people today don’t want to work,” or “Young people today can’t handle money,” or “Young people today expect to be taken care of.”
That criticism often concludes with, “When I was young…” because of course, when we were young, we were responsible, virtuous, essentially, pretty much perfect. At least I was, and as you’re reading this post, then you probably were too. Right? Continue reading
If you pay attention to health-related matters, then you’ve heard of toxins. Whether in air, food, or water, toxins are often suspected of causing disease.
There’s another toxin that can have a significant impact on one’s life: the toxic relationship! This can be particularly troublesome in families. Why? Continue reading
What’s the most important attribute for success? Ask an employer, teacher, or coach, and it’s pretty likely that somewhere in the answer you’ll find reference to the need for “a good attitude.”
In fact, entire libraries could be filled with books, magazine articles, and motivational videos that discuss and promote the importance of a good attitude.
Hailey had some social challenges when she was a teenager in high school. That, combined with a love of partying and a lack of clarity about where she would ever use “school stuff” resulted in her becoming an adult with very limited employment options. Continue reading
Workplaces usually focus more on their business—producing products or delivering services—than worrying about how their willing workers are getting along.
However, “getting along” at work isn’t just a feel-good concept; it can have a significant impact on productivity.
At work, it’s unlikely that you will be surrounded by people just like you. It’s also improbable that your colleagues were carefully chosen to complement your specific strengths and preferences! Continue reading
Different people are different. OK, you knew that already. Something else you may know is that there are people who think, believe, and act in ways that can seem baffling.
At some point, you will likely find yourself working, interacting, perhaps even living with (or married to) someone who is quite different from you. How can you cope with these differences? Continue reading
In my last column, I discussed the influence of Dr. William Glasser. His books and the training that’s offered in choice theory and reality therapy has an impact on folks all over the world.
However, it’s not only world-renowned authors, psychiatrists, or speakers who have influence! Each of us, through the actions we choose, has influence.
Long ago, well before I had heard of Dr. Glasser or reality therapy, I remember spending coffee break bellyaching to Ian, a fellow instructor. “Is all this extra work that we do worthwhile? Do the students or their employers know? Does going the extra mile to prepare this workforce really matter?” Continue reading
Dr. William Glasser passed away recently. Even though it’s less than a decade since I first became aware of choice theory and reality therapy, Dr. Glasser’s work now influences almost everything I do.
There are plenty of theories about why humans behave as we do, and you can find lots of advice about how to live a happier, more satisfying life. Some advice conflicts with other advice! How can you know what will work for you? Continue reading
