So You Want to Try a More Solo Existence

A previous article described how frequently ignored and rejected people might get better treatment.

In my PsychologyToday.com article today, I turn to what you might do if you’ve decided to be more solo, at least for now.

The Case for More Gentleness in Your Child's Education: In choosing a school and how your child approaches schooling

Of course, a case can be made for toughness: It’s a tough world out there and kids better be prepared, both academically and personally. To compete in a global economy, education must be rigorous and such comfies as “safe spaces” inhibit the ability to handle differences of opinion.

That said, especially readers of my work, who tend to have high aspirations for their kids, may overemphasize rigor over kinder, gentler factors. In an attempt to restore a measure of balance, my PsychologyToday.com article today makes the case for gentleness in choosing schools for your children and in encouraging how they do school.

Should You Strive More . . . or Less?

Consciously or not, many people’s lives are governed by one of two foundational principles: “I’'ll strive to be the best I can be!” or “I'll strive to be good enough to get by.”

As with many things, there is no right answer, only one that’s right for you at the present time. Perhaps the debate I offer in my PsychologyToday.com article today will help you make your decision consciously.

The Three Principles of Good Parenting

Good parenting includes only three core principles. I describe them with examples in my PsychologyToday.com article today.

Outsmarting Your Clients and Patients

Sure, some clients are always rational and statesmanlike, disclosing all relevant information, responding honestly, dispensing due praise to you, etc. But such purity isn’t always the case.
It can’t hurt to have some under-discussed but crucial tools in your helping kit. I describe them in my PsychologyToday.com article today.

Remedying Underachievement

A subset of people who did well in school and on standardized tests fail to live up to their potential.

My PsychologyToday.com article today offers common causes and possible remedies.

A Shortcut to Personal Growth: A quick and empowering approach to self-improvement

This is the time of year when New Year’s resolutions have faded and we’re back to business as usual.

The approach I offer in my PsychologyToday.com article today may be more helpful because it embeds these principles:

• It’s quick. The longer I’ve been a career and personal advisor, the more I've found that the people who seek such counsel are more likely to follow through on something quick and simple.
• It’s structured.
• Ideas that you yourself generate incorporate many factors that your brain, consciously or not, determines are worth trying.
• Your generating you own ideas is potentially empowering. If your ideas succeed even moderately, you legitimately boost your sense of self-efficacy.