“Turn your fast listening on,” Mira chirped as Ryan slowly looked up from his computer screen. A newer risk analyst on the team, Ryan had already stopped processing what he called “incoming”, his term for the rat-a-tat of critical feedback his manager, Mira, delivered in the 5-minute 1 to 1 they had each Thursday. This...Read More
In Part One, our tale of woe ended with “What could work?” True confessions, that was nine posts ago, so clearly I forgot to follow up, which is the topic of this post. I thought I’d have fun with a writing partner this time. Part Two is a collaboration between Chat GPT and me. Enjoy...Read More
What’s one way to give something truly valuable to your friends and loved ones who are far away? You now have nine ways to have The Effort Myth: How to Give Your Child the Three Gifts of Motivation delivered right to their device! The Effort Myth: How to Give Your Child the Three Gifts of Motivation...Read More
When I realized that I’d forgotten my mom’s birthday, the self-judgments hit me hard. “I’m a horrible daughter. And an airhead. How could I be so selfish? My mom would never be so thoughtless. I must be one of those self-absorbed millennials the news is always complaining about.” Ever had self-abasing thoughts? It’s true that...Read More
I have earned a C- on a test I was sure I’d aced. I feel my shoulders slump and my energy plummet. I hide the test and start chatting with my friends, trying to put my sadness and shame from my mind. Have you ever tried to shove away an unwanted feeling? Who hasn’t! No...Read More
After an unbelievably tough day, I slump through the door. I should get to work on my assignments or chores, or at least eat a healthy dinner, but I feel way too defeated to do any of that. I just want to relax! I grab a bag of chips, flop on the sofa, and lose...Read More
I wake up, an underslept mess because I was tossing and turning all night, pestered by regrets and worries. The morning starts in a confused fog of bad feelings and muddy thinking. I’m sullen towards everyone I see, and I’m angry at myself. I want to get things done! I want to get along with...Read More
It’s my birthday. My friends serenade me as my mom brings out the birthday cake, the candles glowing. I’m about to blow them out and make a wish when the negativity hits. My birthday will be over soon, and then it’s back to chores and assignments. What if I don’t get what I wish for?...Read More
Sitting with my interview file on my lap, I try hard to pay attention to my interviewer. I know it’ll be important to respond that what she’s saying, but my thoughts keep wandering. Do I look okay? Can she hear the waver in my voice? Will she smell that “everything” bagel I ate for breakfast?...Read More
Researchers have found that people use four key styles of responding to the good news of another person. Do you know yours? Imagine that your child has just told you they’ve been picked to be the soloist in the online choir. That’s epic! Think about how you could respond to them: “That’s great.” (It’s polite but...Read More
