Self-talk, the act of giving ourselves mental messages can help us learn and perform at our best. Self-talk isn’t just motivational messages like “You can do it!” or “Almost there,” although this internal cheering section can give us confidence. There’s another kind of mental message that is even more useful, called “instructional self-talk.” This is the kind of running commentary we engage in when we’re…
Talking to Yourself: Not So Crazy After All
What is Boredom?
We have all experienced boredom. Sitting in a class where the teacher is droning on about a topic you don’t care about, you may find yourself daydreaming or staring at a clock that doesn’t seem to be moving. Waiting for a delayed flight to take off at the airport, you may search in vain for something to distract you. What is boredom? Boredom is unpleasant…
How Your Cell Phone Hurts Your Relationships
Do you find yourself constantly checking your cellphone while you’re out with others? Most of us are no stranger to this scenario: A group of friends sits down to a meal together, laughing, swapping stories, and catching up on the news – but not necessarily with the people in front of them! Nowadays, it’s not unusual to have one’s phone handy on the table, easily within reach…
10 Non-Secrets To Happiness
Happiness is not an exit off the freeway. The only way to reach this destination is to look within yourself. Here are a few tools that may help you find your way. Think of them as a Happiness GPS. 1. Be easily amused. People who laugh and smile are happier and usually live longer than people who lack a sense of humor. 2. Don’t dwell on the negative. If…
Traits of the ‘Get It Done’ Personality: Laser Focus, Resilience, and True Grit
Traits of the ‘Get It Done’ Personality: Laser Focus, Resilience, and True Grit Angela L. Duckworth (left) of the U. of Pennsylvania studies personality traits, including grit, that help people succeed. The Successful Academic People who get things done and accomplish their goals often share these traits: Resilience The ability to recover from setbacks and cope effectively with stress Grit Perseverance and passion for challenging long-term…
What Colour Best Represents Who You are
THOUGHT EXPERIMENT Imagine you are an artist. You are asked to paint the dress of the girl in the illustration. You have before you an array of colors: 1. RED 2. PINK 3. YELLOW 4. ORANGE 5. BLUE 6. PURPLE 7. GREEN 8. BROWN 9. BLACK 10. WHITE You are asked to use a color to convey an emotion or feeling. (Write…
How to Overcome Being Anxious About Being Anxious
Anxiety sensitivity is “the tendency to respond fearfully to bodily sensations associated with fear and anxiety.” Put simply, it’s “the fear of fear.” People who are prone to anxiety sensitivity tend to catastrophize, or automatically assume that the worst will happen. According to authors and clinical psychologists Margo C. Watt, Ph.D, and Sherry H. Stewart, Ph.D, in their excellent book Overcoming the Fear of Fear: How…
Making a Digital First Impression: Why You Can’t Fake Your Facebook Profile
The photos in your Facebook profile provided a very accurate reflection of your personality in real life. The Facebook study found that accuracy was strongest for judging extroversion and openness. The study on the role of physical appearance in creating first impression found that you can actually learn a great deal about a stranger’s personality from appearance alone. When people stood in a natural position,…
Want a new start? 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself
As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back. Here are some ideas to get you started: Stop spending time with…
Why Facebook’s Recent Changes Outrage People
Lots of people are upset by the recent changes that Facebook made to its website. The look is a little different, and things function a little differently. This has caused people to rant and rave and some are even boycotting the site. What’s going on? Actually, the reactions are a very common human response: We are very resistant to changes of any kind. Coca-Cola found…