Think of the last time a friend went through a difficult situation. Maybe he or she made a mistake, failed, or experienced a setback. More than likely, you empathized with his or her struggles, and then offered reassurance, support, and help to overcome the situation.
Now think of the last time you experienced a setback or made a mistake.
Were you supportive of yourself?…
If you struggle with self-doubt, you’re not alone. Even the most confident among us can feel insecure from time to time.
But believing we should feel confident all the time – and that there’s something wrong with us if we don’t – is a fallacy. Not only is it unrealistic, it’s not necessary.
No-one is immune from that persistent voice telling us we’re not good enough, smart enough, funny enough, or attractive enough.…
The world is our buffet. In our hyper-connected society, we’re presented with so many opportunities to “do” — to connect online, to keep up with social media, to attend social events, parties, sporting activities, and webinars. We can learn new things, meet new people, network, and do whatever our hearts desire (including things we didn’t even know we wanted to do).…
Have you ever had that “Gaahh!” feeling? Like there’s too much on your plate, your brain is frozen, and you’ll tip over the edge if someone asks you to do one more thing?
If so, you’re not alone. Life feels overwhelming at times. Each day can pass in a flurry of activity without ever feeling like you’re getting things done. With so much left to do, you’re not sure how you’ll get through the day, week, month, or year.…
I’m struck by how often people tell me they’re unhappy. We live in one of the most prosperous times in history, yet when I talk to people about what’s missing from their lives, most answers boil down to this: “I want to be happy.”
Which implies people don’t feel happy now.
As a society, we have more possessions, opportunities, and access to more resources than ever before.…
Most people believe that aiming for perfection is a good thing. But it can be a dangerous compulsion.
In our success-driven society, being perfect is the ultimate goal. The traits of perfectionism — constant striving, attention to detail, high standards, commitment to results, direction, hard work, achievement, planning and preparation — are highly praised and admired.
However, ask a perfectionist what his or her life is really like and the response is stark:
Perfectionism, when taken to its extreme, has negative consequences.…
I caught up with an old friend recently. When I asked how she was, she replied “Busy!” — as if I was interested in her to-do list rather than how she was feeling.
Her response isn’t unusual. Many of us answer that question with “Busy!” before listing all the things we’re doing, our partners are doing, or our kids are doing.…
