Labelling unwanted behavior as a disorder has advantages and disadvantages. The obvious disadvantage is that it focuses on the problem rather than the solution. This violates the core premise of the positive world view: to focus on the behavior you want rather than...
Some of you may have come to realise that one of the latest crazes in the western world is the “pay it forward” concept of conducting random acts of kindness (or RAKS). A RAK, essentially, is when somebody does something kind for someone else (typically a stranger)....
I recently used that phrase when talking with a dear friend about unresolved issues within my family. It is interesting—and challenging—to me how present issues can ignite a spark of a distant memory and launch it into the present moment. It feels as if I have gone...
The more I read about the importance of early childhood experiences, the more I wish I’d done things differently with my kids. And I’m not the only one – most of us with older children seem to carry a twinge of regret. A need to be in-tune with children Sometimes I...
Talking Strengths I coach people at all levels in organisations and have probably heard the full range of ‘I wants…’ From I want promotion, I want to be more confident, I want to be seen as professional, I want to be more assertive, I want to work less hours and so...
What does it mean to ‘go home’? I recently had the opportunity to visit the town where I grew up. I haven’t lived there in decades, yet, I visited two weekends in a row. One weekend was reconnecting with the past—my high school reunion. The following weekend was spent...
Back in Canada, I knew a lovely Spanish lady whose kids were in the same school as mine. We were talking about parenting one day, and she said the secret to a happy life was to raise children with all your heart and expect nothing in return. It sounded like wise...
“The Science of Awkwardness” A Youtube video called “The Science of Awkwardness” is giving millions of people bad advice. It suggests relying on your awkward feelings without stopping to ask whether they are accurate information about the world. This leads...
As I hemmed and hawed over this article it was for good reason and perfect timing that there was as delay. Two days ago I received a call from my younger brother, who at 47 years old has decided to pop the question to his girlfriend. While we all have seen movies such...